She Used to be Mine
Sara Bareilles Lyrics

It's not simple to say
Expressing feelings and emotions is not always easy

Most days I don't recognize me
Feeling lost and disconnected from oneself on a regular basis

That these shoes and this apron
The physical manifestation of a job that takes more than it gives

That place and its patrons
The environment and people that contribute to the feeling of being trapped and unfulfilled

Have taken more than I gave them
Feeling like a job or situation has drained all of one's energy and spirit

It's not easy to know
Realizing and internalizing the changes that time and circumstances have brought

I'm not anything like I used to be, although it's true
Acknowledging the differences and growth in oneself, while still mourning the loss of a part of oneself

I was never attention's sweet center
Feeling overlooked and unimportant

I still remember that girl
Longing for the past and the person one used to be

She's imperfect, but she tries
The recognition that one is flawed but still strives to be the best version of oneself

She is good, but she lies
The conflict between wanting to be perceived as good, but struggling with honesty and vulnerability

She is hard on herself
Being critical and unforgiving of oneself

She is broken and won't ask for help
Feeling damaged and unable to reach out for support

She is messy, but she's kind
Having qualities that may not be traditionally desirable, but still possessing a good heart

She is lonely most of the time
Feeling isolated and disconnected from others

She is all of this mixed up and baked in a beautiful pie
The complexity and beauty of a person's character, despite the challenges and struggles

She is gone, but she used to be mine
Grieving for the person one used to be and the life one used to have

It's not what I asked for
Feeling like life has taken unexpected turns and not being in control of one's circumstances

Sometimes life just slips in through a back door
Changes occurring without warning or preparation

And carves out a person and makes you believe it's all true
The way life can shape and mold a person's identity, affecting one's self-perception

And now I've got you
Feeling stuck and unable to escape from the situation at hand

And you're not what I asked for
Continuing to feel disappointed and unfulfilled with one's circumstances

If I'm honest, I know I would give it all back
Wishing to go back in time and change the course of one's life

For a chance to start over and rewrite an ending or two
The desire to have a fresh start and the ability to change one's circumstances

Who'll be reckless, just enough
The hope that the future holds a version of oneself who is brave and daring

Who'll get hurt, but who learns how to toughen up
Knowing that challenges and pain will come, but believing in one's ability to overcome them and grow stronger

When she's bruised and gets used by a man who can't love
The potential for heartbreak and betrayal on the journey to finding oneself and true love

And then she'll get stuck
The possibility of feeling trapped and unable to escape negative circumstances

And be scared of the life that's inside her
Feeling intimidated and unsure of one's own strength and potential

Growing stronger each day 'til it finally reminds her
Slowly but surely gaining confidence and realizing the power within oneself

To fight just a little, to bring back the fire in her eyes
The motivation to continue striving towards hope and happiness, even in the face of adversity

That's been gone, but used to be mine
The belief that the best version of oneself did exist at one point, and the hope that it can be rediscovered again