This Is Me
Keala Settle Lyrics

I am not a stranger to the dark
I have experienced struggles and challenges in life.

Hide away, they say
Others may tell me to hide or be ashamed of who I am.

'Cause we don't want your broken parts
People may reject or exclude me because of my flaws or imperfections.

I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars
I have been conditioned to feel embarrassed or unworthy because of my past experiences.

Run away, they say
Others may encourage me to escape or give up because of my difficulties.

No one'll love you as you are
I may believe that I am unlovable because of my perceived flaws or differences.

But I won't let them break me down to dust
I am determined to persevere and not let others bring me to my lowest point.

I know that there's a place for us
I trust that there is a community or space that will accept and appreciate me for who I am.

For we are glorious
Despite our faults and struggles, we are worthy of love, respect, and celebration.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
When others use harsh words to try and bring me down or make me doubt myself.

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
I will fight back against negativity and criticism with my own strength and resilience.

I am brave, I am bruised
I am strong and courageous, even though I have been hurt or damaged.

I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
I am proud of my identity and will not change myself to please others.

Look out 'cause here I come
I am ready to face the world and make my mark.

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I am following my own path and doing what feels right for me.

I'm not scared to be seen
I am not afraid to be myself and show the world who I am.

I make no apologies, this is me
I will not apologize for being myself, because I am proud of who I am.

Another round of bullets hits my skin
I may face more challenges and criticism in the future.

Well, fire away 'cause today, I won't let the shame sink in
I refuse to let criticism and negativity get the best of me today.

We are bursting through the barricades and
We are breaking free from the limitations and restrictions placed upon us.

Reaching for the sun (we are warriors)
We are strong and determined fighters, striving for our goals.

Yeah, that's what we've become (yeah, that's what we've become)
We have grown and transformed into powerful, resilient individuals.

(Oh-oh-oh-oh) and I know that I deserve your love
I am worthy of love and acceptance from others.

(Oh-oh-oh-oh) there's nothing I'm not worthy of
I am deserving and valuable, regardless of any flaws or mistakes.

This is brave, this is bruised
I am courageous and strong, even though I have been hurt or damaged.

This is who I'm meant to be, this is me
I am proud of my identity and true to myself.

Look out 'cause here I come (look out 'cause here I come)
I am ready to conquer any challenges and make my presence known.

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (marching on, marching, marching on)
I am following my own goals and creating my own path in life.

I'm not scared to be seen
I am confident and proud of who I am, and willing to show myself to the world.

I make no apologies, this is me
I will never apologize for being myself or for my individuality.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
When others use hurtful and negative language to try and bring me down.

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
I will fight back with my own strength and determination.

I'm gonna send a flood
I will take control of the situation and overcome any negativity or obstacles.

Gonna drown 'em out
I will not let the negativity overpower or defeat me.

Oh, this is me
I am proud of who I am and will never hide or apologize for myself.