“This is Me” is a song made popular by the blockbuster film, The Greatest Showman. The song’s lyrics are a narrative on societal influences on a person’s self-esteem, self-worth and personal growth. The song takes listeners on a journey from deep despair and suffering (“hide away, they say, 'cause we don't want your broken parts”) to resilience, strength, self-compassion, and self-acceptance (“look out 'cause here I come, and I'm marching on to the beat I drum”).

Each verse describes the ways in which others discredit and invalidate a person based on appearance and personal characteristics.

Throughout the beautifully structured lyrics, listeners are introduced to strength-based mantras, like “I won’t let them break me down to dust” and “I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies, this is me”. These lyrics fill the listener with hope and confidence, matching the songs’ ever-growing anthem-like melodic phrasing and rhythms.

Musically, the song begins with sparse melodic backing and choral support. As the song continues and the lyrics become increasingly strong and confident, so too does the soaring melodies, instrumental support and rhythmic intensity.

While this song is important for clients of varying presenting issues, the lyrics and melody together are especially impactful for clients of diversity, who may feel marginalized, oppressed or devalued, including clients with body image issues, LGBQA and gender minorities, multicultural and cross-cultural populations, and those varying ability and disability statuses. Additionally, the song may be used for increasing radical self-acceptance for clients struggling with trauma or PTSD. Particularly impactful lyrics include “I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be, this is me”.

The song is helpful in reinforcing empowerment, strength-based mantras and positive self-talk for clients with low self-esteem. It can be used in individual counseling sessions, to help the client remind themselves of their worth and value. It may also be used in group settings, where counselors may choose to dissect the lyrics and engage clients in processing the song lyrics and how the lyrics might relate to their own lives. Additionally, the song contains no inappropriate or sensitive language for children, so this can be used in school settings as well. It is an appropriate song to use in conjunction with a school’s anti-bullying campaign, classroom guidance lesson or small group counseling setting.