I don’t want to write songs of pain,
But that’s the only thing I know
Don’t want to record every blow and bane,
But that’s the only way to let go

When they talk to me, the only thing I see
Is a prime criticism opportunity
They always agree, thinking “Why can’t she
Live up to everything we want her to be?”

My continuous shame is hypnotizing,
Every single comment demoralizing
If they only stopped to think, it wouldn’t be surprising
That their constant critique is ruining my whole world

Can’t you love me for who I am?
The knife digs deeper with every slam
Can’t you love me for what I’ve got?
You don’t think it’s as important as what I’m not
Can’t you just love me for me?
I can’t always be what you want me to be

I can’t live up to your expectations,
You raise the bar with every conversation
If you wonder why I’m undergoing social starvation
It’s because talking to you just makes me feel worse

Every little thing, you think it’s no big deal
If only you knew how I really feel
I run away crying, and it doesn’t seem real
That you just ignore it, shoving it all away

I wish you’d try to help instead of letting me fall down
You just turn away as my world crumbles all around
I’ve exiled myself and you think it’s okay
If you only knew what I was writing today

Every imperfection you point out
Encircles me, ensnares me, all about
I can’t even so much as pout
I’ll be bound tighter, you’ll scream and shout

How can this little bird leave her nest
With a two-ton weight tied to her chest?
You say you know best, but is that always true?

Please let be leave your protective shelf
I can fly around the world myself
And I’ll always find my way back to you

Can’t you love me for who I am?
The knife digs deeper with every slam
Can’t you love me for what I’ve got?
You don’t think it’s as important as what I’m not
Can’t you just love me for me?
I can’t always be what you want me to be