Released: 2024
Lindsay Ell’s ‘Story I Tell Myself’ is a heartfelt anthem about self-doubt and the struggle to overcome negative self-perception. The song explores the internal battle of feeling unworthy and the desire to change one’s own narrative.
In the opening lines, Lindsay describes days when she feels inadequate and gets stuck in a cycle of overthinking. ‘Taking the wheel’ refers to trying to control her thoughts, but she finds herself ‘stuck in the mud’, a country phrase for being unable to move forward.
The ‘devil I know’ is a common phrase meaning a familiar, but unfavorable situation. Lindsay uses it to describe her negative self-talk, which she acknowledges isn’t good for her. Yet, she keeps ‘running uphill’, or struggling, until she’s exhausted.
She questions what it would feel like to believe in herself, indicating her self-doubt is rooted in insecurity. She acknowledges her pride can sometimes hinder her healing, especially when something ‘cuts so deep’, or hurts her profoundly.
The chorus is a powerful admission of her struggle with self-worth. She’s tired of telling herself she’s undeserving, especially when she’s doing well. The ‘lies’ are her negative thoughts, which don’t hold up when she’s succeeding, but still hurt to hear.
In the second verse, Lindsay asserts she’s worthy of better and acknowledges her past mistakes. She realizes that being vulnerable isn’t a risk when there’s no benefit in staying broken. This shows her growing understanding of the need for self-acceptance.
The bridge of the song shows Lindsay’s desire to change her narrative. She wants to see ‘what the other side looks like’, or experience life without self-doubt. She wishes she could ‘rewrite the story’ she tells herself, showing her longing for self-love and acceptance.
In the final chorus, Lindsay repeats her struggle with self-worth, emphasizing her exhaustion and the pain it causes. She ends the song on a hopeful note, asserting that she knows it’ll be alright and expressing her desire to step into the light, or embrace positivity and self-love.
