Smaller Than This

Sara Kays' song 'Smaller Than This' delves into the deeply personal and often painful struggle with body image and self-acceptance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's daily battle with her own perception of her body. Waking up early to run and skipping meals are portrayed as attempts to achieve an ideal body size, driven by a relentless internal pressure. The line 'I'm chasing a body I know that I'll never outrun' poignantly captures the futility and exhaustion of this pursuit, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on her well-being.

The chorus reveals a haunting refrain: 'I'll always wish I was smaller than this.' This line encapsulates the persistent dissatisfaction and self-criticism that many people experience regarding their bodies. The act of 'pulling at my skin' symbolizes the constant scrutiny and desire to change one's appearance, reflecting a deeper fear of never being able to accept oneself. The repetition of 'I wish I was smaller' underscores the intensity of these feelings and the longing for a different reality.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of isolation and frustration. Despite setting goals and working hard to achieve them, the artist feels no different, perpetuating a cycle of self-doubt and disappointment. The acknowledgment that 'I know that it's not true but I feel like I'm the only one' speaks to the common yet isolating nature of body image struggles. Sara Kays' raw and honest lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever felt inadequate or trapped by societal standards of beauty, making 'Smaller Than This' a powerful anthem for self-acceptance and understanding.