The song "Nice Girls Don't Stay For Breakfast" by Julie London is about a woman who wants to break societal expectations and norms. The lyrics suggest that nice girls, who are typically expected to behave politely and within the boundaries of acceptable behavior, are not supposed to stay for breakfast after spending the night with someone. Throughout the song, the narrator challenges this notion, implying that she doesn't care about conforming to these societal expectations. She mentions places like New York and Rome, indicating that these stereotypes exist globally. Referencing Emily Post, an authority on etiquette at the time, the narrator acknowledges that staying for breakfast after spending the night with someone is not proper etiquette. However, she admits that she enjoyed the evening the most with her host and requests to be taken home. The phrase "nice girls don't stay for breakfast" is repeated several times, highlighting the conflict between societal norms and the narrator's desires. The underlying message is that the narrator believes it's okay to challenge these expectations and embrace her own choices. In the closing lines of the song, the narrator asks for the jam to be passed, which can be interpreted as a metaphorical request for indulgence or embracing her own desires rather than adhering to societal rules. Overall, "Nice Girls Don't Stay For Breakfast" speaks to the desire for independence, personal freedom, and the breaking of social norms. It emphasizes the idea that individuals should not be restricted by society's expectations and should instead follow their own desires and make their own choices.
