Biography
Prior to her music career, Tennison worked as a prison guard in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, in addition to performing in various Texas bands. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee and worked as a demo singer, eventually signing to Asylum Records in 1999. She recorded two albums on Asylum, both albums producing minor chart entries. In 2002, she moved to DreamWorks Records and recorded her Parading in the Rain album on that label. Although she has not recorded any albums since, she made an appearance on Leland Martin's 2006 single "Same Old Song and Dance" from his self-titled album.
I Am Pretty
Chalee Tennison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She said a prayer and asked for strength
She put her makeup on just perfect
For the first time in a long time
The mirror showed her grace
She heard him stirring in the kitchen
Last night's whiskey in the air
She could hear him carryin' on and cussin'
You gotta get outta here
'Cause you've been broken down and kicked around
One too many times
You finally found the strength
And he ain't gonna break my faith
She said I might go back to school
I know you take me for a fool
Despite what you say
Something occured to me today
Guess what, I am pretty
He took a drag off his cigarette
That patronizing look on his face
And he said 'Ah, Here we go again
Got that little suitcase in your hand
Let me guess, you're gonna find your dreams today'
And she said, you know, I just might but either way
I'm gonna get out, I'm gonna get out of this
God-forsaken place
'Cause you've been broken down and kicked around
One too many times
You finally found the strength
And he ain't gonna break my faith
She said I might go back to school
I know you take me for a fool
Despite what you say
Something occured to me today
'Cause I've been broken down and kicked around
One too many times
Despite what you say
Something occured to me today
I am pretty
I am pretty
I am pretty
The lyrics of Chalee Tennison's song, "I Am Pretty," tell a story of a woman who has endured a lot in her relationship with her partner. On a Sunday morning, she wakes up and prays for strength before putting on her makeup perfectly for the first time in a while. When she looks in the mirror, she sees her grace and acknowledges that she needs to get out of her abusive and broken relationship. She finally found the strength to leave, and nothing can break her faith anymore. She has realized that she is pretty despite being broken down and kicked around so many times. The lyrics personify the struggle that women face in relationships where they are not treated with respect and kindness.
The woman in the song has been kicked around for far too long and finally decides that enough is enough. She wakes up with a fresh perspective, realizing that she deserves better than what she has been receiving. She musters up the courage to leave, despite her partner trying to belittle her and make her feel like she is not good enough. These lyrics are inspirational and speak to anyone who may be going through a rough patch in their life, reminding them that they too are pretty, both inside and out.
Line by Line Meaning
She woke up one Sunday morning
The singer of the song begins her story on a calm Sunday morning.
She said a prayer and asked for strength
She sought moral support and inner strength through her prayer.
She put her makeup on just perfect
After gathering her courage, she tried to look her best by applying makeup.
For the first time in a long time
She is trying to boost her confidence by looking good which she hasn't done in a long time.
The mirror showed her grace
The reflection showed her looking attractive and feeling confident in her own skin.
She heard him stirring in the kitchen
She sensed that her partner was in the vicinity.
Last night's whiskey in the air
The smell of whiskey indicated that her partner had been drinking heavily the previous night.
She could hear him carryin' on and cussin'
She heard him shouting offensive words and behaving erratically.
Then the woman in the mirror said
The artist was experiencing a moment of self-reflection where she listened to her inner voice for guidance.
You gotta get outta here
Her inner voice urged her to leave the toxic environment she was in.
'Cause you've been broken down and kicked around
One too many times
She had been mistreated and disrespected repeatedly in her relationship.
You finally found the strength
And he ain't gonna break my faith
Despite feeling vulnerable, she had gained enough strength to confront and leave her abusive partner.
She said I might go back to school
I know you take me for a fool
Despite what you say
Something occurred to me today
Guess what, I am pretty
She considers herself capable of achieving greater things, even though her partner has belittled her abilities. She realizes her self-worth and feels pretty.
He took a drag off his cigarette
That patronizing look on his face
Her partner smokes a cigarette and looks down on her condescendingly.
And he said 'Ah, Here we go again
Got that little suitcase in your hand
Let me guess, you're gonna find your dreams today'
He dismisses her aspirations and belittles her efforts of carrying a small bag with her.
And she said, you know, I just might but either way
I'm gonna get out, I'm gonna get out of this
God-forsaken place
She responds with determination about her plans while emphasizing her strong will to leave the toxic environment she's in.
Despite what you say
Something occurred to me today
I am pretty
She concludes with her newfound realization of her own worth and confidence, despite her partner's negative words and actions.
I am pretty
I am pretty
I am pretty
She repeats and reinforces her newfound confidence and self-love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BUFFY (BUF) LAWSON, ERIC PITTARELLI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank Howell
Good song and a great country voice.
john sandiford
Glad you enjoyed the song and thanks for listening Frank
Ruth Boykin
Thanks John.
john sandiford
Glad you enjoyed it Ruth