Natalie Merchant
Tell Yourself
[Chorus]
I know what you tell yourself, tell yourself
I know what you tell yourself, you tell yourself

[Verse]
Look in the mirror
Look in the mirror, what does it show?
I hear you counting
I know you're adding, adding up the score

[Chorus]
I know, oh yes I know what you tell yourself, tell yourself
I know what you tell yourself, tell yourself

[Verse]
Ever since Eden
We're built for pleasing, everyone knows
Ever since Adam cracked his rib
And let us go

[Chorus]
I know, oh yes I know what you tell yourself, you tell yourself
I know what you tell yourself, you tell yourself
I know what you tell yourself, you tell yourself

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

[Verse]
Tell yourself that you're not pretty
Look at you, you're beautiful
Tell yourself that no one sees
Plain Jane, invisible me

Just tell yourself, tell yourself
Tell yourself you'll never be
Like the anorexic beauties in the magazines
Like a bargain-basement Barbie doll
No belle du jour, no femme fatale

Just tell yourself, tell yourself
Tell yourself there's nothing worse
Than the pain inside, than 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