Golden Girl

An original song. Penned on 11.11.19

Golden girl…golden girl

Know it’s safe to be just who you are

You’ll always be our golden girl

The phrase ‘golden girl’ was originally a thought that came into my mind as I walked to work one morning. It was supposed to describe a golden-haired girl who shone from inside and out, and touched everybody who came into her presence. An event occurred that changed the focus of the lyrics. Instead of golden-haired, my subject became golden metaphorically. A trophy, untouchable, infallible. We’ve all had the fear of disappointing people who we love.

Your light is a gentle glow

Reflecting on your world

Don’t go and hide away

This golden girl

I decided to keep the concept of the subject’s contagious presence, but play with the idea of light and dark. A shining girl hiding her light away due to shame or guilt.

Careful with her heart

Lonely, quiet, steady

Steals your breath

Can’t catch her own

The idea of perfection is a lonely one. You can only appear to be perfect if you don’t let anything slip. No mistakes can be made. When you do mess up, you can’t let anyone know about your mistakes. It’s stifling.

Pedestals are high, it’s a long way down

Even at that height, still afraid to drown

The waters are rough, and the wind is strong

There were hands here to hold you all along

Continuing to use imagery to portray the isolation of perfection, I wanted to emphasize that no matter how well a person seems to be doing, there’s always a fear of succumbing to their facade. If they would only accept the arms and hearts that say, “We love you even if you’ve made a mess” they wouldn’t feel so alone.

My heart was moved and hurting for a friend who struggled with her imperfections and guilt. In fact, I know so many of my friends who struggle. I, myself, hide away my flaws and faults so that I don’t have to face the disappointment of my peers. I’ve been lucky to meet a handful of people who I know I can turn to without fear of judgment. Maybe because we have shared enough of life together to know that no matter what happens we’re no better than the other.