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 du 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.