Sullivan followed this with her second studio album, Love Me Back, in 2010, which was received favorably by critics. After taking a three-year break, Sullivan signed with RCA Records and released her first studio album under the label, Reality Show (2015). In 2021, she released her critically acclaimed first EP, Heaux Tales which has the single "Pick Up Your Feelings".
Sullivan has received two Grammy Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, two Soul Train Music Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, and two BET Awards over the course of her career. In 2022, Time placed her on their list of the 100 Most Influential People.
Masterpiece
Jazmine Sullivan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm feeling exposed, but I hide no more
I can't hide
As the sun shines on all of my glory
My flaws don't look so bad at all
What was I so afraid of?
Every part of me is a vision of a portrait
Every part of me is beautiful
And I finally see I'm a work of art
A masterpiece
Who is this I've tried so long fight?
Filling my heads with lies that I'm not good enough
Then I heard something in my ear
Tell I'm perfect, now that I know the truth
Time to show and prove
Every part of me is a vision of a portrait
Of Mona, of Mona Lisa
Every part of me is beautiful
And I finally see I'm a work of art
A masterpiece
And now I see the pretty colors on my canvas
I'm a work of art, a Mona Lisa
I'll share my picture with the world
Not afraid to let it show anymore
I can light the night, shine so bright
(Let my colors paint the sky)
I can light the night, shine so bright
(There is beauty in my eyes)
I can light the night, shine so bright
(And I can see it now, I believe it now, I can feel it now)
I can light the night, shine so bright
(Want the world to see, I'm a work of art. I'm a masterpiece)
I can light the night, shine so bright
(I am beautiful)
Every part of me is a vision of a portrait
Of Mona, of Mona Lisa
Every part of me is beautiful
And I finally see I'm a work of art
A masterpiece
"Masterpiece" by Jazmine Sullivan is an inspiring and uplifting song that celebrates self-love, acceptance, and confidence. In the beginning, the singer expresses that she is unfamiliar with the rays of light, which symbolizes the truth she is gradually recognizing about herself. She no longer has to hide behind her insecurities and can proudly show off her imperfections. The line "My flaws don't look so bad at all" signifies how our self-image can be distorted by our self-criticism, and once we accept ourselves, our mistakes don't seem as significant.
The chorus repeats "Every part of me is a vision of a portrait/ Of Mona, of Mona Lisa/ Every part of me is beautiful/ And I finally see I'm a work of art/ A masterpiece," which emphasizes the idea that every individual is unique and special in their way. The comparison to the famous Mona Lisa painting suggests that the singer has finally recognized her beauty and worth, just as the masterpiece is treasured and admired despite its flaws. The song's message suggests that true beauty and worth come from within and learning to love yourself is the key to self-confidence and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
My eyes ain't used to these rays
I am not used to the attention and acknowledgment of my beauty.
I'm feeling exposed, but I hide no more
I am uncomfortable with people seeing my vulnerabilities but I will no longer hide them.
I can't hide
I realize that I cannot hide who I truly am.
As the sun shines on all of my glory
I am finally allowing myself to be recognized and celebrated for my own set of qualities and strengths.
My flaws don't look so bad at all
With the newfound recognition of my own beauty, I realize that all of my supposed imperfections aren't so bad after all.
What was I so afraid of?
I now have a new sense of confidence and wonder why I was ever so insecure in the first place.
Every part of me is a vision of a portrait
I am starting to realize that all parts of me, even the ones I once viewed as flaws, make up a beautiful whole.
Of Mona, of Mona Lisa
I am likening myself to some of the most beautiful and revered works of art in history.
And I finally see I'm a work of art
I see myself as a divinely crafted and beautiful masterpiece.
A masterpiece
I truly believe that I am a masterpiece, a stunning and awe-inspiring creation.
Who is this I've tried so long fight?
I am questioning the negative voice in my head that has caused me to feel insecure and unworthy for so long.
Filling my heads with lies that I'm not good enough
I have been constantly telling myself that I am not enough, which is simply not true.
Then I heard something in my ear
I have started to listen to and believe the positive messages that are coming my way.
Tell I'm perfect, now that I know the truth
I am coming to understand that I am perfect in my own way, and not the negative perception I once had of myself.
Time to show and prove
Now that I believe in my beauty, it's time to showcase it to the world and prove the negative voices and thoughts wrong.
And now I see the pretty colors on my canvas
I am starting to see the beauty of my life and existence, and the positive impact I can have on the world.
I'm a work of art, a Mona Lisa
I see myself as an expression of beauty akin to the iconic artwork Mona Lisa.
I'll share my picture with the world
I am now willing to show my beauty and uniqueness to the world.
Not afraid to let it show anymore
I am no longer afraid to allow my beauty to show itself to the world and embrace it fully.
I can light the night, shine so bright
I have the power to shine light and beauty out into the world.
(Let my colors paint the sky)
I am going to be colorful and vibrant in everything I do and say.
(There is beauty in my eyes)
I see the beauty in myself and want to share that with others.
(And I can see it now, I believe it now, I can feel it now)
I have a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance, and it feels amazing.
(Want the world to see, I'm a work of art. I'm a masterpiece)
I am proud of who I am now and want others to see and appreciate me for the masterpiece I truly am.
(I am beautiful)
I can finally say with confidence and truthfulness that I am truly beautiful, inside and out.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: ANTHONY BELL, JAZMINE SULLIVAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind