The lyrics of "Ugly" by Nicole Dollanganger convey a message of empathy and acceptance towards someone who feels insecure about their body. The narrator promises to confront the people who have ridiculed and humiliated them, while reminding the listener that they are beautiful and deserving of love regardless of their perceived flaws.

Meaning of "Ugly" by Nicole Dollanganger

The lyrics of "Ugly" delve into the theme of body dysmorphia and self-image, addressing the pain and insecurity that comes with feeling unattractive and unworthy. The narrator listens and validates the concerns of the person they are speaking to, promising to defend them against those who have belittled them. The repetition of the line "Anything that is beautiful, people want to break" highlights the toxic societal tendency to tear down those who embody beauty, reinforcing misguided standards and expectations. The narrator expresses their own fear of losing the person they love due to their insecurity, emphasizing that their beauty is not defined by their physical appearance but rather by their essence. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of trust in a relationship, with the narrator encouraging the listener to trust their perception of their own body rather than the criticism of others. In doing so, "Ugly" encourages acceptance" style="color:inherit; font-weight:900; background-color: #ebfbd3;">self-acceptance and challenges the damaging narratives surrounding beauty.