Verse 1: 

Crowded rooms are a lonely place

She just wants to be invisible

All the pain that she can’t erase,

She’s thinkin’ bout it, wonderin’ why it had to be her 

The words they’ve written on her heart

Forever stainin’ her memory

Their hatred’s tearing her apart

Finding remedy, serenity in her reality, yea

Pre-chorus:

Don’t you know i’m stronger now

Imma break your chains and take em down

You should know (that) i’m a fighter now

Now I own the crown

Chorus:

Words can never take me down

Now I’m ready to make a sound

I’m gonna hold my head up high

Who do you think you are? Cuz this is my life (my life)

(Takin’ back) the right to own it all

You will never ever see me fall

I’m gonna hold my head up high

Who do you think you are? Cuz this is my life (my life)

Verse 2: 

He is just another lonely face

Always looking to be found

All the pain that he can’t erase, he’s

Thinkin’ about it. Wonderin’ why it had to be him

A patch of purple, a patch of gray

Their punches tearing him apart

Bruises that put him in his place

Cuz people think, it’s won’t be cool, if you are not straight

This song, Who Do You Think You Are?, is the first piece I have ever composed, written after careful deliberation and reflection on the many stories I have witnessed, heard, or experienced. Inspired by many events, it is an ode to the story of my close friend who was physically bullied and assaulted during middle school. It also references the cyberbullying and personal attacks that people in the LGBTQ+ community endure on various social media platforms every day. I wanted to address the hardships many people push through and face purely because of their marginalized identity or identities.

Written with a clear vision in my mind, I wished for this song to enable the listener to truly hear what the lyrics are saying, allowing them to walk through the song as if they were the main character, the victim, so they could feel a personal connection to the messages conveyed. The scenes of the verses are where the stories of the victim are told, depicting "crowded rooms" and "bruises" and other imagery that display their mistreatment. It is as if the audience can not only hear but also bear witness to what is happening to the victim and feel their feelings. 

Following the song's progression, a shift in mindset is felt in the pre-chorus, transitioning from hopeless and beaten-down to empowering. During the song's chorus, the victim metaphorically looks into a mirror and tells the people in their world that they have had enough. They have built up their strength and are ready to fight back, not allowing others to hurt or trample over them either physically or mentally anymore.

This piece also ties into one of my artworks, "A Pained Heart," as shown to the left, an illustrated embodiment of the verbal abuse and emotional trauma many dancers face when pursuing their passion or profession. Much of the bullying comes from their peers, but some criticisms also originate from their instructors. I wanted to write a song that was a source of strength to those who have been bullied or abused in any way, making it an anthem that embodies power and resilience. The internet has created a fantastic place to meet new people and keep in touch with friends. However, with the rise of social media, not everyone uses online platforms for good. In fact, statistics show that cyberbullying has more than doubled since 2007. According to the CDC, those who have been victims of bullying and cyberbullying are more likely to have social, mental health, and behavior problems. It also affects their ability to learn and feel safe at school. This song is intended to be a safe space and point of strength for those trapped in negativity.