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