Velveteen
Kathy Mar Lyrics

When I was born and taken home all snuggled close and warm
As a newborn, I was brought to a place of safety and protection.

I didn't know at all that there were defects in my form
I was unaware of any imperfections in my physical appearance.

The years and all they brought to me have left their marks behind
With time, life experiences have left a noticeable impact on me.

But if someone can love me still I'm sure that I won't mind
As long as I am loved, I can accept and embrace my imperfections.

I can only wish someone will know just how I feel
I desire for someone to understand my emotional struggles and needs.

And love me when I'm shabby, quite enough to make me real
I hope to be loved despite my physical and emotional flaws, as this love would make me feel genuinely accepted and valued.

I've often heard the stories of the ones that love made real
I have heard how loving relationships can transform a person's sense of identity and self-worth.

And often I have thought that I would someday learn to feel
I have dreamed of experiencing this transformation and finding the kind of love that could make me feel real.

I sit here only watching at the borders of my life
I feel like an outsider, watching others live life to the fullest while I am stuck on the sidelines.

And the fear of never being loved has pierced me like a knife
The possibility of never finding someone to love and accept me is a deeply painful and terrifying thought.

Now someone special in my life has made my wish occur
I have found someone who loves and accepts me just as I am.

In spite of my misshapen form and shabby worn-out fur
This person loves me despite my physical flaws and limitations.

I know that I am loved each time I see that someone's eyes
I can feel the depth of their love for me simply by looking into their eyes.

And I have got my wish for someone who knows just how I feel
I have found someone who truly understands me and my emotional struggles.

He's loved me, though I'm shabby, quite enough to make me real
His love has transformed me and made me feel genuinely accepted and valued, imperfections and all.

Now all you ladies worried 'cause your shape is not quite true
To those who are insecure about their physical appearance or body shape,

And all you men with loved-off fur and scalp that's showing through
To those who feel self-conscious about their thinning hair or other physical flaws,

And all you minds with failing seams and fear where all can see
To those who are struggling with emotional scars or mental health issues that make them feel exposed and vulnerable,

Take heart from this true lesson from a worn-out shabby me
I encourage you to learn from my experience and find hope in the possibility of being loved and accepted despite your flaws.

And I can only hope that someone will know just how you feel
I hope that you, too, will find someone who understands and accepts you.

And love you, though you're shabby, quite enough to make you real
May you experience the kind of unconditional love that can transform you from feeling insecure and imperfect to feeling genuinely real and valued.