Little girls are born into a world Where their bodies are a tool to please Your face and every action, Every placement of a word or leg to be approved You'll learn to do you best, to score top marks in every test And all regardless of the cost (They say) It takes a village, if that's true Then this is what I'll teach to you You don't owe the world pretty You don't owe anyone perfect You just do what you can, and You don't owe the world pretty Little one you're going to need and little one you're going to bleed And you'll be taught that it's a shame, To hide the pain and do whatever keeps you most appealing You'll learn to bear disgrace, to keep the peace and know your place But darling, you can set your own pace (They say) I wish I'd known what I know now I'll pass it on to you somehow You don't owe the world pretty You don't owe anyone perfect You just do what you can, and You don't owe the world pretty If you can make and shape an outline you can call your own, your home Then all you need to build this Thing, no armored prince, no diamond ring Just you You don't owe the world pretty You don't owe anyone perfect You just do what you can, and You don't owe the world pretty