Critic
Avery Anna Lyrics


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I didn′t know I wasn't old enough to pick the clothes I wear
And I didn′t know there was a wrong shade of blonde I could dye my hair
I didn't know you were an expert, could write better songs than me
I didn't know you were incapable of hearing when I speak

What you want from me is unrealistic
But I run around in circles tryna fix it
You tell me I′m wrong and I listen
Convinced me that I should be different
Yeah I love you and I wish I didn′t
But I do, but I do
And I thought I was my own worst critic
But it's you, but it′s you

I didn't know spending time with my best friend wasn′t okay
Is it 'cause you know right when you leave the room she′ll ask why I stayed
But I'm searching for approval from you
And it's kind of pathetic, what I let this turn into, but

What you want from me is unrealistic
But I run around in circles tryna fix it
You tell me I′m wrong and I listen
Convinced me that I should be different
Yeah I love you and I wish I didn′t
But I do, but I do
And I thought I was my own worst critic
But it's you, but it′s you

It's you, I should leave
If you loved me it wouldn′t change a single thing

What you want from me is unrealistic
But I run around in circles tryna fix it
You tell me I'm wrong and I listen
Convinced me that I should be different
Yeah I love you and I wish I didn′t
But I do, but I do
And I thought I was my own worst critic
But it's you





And I thought I was my own worst critic
But it's you, but it′s you

Overall Meaning

Avery Anna's song "Critic" is about the struggle of being in a relationship where the other person constantly criticizes and controls her every move. She sings about not knowing that she wasn't old enough to pick her own clothes, or that there was a certain shade of blonde that was unacceptable. Her partner is portrayed as "the expert" who can write better songs than she can, and is incapable of hearing her when she speaks. She feels like she cannot measure up to their unrealistic expectations, but still runs around in circles trying to fix it. She is convinced that she should be different and struggles to find approval from her partner, who is her harshest critic.


The chorus of the song is a declaration of the conflict she feels about this relationship. While she loves her partner, she wishes she didn't. She thought she was her own worst critic, but it turns out it's her partner. The bridge is her finally realizing that she needs to leave the relationship because if the other person truly loved her, it wouldn't change anything.


Line by Line Meaning

I didn′t know I wasn't old enough to pick the clothes I wear
I was unaware that my clothing choices were unacceptable due to my age


And I didn′t know there was a wrong shade of blonde I could dye my hair
I wasn't aware that certain shades of blonde hair dye may be viewed negatively


I didn't know you were an expert, could write better songs than me
I didn't realize that you consider yourself to be superior in songwriting ability


I didn't know you were incapable of hearing when I speak
I wasn't aware that you were unresponsive to my communication


What you want from me is unrealistic
Your expectations of me are impossible to meet


But I run around in circles tryna fix it
Despite the futility, I attempt to fulfill your unrealistic desires


You tell me I′m wrong and I listen
When you criticize me, I take it to heart and believe you


Convinced me that I should be different
You have persuaded me that I need to change who I am to meet your standards


Yeah I love you and I wish I didn′t
I have romantic feelings for you, but I recognize that they complicate the situation


And I thought I was my own worst critic
I previously believed that I was most judgmental towards myself


But it's you, but it′s you
However, I now realize that it is you who are my harshest critic


I didn't know spending time with my best friend wasn′t okay
I was unaware that you disapproved of me spending time with my closest companion


Is it 'cause you know right when you leave the room she′ll ask why I stayed
Do you object to me hanging out with my friend because you suspect we gossip or speak ill of you behind your back?


But I'm searching for approval from you
I am seeking validation and acceptance from you


And it's kind of pathetic, what I let this turn into, but
I recognize that my desperation for your approval is unhealthy and unwise


It's you, I should leave
You are the problem, and I should end our relationship


If you loved me it wouldn′t change a single thing
Even if you claim to love me, your behavior and criticism would remain unchanged




Writer(s): Ben Williams, Ava Suppelsa, Avery Anna

Contributed by Sarah O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@Michael-uc2fd

I just sent this song to my daughter, thank you so much. she has a controlling boyfriend that I am about to break in 2 but perhaps these beautiful lyrics will open her eyes and see him for what he is.

@clarajays

I hope it will ♥️

@gemsi1983

Theres nothing worse being in love with someone who is hard on us 😕 no relationship should be like that, ive learnt the hard way but its an amazing feeling when you break free 🥰

@noisepollution6761

good music critic 🦎

@seanfinnerty3661

Hope it helps her see the truth...

@faithhilliard3787

How is your daughter doing now?

21 More Replies...

@averysantiago1662

I literally just finished listening to this! It's a masterpiece!

@louiswilson3653

I agree 💯!!!

@marcedesdangremond5272

beautiful I feel this so much no one is normally harder on me then myself but now I'm afraid to even look in the mirror because of his harsh words for so long I was never enough

@kashdie7298

I’m obsessed!!

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