More Than Skin Deep

I'd like for my value to be more than skin deep
But it seems that's a foolish request

I wish that I saw myself how everyone sees
But my bar is stuck higher than the rest

I'm tired of squeezing myself in a mold, I'm tired of
Dreading the day I grow old
And wrinkles that should tell a million stories
Instead are the reason they ignore me

The years of my youth are slowly slipping by
And my image is closely related

I'm stuck in a body that makes me want to cry
Yet I envy what years ago I hated

Cause I tried to love myself since I was 13
But I'll never be like what I see on my screen
Cause the standard's impossible, and everyone knows
And yet the dysphoria grows

They say beauty comes in any shape or size
And sell us "fixes" to be easy on the eyes

I'm sick and I'm tired of their pandering lies
And I wish I didn't worry all the time

I'd like for my value to be more than skin deep
For what's inside to be more worthwhile
I like being creative, I'm a night owl when I sleep
And I really like making people smile

I've never fit in almost anywhere
But frankly, I don't really care, somewhat

I like being different, but that doesn't apply
To my looks, somehow

I'm more than an object; I'm a human being
And that's alright with me
I'm more than an object; I'm a human being
And that's how it should be

I'm more than a flower to be plucked at the stem
Where the rare beauties prosper
And the weeds are poisoned
I know it takes time to accept all my flaws

But maybe my self esteem's not a lost cause

I'd like for my value to be more than skin deep
And one day, for me, it can be