[Verse 1]
Mama hung clothes on the line
While the sea talked back to the shore
I learned to keep my chin high
Even when I wanted more
Boys in the lane had loud mouths
Girls with eyes like cut glass
I smiled and I held my breath
Let the hard days pass
[Pre-Chorus]
But my name sat on my tongue
Like a song I couldn't say
I was never made for hiding
I was born this way
[Chorus]
Let me be
Let me be
Under this sun, let me breathe
Let me be
Let me be
Love is still love in me
(Still love in me)
[Verse 2]
Grandma said, "Walk brave, child"
While she salted the red fish stew
I wore my best church face
Then I broke right through
First time I loved somebody
I felt thunder in my chest
Whole town said "be careful now"
I said "I know what's best"
[Pre-Chorus]
My heart don't need permission
From the mouth of a crowded street
I was never made for shrinking
I was born to speak
[Chorus]
Let me be
Let me be
Under this sun, let me breathe
Let me be
Let me be
Love is still love in me
(Still love in me)
[Bridge]
Now I dance with my whole name
On my skin like gold
Every scar became a road
Every tear grew bold
If they ask me where I'm from
Tell them right where I stand
Little queer child of the islands
With the truth in my hand
[Chorus]
Let me be
Let me be
Under this sun, let me breathe
Let me be
Let me be
Love is still love in me
(Still love in me)