Video
Arie India Lyrics

Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don't
I don't conform to societal expectations and will do what I want with my body

Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won't
I don't conform to societal expectations and will do what I want with my appearance

Depend of how the wind blows I might even paint my toes
I make decisions based on how I feel in the moment, without being influenced by others

It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul
I prioritize my own happiness and feelings over outside opinions

I'm not the average girl from your video
I don't conform to societal standards of beauty and behavior

And I ain't built like a supermodel
I don't have a conventionally attractive body type

But I learned to love myself unconditionally
I have accepted and appreciate myself for who I am, without conditions placed upon it

Because I am a queen
I recognize my own value and worth as a person

My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
My value as a person is not based on material possessions or appearance

No matter what I'm wearing I will always be
My identity and self-worth are not determined by my clothing or outward appearance

India.Arie
I am proud of who I am and will always be myself

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
I don't compare myself to others, I focus on my own reflection

Every freckle on my face is where it's suppose to be
I embrace and love every aspect of my physical appearance

And I know my creator didn't make no mistakes on me
I believe in the inherent value and perfection of every human being

My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes, I'm loving what I see
I am confident and happy with every aspect of my body

Am I less of a lady if I don't wear panty hose
Questioning societal norms and expectations for women

My momma said a lady ain't what she wears but what she knows
Belief in inherent value of knowledge and character rather than outward appearance

But I've drawn the conclusion, it's all an illusion
Awareness that societal expectations and norms are often meaningless and unrealistic

Confusion's the name of the game
Acknowledging the difficulty in navigating societal expectations and norms

A misconception, a mass deception,
False perceptions and expectations rampant in society

Something gotta change
Advocating for societal changes to alleviate unreasonable norms and expectations

Now don't be offended this is all my opinion
Acknowledging that all of the above is simply my personal perspective

Ain't nothing that I'm saying law
None of the aforementioned is the only truth or universally applicable

This is a true confession
Sharing personal experiences and realizations

Of a life learned lesson
Communicating the challenges and insights gleaned throughout her experiences

I was sent here to share with y'all
Belief in the importance of sharing and spreading wisdom

So get in when you fit in
Encouraging people to embrace their unique attributes and not conform to societal norms

Go on and shine
Encouraging people to let their light & individuality shine

Clear your mind
Encouraging readers to live in the present moment

Now's the time
The present moment is the time to change and be yourself

Put your salt on the shelf
Encouragement to shed toxic attributes and depictions of self

Go on and love yourself
Encouraging individuals to have a positive view of themselves

Cause everything's gonna be alright
Belief in positivity and the bright side

Keep your fancy drink, and your expensive minks
Shunning materialism and superficiality

I don't need that to have a good time
The acknowledgement that one doesn't need excess items to immerse themselves in enjoyable experiences

Keep your expensive cars and your caviar
The aforementioned theme- rejection of materialism

All I need is my guitar
Valuing experiences and personal joy rather than material goods

Keep your crystal and your pistol
Rejecting the idea that status comes from expensive goods and protection via weapons

I'd rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Valuing the simple pleasures in life over the materialistic ones

Don't need you silicone, I prefer my own
Rejecting the idea that one must alter themselves to conform to someone else's norm - instead valuing natural attributes

What god gave me is just fine
Accepting and appreciating the natural attributes one has been given