I have recently been listening to a lot of music centred around body positivity, self-acceptance and self-love. Whenever I’m having a bad day – whether poor body image, low self-worth, or just not knowing what I’m doing with my life – I listen to some of these songs. This isn’t my usual sort of post, but these songs have helped me, and I thought I would share.
Amanda Palmer – In My Mind
One of my favourite songs by Amanda Palmer. This song is about trying to line up the expectations of the kind of person you thought you would be, and who you think you should be, with who you actually are.
Maybe it’s funniest of all to think I’ll die before I actually see
That I am exactly the person that I want to be.
Fuck yes,
I am exactly the person that I want to be.
Christina Aguilera – Beautiful
This song is one of the first songs about self-acceptance and inner beauty I remember hearing, and I doubt there’s anyone who hasn’t heard it. The video touches on body image, GRSM issues, bullying and many other situations, so possible TW.
I am beautiful, no matter what they say
Words can’t bring me down
I am beautiful, in every single way
Yes, words can’t bring me down, oh no
So don’t you bring me down today.
Mary Lambert – I Know Girls (Body Love)
I’ve recently been listening to all the Mary Lambert I can find, and this is one of the most powerful songs/poems about women’s body image, insecurity and self-worth I’ve ever heard. TW: self harm, suicide.
Our bodies deserve more than to be war-torn and collateral, offering this
As a pathetic means to say “I only know how to exist when I am wanted”.
Girls like us are hardly ever wanted, you know?
We’re used up, and sad, and drunk, and perpetually waiting by the phone
For someone to pick up and tell us that we did good
Well you did good.
Pink – Perfect
Another song most people will have heard. It was a toss up between ‘Raise Your Glass’ and this, but this song always cheers me up whenever it comes on.
Pretty, pretty please, don’t you ever, ever feel
Like you’re less than, less than perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you’re nothing, you are perfect to me
India.Arie – Video
This genre isn’t something I’d really listen to myself, but the lyrics are wonderful, so I thought I’d include it for any fans of R&B/soul.
When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it’s supposed to be
And I know my creator didn’t make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes, I’m loving what I see.
Beyoncé – Pretty Hurts
I can’t stop listening to this song, about the unattainability of beauty, and the culture in which we put women’s looks before anything else about them.
Ain’t got no doctor or pill that can take the pain away
The pain’s inside and nobody frees you from your body
It’s the soul, it’s the soul that needs surgery
I could keep adding songs all day, but I think I’ll stop there for now, though I might add some more in future. What’s on your self-love playlist?
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Laura Mvula – That’s Alright
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Alicia Keys–Girl on Fire
Elle Varner- So Fly
Ooh, nice choice! I hadn’t heard this one before.
Believe In Me- Demi Lovato. :’)