Take Me As I Am

Take Me As I Am: Response to Prompt #70: Doo-Wop

This prompt was eye-opening, although I should have clued into the fact that the era of Doo Wop would produce a lot of songs by male groups pinning away for the love of a girl, even many female groups hoping and praying for the love of a man. And while there's nothing inherently wrong with that, I was looking for something with a little more teeth. Then, I came across a song sung by the Chantels, "Take Me As I Am." I had a hard time finding lyrics, then discovered it was written by Eddie Jones and recorded by the Demens. While it was fun to listen to both, there is something nitty gritty about the Chantels version that really resonated with me. I think perhaps it's a braver message coming from a woman--then and unfortunately even now.  See what it inspired below. 

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Dear Girl,

Never change yourself to fit into someone else's mold; you weren't born to conform, to be limited to one form for too long.  

Don't you dare fold yourself up into a neat little package for others; you are a gift to the world just the way you are. 

There will be plenty of people trying to change you, plenty of forces at work against you; hoist your shield of individuality. 

Your strength and power lie in your uniqueness, your willingness to stand alone even when you're tempted to join the masses. 

Shout it out, loud and clear--take me as I am--because the way you are is perfect. 

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Listen to Take Me As I Am by the Chantels here . And for fun, here's a version by the Demens.