Ugly
The Smashing Pumpkins Lyrics

Don't look in the mirror
Avoiding any form of self-reflection or contemplation because of feeling unsatisfied with oneself

I don't like what I see staring back at me
Feeling dissatisfactory or unhappy with one's appearance or traits

Everything is clearer
With each day, becoming more aware of the ways in which oneself is perceived by others

I'll never see what you see
Regardless of others' opinions, only perceiving oneself as attributes that are undesirable or unworthy

It's not me
Feeling that one is not accurately representing their own true self-image

So beautiful and free
Reflecting on former times of joy when self-image used to be more satisfying

I'll never be what you need
Feeling as though one can never meet the expectations or desires of those around them

I can't help it at all
Feeling trapped in one's own state of dissatisfaction and self-perception despite any efforts to change it

I was born so beautiful
Remembering a time when self-perception and appearances were more positive or satisfactory

But now I'm ugly
Feeling that one's current view of their own appearance or traits is quite negative

And I rot in my skin
Feeling that one's self-perception is toxic or physically painful

As a piece of me dies everyday
With each day, feeling more defeated or discouraged about one's own self-image and worth

I know I'm nothing
Internalizing the negative perceptions and judgments of those around them, leading to a feeling of worthlessness

I know there's nothing I can say
Recognizing the depth and permanence of their own self-perception issues, and feeling that there is no hope for change

To change
Feeling powerless to transform one's own self-image or change others' perspectives of them

The judgment in their ways
Feeling that others' perceptions and judgments of them are inherently critical or negative

I'm good enough, but I don't care
Having difficulty internalizing others' positive feedback or compliments about oneself, and choosing instead to focus on negative self-perception

I'm good enough, but I'm not there
Feeling that despite being told one is good enough, still struggling to feel that way internally

The sun is out, but I'm not there
Feeling emotionally disconnected or absent from the world around them, despite outwardly functioning in it

(I can go anywhere) I'm good enough, but I don't care (somewhere)
Acknowledging one's own resilience or independence, but also feeling that others don't recognize or appreciate it

(I can go anywhere) The sun is out, but I'm not there (somewhere)
Recognizing the potential for positive experiences or growth in one's life, but feeling emotionally removed from them

(I can go anywhere) I'm good enough (somewhere)
Conveying a sense of resilience and ability to flourish in new or different environments

(I can go anywhere) I'm good enough (somewhere)
Acknowledging the potential to succeed and feel valued in new situations, if given the chance

I don't look in the mirror
Choosing to avoid self-reflection or contemplation due to feeling dissatisfied with oneself

I don't like what I see staring back at me
Feeling inadequacy or negativity towards one's own appearance or traits

Everything is clearer
Becoming increasingly aware of the negative self-perceptions and self-image issues one is experiencing

I'll never see what you see
Feeling stuck in a negative self-perception that is difficult to change or overcome

And I rot in my skin
Feeling that one's own self-perception is toxic or unhealthy

As a piece of me dies everyday
Feeling that their own self-perception and self-image is negatively impacting their daily life and mental health

I know I'm nothing
Struggling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt that impact daily life and social interactions

Because I'm ugly
Feeling that their own self-image and appearance are viewed negatively by themselves and others