Scars To Your Beautiful i love you Just The Way You Are – Just Like Fire, Follow Your Arrow!

Our modem died a glorious death on Friday, so until our internet provider sends a new modem, we’re subjected to utilizing our phone data to be connected to the outside world. I know, you’re all jealous of the fun we’re having utilizing our tiny phone screens to do stuff that’s become an every day event, aren’t you? 😉 Meanwhile, Monday has arrived – and you know that Monday means music!

For the month of January, our Spotlight Dancer is our friend and fabulous co-hostess of Monday’s Music Moves Me, our very own Cathy of Curious as a CAThy! The theme selected for this week is “National Compliment Day offer a nice compliment to your readers or dance partners through song.” Let’s get this complimentary party started!

Let’s start with a powerful, positive message imparted in this 2016 pop hit: you are valid, worthy, beautiful, and enough — just the way you are. The woman profiled in the song is one who seeks a flawless CoverGirl image, but her quest for outer perfection inflicts wounds on both her body and spirit.

The narrator encourages her to look deeper to the lasting beauty that emanates within:

But there’s a hope that’s waiting for you in the dark / You should know you’re beautiful just the way you are / And you don’t have to change a thing / The world could change its heart / No scars to your beautiful; we’re stars, and we’re beautiful.

You, my friends, are all beautiful.

Give a listen to Alessia Cara with “Scars to Your Beautiful”:

Next up, although the girl he loves can’t take a compliment, this 2010 rock song’s narrator showers her with them. He describes how amazingly beautiful she is and pleads with her not to change a thing.

I feel the same way about all of you – do not change a thing.

Get ready for goosebumps, here’s Bruno Mars with “Just The Way You Are”:

Next up, this pop hit from 2016 features a woman who is struggling to retain her individuality although she feels surrounded by clowns. She relishes her uniqueness: “No one can be just like me anyway.” In spite of naysayers, she advocates trying to make a difference in the world, even if one’s time in the sun is brief.

You are all unique and fabulous!

Here’s the inimitable P!nk with “Just Like Fire”:

Last, but certainly not least, this is a reminder – don’t listen too much to others. They’ll give you conflicting messages, and you’ll just wind up confused and unhappy. This 2012 country song recommends that you instead follow your arrow, wherever that may lead:

Say what you feel / Love who you love / ‘Cause you just get / So many trips ’round the sun

Be sure to continue following your arrow!

Here’s Kacey Musgraves with “Follow Your Arrow”:

That’s a wrap for this week – see you on the dance floor!

Now on to the particulars of Monday’s Music Move’s Me:  

I have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohort, the awesome Cathy from Curious as a CAThy, Callie of JAmerican Spice, and Alana of Ramblin’ with AM!

Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it and link up – don’t forget to grab Xmas Dolly…er, um, I mean her button…over at her place here. Check out Xmas Dolly’s sidebar for the random themes we sport each week – and you can always ask for a specific theme of music you like, too. Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!