I'm Pretty
Sesame Street Lyrics


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(spoken)
Hello everybody, I'm a baby seal. This is a song I sing, whenever I'm feeling down in the dumps about the way I look.

(sung)
Look at the sky, look at the sea
Look at clouds and then look at me
I'm pretty
What I am is pretty

Look at a flower, look at a tree
Look at the birds, and then compare them to me
I'm pretty
What I am is pretty


Everything looks different
As individual as it can be
But who's to say that what looks funny to you
Might not be simply gorgeous to me?

Look at the stars and all the beauty you see
Could you ever find a single thing as pretty as me?
I'm pretty




What I am is pretty
And that's the way I'm always going to be!!

Overall Meaning

The Sesame Street song "I'm Pretty" is an upbeat and infectious tune that teaches children to appreciate themselves for who they are. The song is sung by a baby seal who initially starts by feeling unimportant, but quickly changes its tone once it starts highlighting all the beautiful things around it, and then compares itself to nature. The lyrics reveal that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and is subjective, so what one person sees as funny or ugly isn't necessarily so to someone else. In other words, everyone is perfect the way they are.


One of the key messages of the song is to promote self-love and self-respect, which are important qualities to instill in children. It shows them that they should feel good about themselves no matter what they look like or how they feel, as long as they are kindhearted and love others. The song's catchy tune and vibrant melody make the message feel worthwhile and even joyous to embrace. The baby seal manages to convey this message effectively, leaving an indelible imprint on children's minds by making them feel happy and loved, just like the baby seal itself.


In summary, "I'm Pretty" is an uplifting and egalitarian song that celebrates diversity, promotes self-esteem, and encourages children to accept themselves as they are. By embracing the idea that everyone is pretty and unique, the song teaches children to be kind to themselves and others, cultivating vital social and emotional skills for life.


Line by Line Meaning

Look at the sky, look at the sea
Observing nature's beauty


Look at clouds and then look at me
Comparing oneself to nature


I'm pretty
Affirming self-worth


What I am is pretty
Reinforcing self-love


Look at a flower, look at a tree
Noticing the uniqueness of nature


Look at the birds, and then compare them to me
Comparing oneself to other living beings


Everything looks different
Embracing diversity


As individual as it can be
Celebrating individuality


But who's to say that what looks funny to you
Challenging societal beauty standards


Might not be simply gorgeous to me?
Promoting open-mindedness and inclusivity


Look at the stars and all the beauty you see
Appreciating the universe's beauty


Could you ever find a single thing as pretty as me?
Affirming self-worth and uniqueness


And that's the way I'm always going to be!!
Embracing self-love and authenticity




Contributed by Charlotte B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Kim Anderson

Every time I hear this little tune from "Sesame Street, I just want to start swaying from side to side and sing my little heart out because it's such a fun, little tune to listen to. I will admit that Northern Calloway who played "David" did an AWESOME job on the vocals. He was an AMAZING actor on "Sesame Street". I also remember him from the "Christmas Eve On Sesame Street" which I can't believe it will be 40 YEARS this year since that came out!! RIP David. 1948-1990. You were the GREATEST for "Sesame Street".

KIMATALASIA#WOMEN FIGHTER

Nostalgia! I've Been Searching For this Song For Years. But, I finally Found What I was Looking For. Thanks For Uploading this Video Clip From Sesame Street. Awww. Great Memories. :')

Lectronimo

Thanks for posting this one - haven't seen it in 20+ years, but it's been in my head all that time.

scoleman29

Joe Raposo was a genius. Thanks for posting. Brings back a lot of memories.

CairnTerrier69

As an aquarium dept manager, I must say the fish shown in this video are indeed pretty. Some beautiful tangs there.

Scott Van Aartsen

One of my favorites! I always suspected it was "David" singing. Funny the things I remember, others remember too!

KIMATALASIA#WOMEN FIGHTER

R.I.P. Northern Calloway Aka David. What A Lovely Voice He Had When He Sang This Song. I Love This Song. My Favorite! He Will Be Missed. :'(

Tim O'Brien

Don't think I've seen this since my early SS watching days. David was my 2nd SS person after Bob.  Such a wonderful caring soul.  Just so sad what happened to him. R.I.P. Northren  "David" Calloway !!

Motown Deep Cuts, PAMS Jingles & More with Tomovox

I have been waiting so long for someone to say they had this- you have made this a great day!

Rebecca

I remember this song being sung by a character named Sam the Clam, unless I’m mistaken.

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