Released in 1975 as part of their “Horizon” album, “Love Me For What I Am” by The Carpenters is a poignant ballad that explores themes of acceptance, authenticity, and the complexities of relationships.
The song’s gentle melody and Karen Carpenter’s emotive vocals create a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere. It tells the story of a relationship where one person feels pressured to change to meet the other’s expectations. The lyrics express a plea for unconditional love and understanding, emphasizing the importance of embracing individuality.
The song’s themes resonate with audiences of all ages, as it touches on universal experiences of feeling misunderstood or pressured to conform. It encourages listeners to celebrate their unique qualities and seek relationships that nurture their authentic selves. “Love Me For What I Am” serves as a reminder that true love is based on acceptance rather than attempting to mold someone into an idealized image.
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Lyrics
We fell in love On the first night that we met Together we’ve been happy I have very few regrets
The ordinary problems Have not been hard to face But lately little changes Have been slowly taking place
You’re always finding something Is wrong in what I do But you can’t rearrange my life Because it pleases you
You’ve got to love me for what I am For simply being me Don’t love me for what you intend Or hope that I will be
And if you’re only using me To feed your fantasy You’re really not in love So let me go, I must be free
If what you want Isn’t natural for me I won’t pretend to keep you What I am I have to be
The picture of perfection Is only in your mind For all your expectations Love can never be designed
We either take each other For everything we are Or leave the life we’ve made behind And make another start
You’ve got to love me for what I am For simply being me Don’t love me if what you intend Or hope that I will be
And if you’re only using me To feed your fantasy You’re really not in love So let me go, I must be free
And if you’re only using me To feed your fantasy You’re really not in love So let me go, I must be free
You’re really not in love So let me go, I must be free
