Lyrics
Little girl, watching her reflection
Observing a young girl looking at her own reflection.
As she parts her curls into four sections
She's dividing her hair into four parts.
She says, I don't look like them, I don't look like her
Expressing dissatisfaction with her appearance compared to others.
And I don't want what's on my head
Doesn't want what's naturally on her head, possibly referring to her hair.
But baby girl, don't be mislead
Advising the girl not to be misled by these feelings.
Yeah, yeah
Reiterated encouragement or affirmation.
Young woman reading magazines
Describing a young woman reading magazines.
Thinking to herself, nobody looks like me
Feeling that her appearance doesn't match societal standards.
Oh, I've got all these curves, all this nerve
Recognizing her physical attributes and questioning relationship success.
Why can't I keep a man?
Questioning why she can't maintain a romantic relationship.
But baby girl, if you love yourself you can
Encouraging self-love as a path to relationship success.
Can't nobody love somebody that do not love themselves
Stating that self-love is crucial for receiving love from others.
You are what you choose to be
Emphasizing personal agency in shaping one's identity.
It's not up to no one else
Asserting that one's identity isn't determined by others.
So be great, be kind
Encouraging greatness and kindness.
Don't let them dim your light
Advising against letting others diminish one's spirit.
A woman, like a sun should always stay bright
Comparing a woman's brightness to that of the sun, implying she should always shine.
Little boy sitting in the bleachers (ha)
Depicting a young boy seated in the stands or seating area.
Staring at, at his dirty sneakers
Looking at his untidy sneakers.
Thinking my shoes don't shine
Believing his shoes lack the shine.
Money is tight, I would never get a date
Expressing financial constraints and its impact on dating.
But baby boy, that's not what it takes (ooh)
Reassuring the boy that material possessions aren't crucial for relationships.
Young man, always at the center
Describing a young man who's often in the spotlight.
Finding ways to make his arms look bigger
Engaging in activities to appear physically stronger.
Saying, you see those guys?
Comparing himself to others who attract attention from girls.
They get all the girls, I just want to be like them
Expressing a desire to emulate those who receive attention.
But baby boy, you're spreading yourself thin
Advising him not to stretch himself too thin by trying to be someone else.
'Cause can't nobody love somebody that do not love themselves
Reiterating the importance of self-love for attracting love from others.
You are what you choose to be
Emphasizing personal agency in defining oneself.
It's not up to no one else
Stating that one's identity isn't dictated by external factors.
So be great, be kind
Encouraging greatness and kindness.
Don't let them dim your light
Advising against allowing others to diminish one's inner light.
'Cause a man, like a sun should always stay bright (ooh)
Comparing a man's brightness to that of the sun, suggesting he should always shine.
Yes, you are like the sun so always stay bright
Reaffirming the analogy of being radiant like the sun.
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