“Just a Girl” is a high-energy, punk-inspired track by American rock band No Doubt, released in September 1995 with “Different People” on the B-side as the lead single from their third studio album, Tragic Kingdom. Written by Gwen Stefani and Tom Dumont, the song served as the band’s breakthrough hit, propelling them into the mainstream and establishing Gwen Stefani as a defining voice of the 1990s.
The lyrics of “Just a Girl” explore themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and female empowerment. Stefani wrote the song as a reaction to her frustrations with being treated differently as a woman, particularly feeling stifled and overly protected by her parents.
“Just a Girl” blends ska, punk, and pop-rock, driven by a catchy guitar riff, bouncy rhythm, and Stefani’s dynamic vocal performance. Her playful and edgy delivery adds a unique character to the song, combining sass and vulnerability with undeniable energy. The track’s tight production, helmed by Matthew Wilder, gives it a polished yet raw sound that captures the essence of the 1990s alternative scene.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and charting in the top 10 in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia. It became a defining track of the 1990s and one of No Doubt’s signature songs.