Natalie Merchant › Lyrics › Tell Yourself

I know what you tell yourself, tell yourself
I know what you tell yourself, you tell yourself

Look in the mirror, look in the mirror, what does it show?
I hear you counting, I know you're addin', addin' up the score
I know, oh yes I know

What you tell yourself, tell yourself
I know what you tell yourself, tell yourself

Ever since Eden we're built for pleasin', everyone knows
Ever since Adam cracked his rib and let us go
I know, oh yes I know

What you tell yourself, you tell yourself
I know what you tell yourself, you tell yourself
I know what you tell yourself, you tell yourself

Who taught you how to lie so well
And to believe in each and every word you say?
Who told you that nothin' about you is alright
It's just no use, it's just no good, you'll never be okay?

Well I know, I know that wrong's been done to you
"It's such a tough world", that's what you say
And I know, I know it's easier said than done
But that's enough girl, give it away, give it, give it all away

Tell yourself that you're not pretty, look at you, you're beautiful
Tell yourselves that no one sees Plain Jane invisible me
Just tell yourself, tell yourself

Tell yourself you'll never be like the anorexic beauties in the magazines
(Tell yourself)
Like a bargain basement barbie doll
(Tell yourself)
No belle du jour, no femme fatale, just tell yourself
(Tell yourself)
Tell yourself

Tell yourselves there's nothin' worse
Than the pain inside and the way it hurts
(Tell yourself)
Tell yourself it's nothing new 'cause everybody feels it too, they feel it too
And there's just no gettin' 'round the fact that you're thirteen right now