Relient K Philosophy (2)

I want to preface the following Relient K song with some of my own philosophy.

I believe everyone wants to be different: special, unique, better (or even worse) than any-and-everybody. It is obvious that people want to be better than others; and how many times has someone you know pointed out something they are really bad at (for example: i pride myself in my inability to cook... stuff like that); and there is no doubt that being "special" is something we are all taught by our parents, veggie tales, hollywood, and probably even the Bible. It is true that everyone is made different, but in light of some of the psychology classes i've taken, it is also obvious how similar we all are.

Yet we all want to be accepted or understood by others. The reason for this is mainly because we know if someone understands us, they will probably like us more (obviously this isn't universally the case); but people will go out of their way to be liked by others because they are afraid of being misunderstood... it is this fear that drives people into submitting to foolish peer pressure. On the other side of this coin, most of you should be able to agree with me from experience, that those who love us the most are those that understand us the most... and those whom we love the most we understand better than anybody. It is this being understood that can free someone to be themselves and cause intimacy (and i'm not only talking about a guy and a girl, but also a mom and daughter, or a dog and owner, etc).

This brings me to my favorite Relient K song throughout high school:

I Am Understood

Sometimes it's embarrassing to talk to you

To hold a conversation with the only one who sees right through

This version of myself i try to hide behind

I'll bury my face... because my disgrace... will leave me terrified

And sometimes i'm so thankful for your loyalty

Your love regardless of the mistakes i make will spoil me

My confidence is, in a sense, a gift you've give me

And i'm satisfied to realize you're all i'll ever need

You looked into my life and never stopped

And you're thinking all my thoughts

Are so simple

But so beautiful

And you recite my words right back to me

Before i even speak

You let me know... i am understood

And sometimes i spend my time just trying to escape

I work so hard, so desperately, in an attempt to create space

Cuz i want distance from the utmost important thing i know

I see your love... then turn my back... and beg for you to go

You looked into my life and never stopped

And you're thinking all my thoughts

Are so simple

But so beautiful

And you recite my words right back to me

Before i even speak

You let me know... i am understood

You're the only one who understands... completely

You're the only one who knows me yet still loves completely

And sometimes the place i'm at is at a loss for words

If i think of something worthy i know that it's already yours

And through the times i've faded and you've outlined me again

You've just patiently waited to bring me back and then...

You looked into my life and never stopped

And you're thinking all my thoughts

Are so simple

But so beautiful

And you recite my words right back to me

Before i even speak

You let me know... i am understood

The noise has broken my defense

Let me embrace salvation

Your voice has broken my defense

Let me embrace salvation