Composition
Like with many previous singles, in "Can't Hold Us Down", Aguilera creates a female empowerment anthem, expressing her disgust with the double standards of society. She feels that male stars are respected and worshipped for bragging about their wild sex lives, but when women like Aguilera try to express their sexuality, they get labeled as whores. Aguilera also lets people know that she does not appreciate being called a bitch simply because she stands up for herself and is a strong woman. Aguilera sends her personal message to those who try to "hold her down".
In the beginning, she sings: ""What am I not supposed to have an opinion? / Should I keep quiet just because I'm a woman? / Call me a bitch, because I speak what's on my mind/ Guess it’s easier for you to swallow if I sat and smiled." According to Josh Kun from Spin, over the midtempo groove, Aguilera suggests that Eminem "Must talk so big / To make up for smaller things." The review from "Traveling to the Heart" wrote that "the best moment is when she snarks on the very men she is singing about: 'You must talk so big to make up for smaller things'."
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