by Emily Medlock

Welcome back to another Behind the Lyrics! This week, we’re looking at the whole family. Who knew picking a song from a new animated movie could be so difficult? The new kids’ movie UglyDolls will be releasing on May 3. It may seem like just another Troll movie, but judging by the soundtrack, the message is one that young people need to hear. I hope that it lives up to expectations. But if not, at least we’re left with an uplifting soundtrack.

Before we begin, I want to say that “Unbreakable” by Janelle Monáe & Kelly Clarkson is also a winner here, and so are Kelly Clarkson’s other songs on the soundtrack. I’ll be adding the entire soundtrack to my Spotify list this week! So let me know your favorite!

Anyway, the song I’ve chosen to cover is “Don’t Change” by Why Don’t We (a sweet, very young new boy band) because it has a few things I wanted to go over. So, let’s begin!

All night, all night
You’ve been in your mind
We were supposed to be leaving
But you keep overthinking

Overthinking. It gets us into so much trouble and even further from God. Instincts are a powerful thing that should only be wavered by the peace or nudging hand of God. Contemplation and mediation is crucial, but overthinking on your own is dangerous.

Everything you try
Try, oh, it’s not right
One doubt then another
Another something to cover

Who hasn’t been here? Especially as a woman in today’s society. You have one of those days where you just feel…less than perfect. Nothing looks right. We are told that inner beauty is where it counts, but how easy is it to always remember that?

You’re in the mirror, but you’re not seeing yourself
Just seeing all the ways you could be someone else
I know you feel sometimes like you’re not good enough
You’re not the only one

These literal lyrics reflect so much. The only reason people are so judgmental of others is that they are secretly ten times harsher on themselves. They reflect what they feel inside. We will always be our own worst judge.

All I’m tryna say is don’t change
Every part of you is just right, don’t change
Not a single curve or one line
So why cover up your flaws?

Now here is where some people get mixed up. When someone says “don’t change” they don’t mean never try to be better. They mean don’t change who God made you to appease the world. Don’t cover up your quirks and don’t ignore your faults. If we ignore our faults, we only make them worse, not better. In order to improve, we have to face things for what they are. And our physical flaws only make us more unique, it takes someone looking through unfiltered eyes to see that.

It’s hard, it’s hard
When you’re in the dark
Tryna see things clearly
Yeah, I felt how you’re feeling
All of the stress, pressure
All in pursuit of perfection
Wish we knew that imperfections
Make you an exception

We will never be self-aware enough to see ourselves through God’s (or even our loved ones’) eyes. Looking in the mirror might as well be trying to see ourselves in the dark. While others notice your eyes and your smile, you notice your wrinkles, your dress size, and the way your nose isn’t perfectly straight. The pursuit of perfection will only bring discontent. Everyone feels inadequate at times, everyone feels like an UglyDoll inside and out sometimes, but don’t let those moments define you. Let God and the way that He made you define you. Every part about you is as it should be.

Songs like “More Beautiful You” by Jonny Diaz have touched upon this topic, but far too often, the Christian community ignores it. We are precious in His eyes, but we are quick to teach children that they are flawed and sinful. We do sin every day, but it’s important to remember to love ourselves and not begin to self-loathe.

Watch the boys now:

Maybe one day, young girls will look in the mirror and see themselves the way God does. If only we could see the world through His eyes, how different would it be? Changing our perspective of ourselves also changes our perspective of the world, others, and generally will make us more loving, accepting, and genuine people.

Thanks for reading this week! If you have a song that you’d like me to cover, let me know in the comments below! It doesn’t matter what genre as long as it has touched your heart.

Emily Medlock is a freelance writer who specializes in video games, movies, viral content, Christianity, music and YouTube video scripts. Visit her online at emilymedlock.com/blog.