The Meaning Behind The Song: This Is Me by Keala Settle

Title: The Resilience and Empowerment in Keala Settle’s “This Is Me”

Table of Contents

The Introduction

In the world of music, a song that’s capable of becoming an anthem is considered a masterpiece. Such is the case for Keala Settle’s “This Is Me” that premiered in the 2017 musical film “The Greatest Showman”. The infectious melody that croons about resilience, self-acceptance, and empowerment was an instant hit, garnering numerous accolades and nominations, including the prestigious Academy Award nomination. In this article, we will delve deeper into the creation and meaning behind the song, and how it inspires people, especially those who feel like outcasts.

The Origin of the Song

The song was written by songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also composed the music for “The Greatest Showman”. Upon hearing the concept of the movie, they immediately began working on the songs, one of which was “This Is Me”. According to the duo, they wrote the song in roughly two-and-a-half hours based on the idea of “let your freak flag fly”. The goal was to create an anthem that empowers people to embrace themselves and their differences.

The Lyrics and Meaning

The opening lyrics, “I am not a stranger to the dark / Hide away, they say / ‘Cause we don’t want your broken parts” depicts the struggles of being an outcast. It portrays how people would often try to suppress their true selves just to fit in and avoid ridicule. However, the chorus of the song, “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” symbolizes resilience, strength, and acceptance despite being “different”.

The message behind the song is universal. It encourages people to embrace their flaws and appreciate their uniqueness, rather than hiding behind a mask. Its empowering lyrics resonate with people across all ages, backgrounds, and gender. Keala Settle, who played the role of Lettie Lutz, the bearded lady, in “The Greatest Showman” did a tremendous job in projecting the song’s meaning. Her emotional rendition of “This is Me” garnered the much-needed attention and gave more life to the song’s meaning.

The Impact and Relevance of the Song

Since its release, “This Is Me” has become an anthem for numerous movements of all sorts. From protests against gender inequality, body shaming and racial discrimination, the song has become a symbol of resilience and acceptance for anyone who identifies themselves as an outcast. The song has also been covered by numerous artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, and even a choral arrangement by “The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.”

In 2018, the song’s impact became more prominent when Keala Settle, Pasek, and Paul performed a heartfelt rendition during the Academy Awards ceremony. It was a memorable moment as the performance turned into a standing ovation, emphasizing the song’s universality and relevance, especially in our current society, where social media’s standard of exceptional beauty and perfection is often unrealistically high.

The Legacy of “This Is Me”

“This Is Me” has become more than just a song. It’s a movement, an embodiment of courage, and a symbol of empowerment. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves to be loved and accepted, no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they come from. The song has left an incredible impact on many people’s lives and sends a powerful message to everyone that it’s okay to be different.

In conclusion, “This Is Me” is far more than just another hit song. It’s a symbol of empowerment, acceptance, and resilience that’s encourages everyone to stand proudly, be true to themselves, and embrace their uniqueness. Its universal message resonates with everyone who has felt like an outcast, urging them to love themselves the way they are and giving them the courage to confront their fears. The song will forever hold a place in our hearts, inspiring us to embrace every aspect of our identities and to find strength in our differences.

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