Blogocentric Formulations

2018 Anthem

For anyone who needs a little inspiration to start 2018. Pasek and Paul are quickly becoming two of my favorite working songwriters; their recent credit include the music in critically-acclaimed movie La La Land, the award-winning Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen, and, most recently, the songs in the film The Greatest Showman.

I haven't seen the film yet, but I've been listening to this song pretty much nonstop since it was released. I think it's incredibly inspiring, and a reminder that you shouldn't be afraid to be who you are. Whether it's your writing or you as a person, it can sometimes seem like the world wants to convince you that you're not good enough and should be ashamed of your imperfections. But the truth is that all of your experiences - the successes and the scars - make you who you are, and you should be proud of that.

So if you need a little pick-me-up in the new year... if you're ever in a place where you're doubting yourself or wondering if you should continue... remember that it's okay to march to the beat of your own drum, and that you should never be afraid to show people who you really are.

I'm not a stranger to the dark
Hide away, they say
'Cause we don't want your broken parts
I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars
Run away, they say
No one will love you as you are

But I won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious

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
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Another round of bullets hits my skin
Well, fire away 'cause today, I won't let the shame sink in
We are bursting through the barricades
And reach above the sun (we are warriors)
Yeah, that's what we'll become

Won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
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
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

...This is me

And I know that I deserve your love
There's nothing I'm not worthy of
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
This is brave, this is proof
This is who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come (look out 'cause here I come)
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (marching on, marching, marching on)
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

I'm gonna send a flood
Gonna drown them out
(...this is me)