About a month ago, I was sitting with the kids somewhere and we listened to the radio. Then, a song started playing that sounded like Pink at first, but not quite, so I listened to it closely.
This is what I heard:
I spend my life trying to do things right
but all I do is fall to my face with my hands on my head so many times
but then I learned after being burnt
to get back up, push straight on,
stop the tears, people move on (ooonnnn)
(Chorus) Well it’s alright to be myself
Now I’ve learned to stand
Well it’s OK to be just who I am
I’ve spent years really hating me
longing to be friends (friends)
Now I hope that you can understand this is who I am
Now when life gets tough, I’m quick to hurry up
I run all day, I run through the night
I break down walls, I hit up high
I don’t care if I’m fat or if you think my clothes are bad
’cause I can go to sleep at night
I’m a good person and I’ll get by (aaaye)
(Chorus)
I need someone, someone, someone, someone like me
You deserve, deserve, deserve to be free
Because your world keeps spinning
And you’re trapped in it
(Chorus)
yyeaaahhhhhh, yeah yeah
This is who I am!
Oh, take a breather this is who I ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah am
My kids started singing along (the little buggers already knew it, no idea where from) and enjoying the words. Their faces lit up as they sang “It’s alright to be myself” and “It’s OK to be just who I am”.
This got me thinking that if ever there was a song every child and teenager should hear, memorize and sing out loud, it is this one. Self-acceptance is a key message we must all deliver to our kids and bury it deep in their minds, where it cannot ever be taken out. Believing they are OK gives kids the foundation for a confident and happy life, which is our aim as parents, isn’t it?
So here it is for your listening enjoyment.
As it turns out, this song is by Vanessa Amorosi, one of my personal favorites and a very positive writer and singer. A few years ago, we saw her from pretty close up at a performance singing Absolutely Everybody and have appreciated her since. She is also an inspiring supporter of various charities and special human projects.
Before you play the video, a little secret: singing this song makes parents feel pretty good about themselves too. To get the full benefit, turn up your speakers, close the door, play the video, scroll up for the words and scream it out (see if you can hit those high notes).
Happy parenting,
Gal
