Olivia Gatwood - Ode to the Women on Long Island

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  • Опубліковано 5 лют 2017
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    Olivia Gatwood, performing at Camp Bar in Saint Paul, MN.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 341

  • @Domino_0604
    @Domino_0604 6 років тому +2323

    "They didn't call their daughters. They called their sons".

  • @homosoftommorow
    @homosoftommorow 7 років тому +2285

    "Her body isnt what it used to be. But neither is the economy or the bagels at rickmans deli. So who really cares?"

    • @semiboom
      @semiboom 2 роки тому +1

      ♥️

    • @quirkyblackenby
      @quirkyblackenby 2 роки тому +8

      That’s one of my favorite lines because it’s like yeah shit changes and that’s okay

  • @elishamiyahira4301
    @elishamiyahira4301 7 років тому +2942

    olivia never ceases to find the beauty in an ugly humanity. an unapologetic and brilliant woman of our time.

    • @aydandilan213
      @aydandilan213 7 років тому +2

      Elisha Miyahira I

    • @lunar8847
      @lunar8847 2 роки тому

      a treasure for us suffering souls

  • @asseater0077
    @asseater0077 7 років тому +1260

    I'm a woman from Long Island and i've never been so proud of where I'm from. Btw she nailed the accent

    • @quirkyblackenby
      @quirkyblackenby 4 роки тому +8

      Remy Popiel definitely. Everyone can do their momma’s accent

  • @athingforwednesday
    @athingforwednesday 7 років тому +1004

    Just the fact that she says "Women ON Long Island" instead of "Women IN Long Island" means those Long Island women taught her well.

  • @CitizenOfNeverland
    @CitizenOfNeverland 7 років тому +1775

    I was raised by women from Long Island and I'm having a lot of tears right now.

    • @andreal391
      @andreal391 6 років тому +28

      I moved to the island from the west coast 6 years ago...this poem is really so good, both funny and sad ....two dimensional... love it

    • @nybrenna
      @nybrenna 6 років тому +5

      ME TOO an I was like what are you on the rag? I love this.

    • @MaryVanorskie
      @MaryVanorskie 3 роки тому +1

      💕💕💕💙💙💙💕💕💕

  • @GUANTESOLO
    @GUANTESOLO 7 років тому +2038

    I was in the audience for this piece, and distinctly remember the powerful wave of "wtf" that swept over everyone (in a good way).

  • @laurajob4532
    @laurajob4532 4 роки тому +353

    As a young person whose native language isn't English, this poem was hard for me to understand the first time I heard it at least two years ago. I didn't understand the long island references really well and couldn't keep track of who said what in the conversation in this poem. Still, for some reason, I loved it so much that I listened and re-listened over and over. Everytime I listened I understood a bit more. I didn't realize until now that I've not only grown into loving this poem more and more but I also grew into understanding every single sentence. Having a poem that is proof of my progress in learning and understanding the English language really gives me the feeling that the poem is mine in a sense to listen to it over and over. I love it. I loved it when I didn't understand why the women on long island spoke like that and I love it now that I do understand.

    • @laurajob4532
      @laurajob4532 4 роки тому +14

      I just think it wouldn't have been possible to so deeply love a poem that I didn't understand, if the delivery hadn't been so damn strong.

    • @ecscottindiana
      @ecscottindiana 3 роки тому +2

      @@laurajob4532 I grew up no where near new york but i love this poem and that accent so much. i am so very glad that you enjoy it, too! congrats on your strong english skills. I never put enough time into my German classes to retain anything, and I regret it.

    • @laylae8523
      @laylae8523 3 роки тому +6

      I love reading this comment every time I come back to listen to this poem

  • @4lifeshaytards
    @4lifeshaytards 7 років тому +422

    I was really expecting this to be making fun of Long Island women and now I'm crying because FUCK if this isn't about my Long Island mother, I don't know anything that can describe her.

    • @4lifeshaytards
      @4lifeshaytards 6 років тому +32

      Update it's 6 months later and I'm still crying over this poem.

  • @seleniummillenium
    @seleniummillenium 6 років тому +911

    "If you ever, I mean ever make a woman so much as to unconformable, I'll take you down to the deli and put your hand in the meat slicer. You think I won't? I will make a hero out of you with lettuce, tomato, and dill."
    This line really made me laugh and also think. I've never really met a woman who'd be willing to harm their own son to teach him to never hurt a woman.

    • @RonnTheBanshee
      @RonnTheBanshee 3 роки тому +20

      Whenever there's a girl my age being sex trafficed or raped and murdered in our area she tells me to be careful while my brother beats me and emotionally abuses me right in front of her. She's a very smart and tough women but the fact she tells me to be careful and not my brother to be respectful speaks miles.

    • @xchrysantha
      @xchrysantha 3 роки тому +23

      She actually said "gyro," not "hero," which just paints the picture even more beautifully. XD And I totally agree.

    • @Meltohell
      @Meltohell 3 роки тому +3

      @@xchrysantha u mean the greek thing right?

    • @xchrysantha
      @xchrysantha 3 роки тому +4

      @@Meltohell Yup that's the one! The sandwich wrap-like food.

    • @uncannyvalley2113
      @uncannyvalley2113 2 роки тому +10

      @@xchrysantha are you sure? because a hero is a type of sandwich too

  • @gabbykingmusic
    @gabbykingmusic 6 років тому +570

    i live in new zealand. ive never been to america, let alone long island. ive never met any one from long island. but this still brought me to tears and i think that shows just how powerful this art is

    • @RomanZolanski123
      @RomanZolanski123 4 роки тому +12

      Im living in Australia never been to America too and feel the exact same way.

    • @UnicornakaLauren
      @UnicornakaLauren 20 днів тому +1

      I live in Canada, which all be it is much close to the states, but the sentiment is all the same

  • @kaitlynkeegan5936
    @kaitlynkeegan5936 6 років тому +459

    "Over on carona in merrick by the laundromat" I know exactly where that is.

  • @SPcamert
    @SPcamert 7 років тому +401

    It's her accent. Her accent which hits every fucking word as if it's a ball on a tee just waiting to be thrown further than it knew it could. The way a major league baseball player stares down the pitcher just before smacking a home run. The way the winner stalks away from a fight knowing there's no way that they could possibly have destroyed their opponent any more thoroughly. It's her imagery, her passion, and her accent that absolutely make this poem for me.

    • @PulseOfTheMaggie
      @PulseOfTheMaggie 7 років тому +41

      this comment was like a poem in itself.

    • @synthialynn3588
      @synthialynn3588 6 років тому +2

      SPcamert I agree and I really enjoy the way you worded that very nice. :]

  • @eseoghenevanessakingfashe977
    @eseoghenevanessakingfashe977 7 років тому +290

    I feel like I just learnt all the maternal lessons I need in life in one video

  • @kinduvabigdeal
    @kinduvabigdeal 5 років тому +57

    "I'll put your hand in the meat slicer. I'll make a hero out of you, "
    I love that double entendre. Hopefully talking to our sons about how to act will make a hero out of them

  • @lynncarolrogers
    @lynncarolrogers 7 років тому +511

    There are some poems that just stop you and bring you to tears and this is one of them. I could use a thousand words and never be able to explain why this poem brings me to tears but it does and I want to thank you for it. Thank you so much. Thank you.

  • @tiawasson6731
    @tiawasson6731 3 роки тому +53

    THESE ARE THE WOMEN WHO RAISED ME AND IM SO PROUD OF IT

    • @ButtonPoetry
      @ButtonPoetry  3 роки тому +11

      Olivia would love hearing you see your family in her poem! What an incredible compliment. Thanks Tia!

  • @alicialeane1768
    @alicialeane1768 7 років тому +147

    *laughs at accent because I'm surrounded my them and it's so accurate* *remembers I talk like that too*

  • @miabonventre2159
    @miabonventre2159 7 років тому +174

    On my mothers side, I am a fourth generation Long Islander. On my fathers, third. Because of my fathers illness, my mother wakes herself up every morning at three am, lets out the dog, makes my lunch, puts her time into everything that puts food on our table and a smile on my face. As an outsider in Plainview simply due to being one of the only Catholic people in this town, my mother does not have a lot of support. Friends are hard to come by because it always seems people are talking about her when they probably aren't. She was the one who unconsciously taught me that being a bitch meant being strong. Thank you, Olivia Gatwood, for bringing me a peace about fast paced talkers and bubblegum and every damn woman going to a yoga class because that's just what we do here, but I thank you for slowing down this quick world for a moment to show everyone the beauty of living here. Amen to the women who raised me and showed me that being a bitch is the pride that floats on the waves on Jones beach and soars on a golf ball in Garden City. Thank you to my mother for showing me this stunning world on the eastern coast of the free world. I love you.

    • @lisamischke7808
      @lisamischke7808 4 місяці тому

      There are plenty of Catholics in Plainview.

  • @nikkibarnes971
    @nikkibarnes971 4 роки тому +21

    My mom was murdered on Long Island and I like to listen to this poem to remind me that it’s not all bad there. Beautifully written and preformed. I’m playing it for my mom next time I visit her grave ❤️

  • @Julius4396
    @Julius4396 7 років тому +449

    OH. MY. GOD. That was impeccable. That freaking delivery had me snapping throughout. Many, many, MANY snaps.

  • @faithlieslovelust
    @faithlieslovelust 7 років тому +197

    honestly, I have watched this 100 times and I cannot stop. It is perfect.

  • @shirahtyjodun5545
    @shirahtyjodun5545 7 років тому +118

    Everyone honestly needs to be raised by a Long Island women.

  • @Nettles_and_Mint
    @Nettles_and_Mint 6 років тому +76

    This poem seems to get better and better each time I listen to it.

  • @Mrmynameisparamore
    @Mrmynameisparamore 7 років тому +56

    I fucking love Olivia gatwood

  • @samanthacovington6556
    @samanthacovington6556 7 років тому +85

    "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" is also good, and written by her

  • @math1181
    @math1181 3 роки тому +11

    I have never left south Africa but I wanna go to Long Island and be raised by these women 😢😢

  • @cristiultravioleta
    @cristiultravioleta Рік тому +5

    I had a phase where I got really into spoken word on youtube and quickly olivia gatwood stood out to me along with sarah kay this is one of her poems that I liked so much that I almost had memorized. I love to come back once in a while to check if I still remember the words. Our minds are so interesting. 🥰

  • @ulitmatedakotafan
    @ulitmatedakotafan 7 років тому +83

    I need women like that in my life. I think she did a good job but, can't really say because I just know from TV. And I don't want to be stereotyping but, I believe this is a compliment to strong, opinionated, loving, loyal, and ass kicking women. But, I respect that. I love the part about setting down the sons and with "boy you better not even think about it" talk. More sons need mothers, and hell fathers like that.

    • @taliasalvador1168
      @taliasalvador1168 6 років тому +8

      I am from Long Island born and raised here 35 years and I can tell you yes it's spot on

  • @livmcguinness8424
    @livmcguinness8424 7 років тому +51

    from long island and couldnt be more proud

  • @ZiaHayes143
    @ZiaHayes143 7 років тому +63

    I was raised In florida but I love these long island women now.

  • @nennaflores7483
    @nennaflores7483 6 років тому +29

    I don't know if it means anything to anyone else but that very last line hit me so hard in so many places that I'm getting it tattooed on my arm.

  • @xF3ARL3SSx43VR
    @xF3ARL3SSx43VR 5 років тому +9

    This video never fails to make me cry. The emotion, meaning, and overall sad what-if's and should-of's and the way us women reflexively shy away from men and become distrustful due to the nature of them and society and the fear, and the way us women as a group become things we're unsure of just to survive, only to later wish we just enjoyed life and expressed ourselves.

    • @shinythegardener1731
      @shinythegardener1731 4 роки тому +1

      we're going to survive and we're going to enjoy life and express ourselves, we will be able to recognize ourselves, in the final tally

  • @menuchacolish
    @menuchacolish 3 роки тому +8

    these words are perfectly strung together. as a women from long island, i relate to this so much. this poem made me laughter and brought me to tears all at once. “if you ever, so much as make a women uncomfortable i will...” that line hit home

  • @EyeLean5280
    @EyeLean5280 3 місяці тому

    I'm from Long Island. I miss it there and this poem helps me take a little mental trip back home for a minute. sometimes I cry a little. Thank you.

  • @valhoff3
    @valhoff3 6 років тому +9

    She’s got “IT”! Thanks to my daughter for sending me this...on Long Islsnd.

  • @makenziehurt2584
    @makenziehurt2584 8 місяців тому

    I never thought a poem about women on li would make me cry. Here I am.

  • @Sharp_cetta
    @Sharp_cetta 7 років тому +68

    This kind of makes me want to cry. It reminds me of all the women who I grew up around. I'm so proud to be from Long Island you have no idea.

  • @laceybaretsky5150
    @laceybaretsky5150 7 років тому +31

    I feel as though you appreciate this poem so much more if you're actually from Long Island because you know how accurate it is.

  • @heleneeichhorn8002
    @heleneeichhorn8002 5 років тому +24

    Im from germany. I have absolutely no idea where or what exactly long island is, besides part of new york..city??? But i have watched this video around a dozen times. She is literally one of my favourite artists. Kudos to you olivia. Please never stop

    • @ladydontekno
      @ladydontekno 3 роки тому +1

      East of NYC actually

    • @ambskater97
      @ambskater97 Рік тому +1

      Word of wisdom: never tell a Long Islander they're in New York City.

  • @laluna2264
    @laluna2264 2 роки тому +2

    One of my favourites......this is a poem i come back to even if I am not from Long Island

  • @alexandramerkel2164
    @alexandramerkel2164 7 років тому +30

    Nassau County over here, accent is perfect. strong island woman

  • @shamsseif6909
    @shamsseif6909 7 років тому +62

    This. Is. So. Fucking. Good.

  • @VictoriaCaswell
    @VictoriaCaswell 7 років тому +36

    I love this poem and that last line and its delivery is just perfect.

  • @laynemcclure9726
    @laynemcclure9726 2 роки тому +2

    I just moved to LIC, and from the moment I did, I've heard this poem echoing in my head. I heard it first when I was 22, and it was such an impactful piece of art, truly. To be living, now, adjacent to the people this poem is about, only further fuels me. Thank you, thank you very much.

  • @kyelwilliams4280
    @kyelwilliams4280 6 років тому +93

    they did not call to warn their daughters they called their sons

  • @emilypeachesreynolds
    @emilypeachesreynolds 6 років тому +9

    i watch this at least once a week so i can cry and be reminded of the strength of women

  • @samanthataylor1761
    @samanthataylor1761 7 років тому +82

    Her accent, lord.

  • @jackiegorman6872
    @jackiegorman6872 2 роки тому +4

    This poem is absolutely brilliant to me. Being a LAWNG GI LAND woman it resonated with me on such a deep level. I laughed at how I saw myself, my sisters, my mom, my friends in each and every hilarious word she said. We are definitely tough, straightforward, and a breed of our own. Perhaps, even a required taste. But, you know what I have to say to that? If you can’t handle the flava…get yaw’ ass outta’ the kitchen! ❤️

  • @aoife9004
    @aoife9004 7 років тому +96

    Love getting notifications from this page

  • @ren_7308
    @ren_7308 3 роки тому +2

    This poem makes me wanna give the women on long island the LONGEST hug in life 😭😭💖💖

  • @kgboylan
    @kgboylan 7 років тому +16

    I get chills every time I listen to her

  • @zebrasforlunch
    @zebrasforlunch 7 років тому +11

    Why have I watched this 7 times now? Oh yeah. Because this poem was freaking amazing.

  • @joi.6450
    @joi.6450 6 років тому +10

    "the class takes a sharp inhale through the nose... then out through the mouth" simple but genius

  • @iSoaring
    @iSoaring 7 років тому +447

    That accent... Oh
    God and I grew up on Long Island lmao

    • @itiswhatitis_842
      @itiswhatitis_842 6 років тому +3

      FrankieGames Wish I had an accent like that🙊

    • @iSoaring
      @iSoaring 6 років тому +3

      NCM no you don’t LMAOO

    • @itiswhatitis_842
      @itiswhatitis_842 6 років тому +11

      FrankieGames Well if I had it I wouldn't care what others thinks about it cause I think it sounds fantastic and glamorous 🙊 So since you have it...know that I think you have fantastic & glamorous accent 😁

  • @anotherlaneo
    @anotherlaneo 2 роки тому +7

    i am always drawn back to this poem. i love it so much. just got back from a reproductive rights movement, can’t believe we are still fighting for this shit.

  • @nerdygirl4evah165
    @nerdygirl4evah165 5 років тому +12

    A year and a half later and this is still one of my favorite poems. I’m a woman on Long Island, I carry a knife in my purse, and my mom’s name is Deborah.I’ve never been prouder to be from my home. She nailed everything

  • @TeenD3nz3l
    @TeenD3nz3l 7 років тому +8

    Gosh, I want New American Best Friend so badly 😭 she's excellent

  • @sofiatouil1823
    @sofiatouil1823 4 роки тому +3

    has been one of my favorite poems for years.

  • @liviaschumachercorrea6763
    @liviaschumachercorrea6763 6 років тому +6

    i live in an island in the south region of brazil and every time i see this i have the urge to go to long island. that is good poetry.

  • @annamariedannehl8245
    @annamariedannehl8245 3 роки тому +1

    i listened to this 3 years ago and didn’t pay too much attention, didn’t understand it, and i listened to it today and i was completely blown away.

  • @nicolebutler9077
    @nicolebutler9077 7 років тому +32

    Chills. This is incredible

  • @MacabreAfterparty
    @MacabreAfterparty 2 роки тому +1

    I was raised by women in highlands, jersey. God bless their big voice. They gave me the courage to find mine.

  • @CamilaGo
    @CamilaGo 7 років тому +18

    olivia is the best.

  • @jinazhao9550
    @jinazhao9550 7 років тому +96

    wow that was more than I was expecting. Thank you.

  • @natachaamdal
    @natachaamdal 3 роки тому +2

    This has made me cry so many times

  • @eyesofmuffin
    @eyesofmuffin 4 роки тому +4

    i used to listen to this after every therapy session to allow me the strength to get up that day. thank you.

  • @hallepreneta4975
    @hallepreneta4975 2 роки тому +1

    watching this poem over and over again because it makes me so incredibly happy

  • @jessireuter
    @jessireuter 3 роки тому +3

    Am I the only one who hears the voices of all the women who raised them in this?

  • @hiddendruid
    @hiddendruid 3 роки тому +1

    This poem reminds me of the grandmother I never got to meet because she passed away before I was born. I cry every time.

  • @charlyselamantia4543
    @charlyselamantia4543 4 роки тому +7

    The girl murdered in queens was my cousins best friend and I knew her. This is so powerful

  • @HeiLong24
    @HeiLong24 7 років тому +14

    Central Islip/Hauppauge and more family in Queens/Brooklyn 🤘🔥
    Dang this is lit.

  • @candela5487
    @candela5487 7 років тому +25

    i've watched this video every single day since the day it was uploaded

  • @rayanog
    @rayanog 10 місяців тому +1

    This is, and always will be, one of the best.

  • @lottie6723
    @lottie6723 3 роки тому +1

    i come back to this time and time again because it’s so good. i’m english, i’ve never been to long island.

  • @Oliviap16
    @Oliviap16 7 місяців тому

    My mom is from Long Island and her whole side is all from various parts of New York. I had the pleasure of going to Long Island to see where she grew up back in March and I fell in love with the place. This was a beautiful and powerful piece❤

  • @repertorySC
    @repertorySC 7 років тому +3

    Chills. Thank you Olivia for this piece of art, and thank you to the women of Long Island for your strength.

  • @anunieminen447
    @anunieminen447 6 років тому +8

    "When they call you a bitch say thank you
    thank you very much."

  • @ManicChangeling
    @ManicChangeling 7 років тому +2

    It is a crime that I can only like this once. This is one of my all time favorite poems. I can't stop watching it!

  • @anahitamonfared9721
    @anahitamonfared9721 7 років тому +2

    haven't heard a poem that hasn't given me goosebumps by this powerful lady

  • @larala21mil
    @larala21mil 7 років тому +1

    I love this poem... i love this poem so much I can barely explain it.

  • @bywaterwino3976
    @bywaterwino3976 6 років тому +3

    I always listen to this when I’m feeling bad or powerless. It makes me feel better and stronger.
    Thanks for sharing it with all of us I really needed it today

  • @jupitired777
    @jupitired777 7 років тому +8

    IM OBSESSED

  • @johannakelly4916
    @johannakelly4916 5 років тому +2

    if you haven't seen her perform in person, put it on your bucket list because I promise you she is incredible

  • @brittanytalbot6589
    @brittanytalbot6589 7 років тому +8

    this is nothing i expected but everything i needed. i've listened to it on repeat for a week now. thank you.

  • @ebullets
    @ebullets 2 роки тому

    Love that she knows we call them heros. And the accent is perfect. Love this ode to the women that raised me. 👏 👏 👏

  • @user-nq6ov1lp5d
    @user-nq6ov1lp5d Рік тому

    this poem is so powerful

  • @asinglepotatochip5763
    @asinglepotatochip5763 5 років тому +1

    I've been coming back to this video for years it always take my breath away

  • @eellyq
    @eellyq 3 роки тому +2

    i love this

  • @RigobertoTejeda
    @RigobertoTejeda 2 роки тому +2

    “but life comes fast you know. One minute you’re taking typing classes for your new secretary job at the World Trade Center. The next, it’s almost over. Life I mean.” OMGGGGGGG

  • @molliemcmullan9187
    @molliemcmullan9187 5 років тому +1

    Oh my god. I grew up in Long Island. This is beyond true. I’m in love. And her delivery was absolutely fantastic. The accent!!!! Oh mah gowd!

  • @aarjupoudel9986
    @aarjupoudel9986 2 роки тому

    It's been 3 whole years and I'm still so fascinated and shook to the core by the beauty of her writing.

  • @carrieanderson132
    @carrieanderson132 2 роки тому +4

    This sounds like a movie

  • @cjb2016
    @cjb2016 Рік тому

    im currently binge watching all her slam poems.....and WOW. absolutely breath taking

  • @jellyrcw12
    @jellyrcw12 4 роки тому +1

    This poem was used at a drag show I saw last night. Amazing poem

  • @Claire_smile
    @Claire_smile 7 років тому +2

    I saw this performance during the live stream and have been waiting to see it again!! So amazing!!

  • @jasminekhawaldeh2824
    @jasminekhawaldeh2824 6 років тому +1

    i had to rewatch this fifteen time because it was so powerful. it had me awestruck and i adore olivia so much.

  • @clearfather
    @clearfather 7 років тому +4

    I just binge watched all your videos. Your style is unique, and your delivery pairs super well with your poems. Beautiful work.

  • @erinobrian8219
    @erinobrian8219 5 років тому

    I watch this video every few months because I just love it so much. And I get goosebumps up my arms every single time.

  • @taylorplaster3098
    @taylorplaster3098 6 років тому

    literally have chills watching this, one of the most powerful pieces ive ever watched.