This Is Me by Keala Settle Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Anthem of Resilience and Identity

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Keala Settle's This Is Me at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

I am not a stranger to the dark
“Hide away,” they say
“‘Cause we don’t want your broken parts”
I’ve learned to be ashamed of all my scars
“Run away,” they say
“No one’ll love you as you are”

But I won’t let them break me down to dust
I know that there’s a place for us
For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh

Another round of bullets hits my skin
Well, fire away ’cause today, I won’t let the shame sink in
We are bursting through the barricades and
Reaching for the sun (we are warriors)
Yeah, that’s what we’ve become (yeah, that’s what we’ve become)

I won’t let them break me down to dust
I know that there’s a place for us
For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
This is me

(Oh-oh-oh-oh) and I know that I deserve your love
(Oh-oh-oh-oh) there’s nothing I’m not worthy of
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out
This is brave, this is bruised
This is who I’m meant to be, this is me

Look out ’cause here I come (look out ’cause here I come)
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum (marching on, marching, marching on)
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Whenever the words wanna cut me down (oh-oh-oh-oh)
I’ll send a flood to drown ’em out (oh, oh-oh, oh-oh)
I’m gonna send a flood (oh-oh-oh-oh)
Gonna drown them ’em out (oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)
Oh
This is me

In the pantheon of songs that stir the soul, few can stand toe-to-toe with Keala Settle’s ‘This Is Me’ for its unapologetic portrayal of self-acceptance and resilience. Propelled into the zeitgeist by the juggernaut that is ‘The Greatest Showman’, the track isn’t just a soundtrack standout – it’s become a clarion call for diversity and defiance against the face of adversity.

Cloaked in the majesty of Settle’s vocal prowess, ‘This Is Me’ serves as a musical banner for anyone who’s ever felt marginalized. Its lyrics offer more than just catchy turns-of-phrase; they deliver impactful narratives about struggle, strength, and the human condition. Through the lens of keen analysis, we delve into the essence of this battle cry and what makes it resonate with listeners worldwide.

A Roar in the Silence: The Resonant Call of ‘This Is Me’

In the opening lines, ‘This Is Me’ takes us into the shadowed experiences of those pushed to the darker corners of society’s gaze. The song wastes no time immersing the listener into the narrator’s world – one where difference is admonished and hidden away. Rejecting the shame traditionally heaped upon those who don’t conform, Settle’s electrifying delivery challenges the status quo and champions the outcast.

The pre-chorus burgeoning with self-assurance, amplifies the fundamental message: there is a place for everyone, regardless of their scars and bruises. This message of inclusivity is a repetitive hammer strike against the anvil of societal norms, forging a new narrative of beauty and strength drawn from diversity and adversity.

The Beat of a Different Drum: Empowering Individuality Through Rhythm

‘I am who I’m meant to be, this is me’ – a simple yet emphatic declaration set against a backdrop of propulsive percussion encapsulates the spirit of individualism at the song’s core. Here, Settle characterizes identity not as a static state but as an ever-evolving journey, acknowledging the past bruises but steadfastly facing the future with bravery.

The beat to which the protagonist marches is emblematic of the heartbeat of every listener who has ever dared to be different. The drumbeat acts as an auditory metaphor for the defiance of walking one’s own path, irrespective of the cacophony of doubt and derision that may surround them.

The Hidden Meaning: Soaring Beyond the Lyrics to Shattered Barriers

‘We are bursting through the barricades and reaching for the sun’ – this line is not merely about breaking physical constraints but also the societal and psychological barriers that inhibit growth. The song touches on the essence of the human spirit, which seeks to transcend limitations and actualize its potential.

The hidden meaning within ‘This Is Me’ lies not in individual triumph, but collective emancipation. It is an acknowledgment that the journey to self-discovery and acceptance often comes with the support of a community, a fellowship of warriors who empower one another to embrace their ‘glorious’ truths.

Echoes of Triumph: The Most Memorable Lines of ‘This Is Me’

‘When the sharpest words wanna cut me down, I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out’ – this line embodies the essence of resilience that ‘This Is Me’ represents. It’s not only about withstanding criticism but overwhelming it with an undeniable force of character and conviction.

Another line that rings long after the song ends, ‘And I know that I deserve your love, there’s nothing I’m not worthy of’ removes the power from external validation and places it firmly within the self. It is a potent reminder that the love one deserves comes not from others, but from self-realization and self-respect.

Defiance in Harmony: The Cultural Impact of ‘This Is Me’

From its powerful performance at the Oscars to its adoption by various social movements, ‘This Is Me’ has transcended its cinematic origins to become a modern-day diversity anthem. It’s a song that has seeped into the crevices of cultural consciousness, becoming a voice for those who have long been silenced.

As a testament to the song’s universal appeal, ‘This Is Me’ continues to be re-interpreted and celebrated across the globe, underscoring the universal desire for acceptance and the courage to assert one’s identity. By giving voice to the voiceless, Keala Settle’s performance extends an empowering message that continues to resonate and inspire.