Tell Yourself

Natalie Merchant

I know what you tell yourself,
You tell yourself
Look in the mirror,
Look in the mirror what does it show?
I hear you counting
I know you're adding up the score
I know, oh yes I know
What you tell yourself,
You tell yourself

Ever since Eden we're built
For pleasing everyone knows
And ever since Adam cracked his ribs
And let us go
I know, oh yes I know
What you tell yourself,
You tell yourself

Who taught you how to lie so well
And to believe in each and every word you say
Who told you that nothing about you is alright
It's just no use, it's just no good
You'll never be O.K.

Well I know, I know that wrong's been done to you
"It's such a tough world," that's what you say
Well I know, I know it's easier said than done
But that's enough girl,
Give it away give it, give it all away

Tell yourself that you're not pretty,
Look at you, you're beautiful
Tell yourself that no one sees Plain Jane Invisible to me, just tell yourself
Tell yourself you'll never be like
The anorexic beauties in the magazines
Just a bargain basement Barbie doll,
No belle do jour, no femme fatale
Just tell yourself
Tell yourself there's nothing worse
Than the pain inside and the way it hurts
But tell yourself it's nothing new
Cause everybody feels it too,
They feel it too
And there's just no getting 'round the fact
That you're thirteen right now