as little girls we idolize the princesses
we want to wear the pretty dresses 
and sing the love songs
waiting for our prince to rescue us
to lift us onto the back of his horse
and ride off into the sunset

but after the prince confesses
his undying love
he doesn’t recognize us when we 
try on the shoe that fits
or he quickly looks aside and chooses 
the one who stole our voice

we are told we need to be patient
and wait for the man to save us
that we need to be pretty enough
to make him want us
to come to the ball in a fancy gown
and smile

this is a lie and is meant to hold us down
we need to teach our little girls
to stand up and support each other
to sing their own songs 
to learn that the beauty that matters
is on the inside

little girl and disappointed woman
it is you that matters
wear your favorite t-shirt and speak your truth
you do not need a man to save you
you need to love yourself
and live your wonderful life

stop singing someday my prince will come
he may or may not
but I can tell you that the one who truly loves you
will lift you up not to save you
but to admire what makes you unique and strong
you don’t have to be a princess