This Is Me [Kesha]

The song 'This Is Me' from 'The Greatest Showman,' performed by Kesha, is a powerful anthem of self-acceptance and resilience. The lyrics speak to the experience of feeling marginalized and rejected by society due to perceived imperfections or differences. The opening lines, 'I'm not a stranger to the dark / Hide away, they say / 'Cause we don't want your broken parts,' highlight the societal pressure to conform and hide one's true self. The protagonist has learned to be ashamed of their scars and flaws, but the song quickly shifts to a message of defiance and self-empowerment.

The chorus, 'When the sharpest words wanna cut me down / I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out / I am brave, I am bruised / I am who I'm meant to be, this is me,' serves as a declaration of self-worth and courage. The imagery of a flood drowning out harsh words symbolizes the overwhelming force of self-acceptance and the refusal to be diminished by others' judgments. The repetition of 'This is me' reinforces the theme of embracing one's identity without apology.

The song also touches on the collective strength found in community and solidarity. Lines like 'We are bursting through the barricades / And reaching for the sun / We are warriors / Yeah, that's what we've become' suggest a shared journey of overcoming obstacles and striving for a better future. The use of 'we' instead of 'I' emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual support in the face of adversity. Ultimately, 'This Is Me' is a celebration of individuality and the courage to stand tall despite societal pressures, making it a resonant and uplifting anthem for anyone who has ever felt out of place or unworthy.