Ugly

Nicole Dollanganger's song 'Ugly' is a poignant exploration of self-esteem, body image, and the cruelty often inflicted by societal standards. The lyrics reveal a deeply intimate conversation between two people, where one is confiding their insecurities and the other is offering unconditional love and support. The song's narrative is a powerful reminder of the emotional scars that bullying and body shaming can leave on an individual. Dollanganger's gentle yet haunting voice adds an extra layer of vulnerability to the song, making the listener feel the raw emotions being expressed.

The recurring line, 'Anything that is beautiful, people want to break,' serves as a central metaphor in the song. It suggests that society has a tendency to destroy what it finds beautiful, perhaps out of jealousy or a desire to conform to narrow standards of beauty. This line is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the tragic reality that beauty often attracts negative attention and harm. The singer's fear for their loved one, who they see as beautiful, underscores the protective instinct and the pain of seeing someone you care about suffer.

Dollanganger's lyrics also touch on the theme of unconditional love. Despite the subject's self-loathing and shame, the singer reassures them that they are loved and perfect in any form. This message is a powerful counter-narrative to the harmful comments and societal pressures that the subject faces. The song ultimately serves as a comforting balm for anyone who has ever felt 'ugly' or unworthy, reminding them that true beauty lies in the eyes of those who love them unconditionally.