[Verse 1]
I was just eighteen
Days ago, I was a child
It was his birthday
Forty-five years 'round the sun
No one seemed to think that I was out of place
In the bar, drinking beer with all his friends
No one ever asked me if I was okay
When I was too drunk to stand, they just walked away

[Verse 2]
He took me home with him
Into the darkness, hand in hand
Never felt more shame
It took me years to understand
Eyes upon me, like I was the one to blame
Like everyone in the whole world knew my name
Temptation he could not resist
My young body, my rosy red lips

[Chorus]
Be free, beauty queen
Don't wear that crown forever
There's more to you than they can see
Be free, beauty queen
Don't wear that smile forever
There's more to life than you now know
[Verse 3]
Soon, I left Brighton
Took a train home to cure my blues
I dreamt of heaven
Gap in the clouds, light to break through
It was just the beginning, I thought it was the end
I was yet to meet my two best friends
Told me all of the shit that they'd been through
Without them, I don't know what I'd do

[Chorus]
Be free, beauty queen
Don't wear that crown forever
One day, you will shine without it, ooh
Be free, beauty queen (Be free)
Don't wear that smile forever
Sometimes, you're stronger without it