Francesca Battistelli - Free To Be Me Lyrics
Released: 17 Mar 2009
Lyrics
At twenty years of age
I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged
For my destiny
But you've already won the battle
And you've got great plans for me
Though I can't always see
'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me
When I was just a girl
I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right
And I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt
'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me
And you're free to be you
Sometimes I believe
That I can do anything
Yet other times I think
I've got nothing good to bring
But you look at my heart and you tell me
That I've got all you seek
And it's easy to believe
Even though
'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me
Video
Francesca Battistelli - Free To Be Me (Official Music Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Francesca Battistelli's "Free To Be Me," released on March 17, 2009, as part of her EP *Free To Be Me (Studio Series Performance Track)*, is a powerful anthem of self-acceptance rooted in divine love and purpose. The song grapples with the universal human struggle of imperfection and the yearning for identity, particularly during the formative years of early adulthood, as articulated by the opening lines reflecting on the age of twenty and the nascent pursuit of dreams. Battistelli beautifully captures the internal conflict of feeling flawed – metaphorically depicted by "a couple dents in my fender" and "a couple rips in my jeans" – while simultaneously acknowledging a higher power's complete knowledge and acceptance. This isn't about striving for an unattainable perfection that becomes an obstacle to authenticity; instead, the song champions the liberation found in recognizing one's inherent worth, not as a product of self-effort, but as a gift bestowed by a loving Creator. The profound realization is that true freedom to be oneself blossoms not from trying to piece together a perfect facade, but from resting on the strength and perspective offered by the divine, as the lyrics suggest, "On my own I'm so clumsy, but on your shoulders I can see."
The lyrical narrative delves into the deceptive nature of youthful certainty, where initial assumptions about life's path often collide with reality, leading to doubt. This vulnerability is met with a comforting assurance that even amidst feelings of inadequacy and the perception of having "nothing good to bring," the divine gaze sees beyond outward appearances to the heart's true value. The repeated declaration, "But you look at my heart and you tell me that I've got all you seek," is a direct echo of God's unfailing love and His ability to see potential and purpose where we might only see flaws. This message resonates deeply with scriptural truths, particularly concerning God's perspective on humanity. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, implying that His understanding of our potential far surpasses our own limited vision. Similarly, 1 Samuel 16:7 teaches that while humans look at outward appearances, the Lord looks at the heart, underscoring Battistelli's central theme of divine acceptance being based on inner truth rather than outward perfection. The song also speaks to the liberating truth found in Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," a foundational verse for anyone struggling with self-judgment. The anthem’s encouragement extends beyond individual acceptance, hinting at a broader freedom for all, as the brief but impactful line "And you're free to be you" suggests a ripple effect of this divinely inspired liberty. Ultimately, "Free To Be Me" is an inspiring testament to finding complete freedom and identity not in self-achievement, but in the steadfast and all-seeing love of God, allowing us to embrace our authentic selves with confidence and grace.