In this the final slice in a series of posts reflecting on the songs of Bruno Mars we’re examining the virtues of his perspective in his song “Just the Way You Are.”

If you need to catch up a bit:
1. Bruno, What’s On Your Mind?
2. Ruins and Regrets
3. 5 Suggestions 4 Living With A Broken Heart
4. Bonding In The Backseat, Breakup In The Bedroom

Just the Way You Are

On Just The Way You Are Bruno Mars wants the object of his affection to know that he thinks she’s beautiful. I don’t think I’ve met a woman who didn’t want to be thought of as beautiful by her loved ones.

Oh, her eyes, her eyes
Make the stars look like they’re not shinin’
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying
She’s so beautiful
And I tell her everyday

It’s one things to believe your beloved is beautiful, it’s altogether wonderful to express your admiration with words. Sadly, many, many women I know don’t see their beauty, believe their admirers or trust their admirers words or perspectives. Bruno knows that and anticipates her response.

I know, I know
When I compliment her she won’t believe me
And it’s so, it’s so
Sad to think that she don’t see what I see
But every time she asks me “Do I look okay?”

I say: Her lips, her lips
I could kiss them all day if she’d let me
Her laugh, her laugh
She hates but I think it’s so sexy
She’s so beautiful
And I tell her everyday

Bruno’s words sound like the words of another poet whose affections spilled from his heart onto the page. That poet wrote:

“You’re so beautiful, my darling,
so beautiful, and your eyes … your hair …Your smile …
all heads turn in awe and admiration!
Your breasts are like fawns …

The sweet, fragrant curves of your body,
You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love,
beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.” 1

See it, Believe it. Say it. Stand by it.

Both poets admire the outward beauty of their beloved, but it goes much deeper. Bruno continues:

Oh you know, you know, you know
I’d never ask you to change
If perfect’s what you’re searching for

Then just stay the same
So don’t even bother asking if you look okay
You know I’ll say

When I see your face
There’s not a thing that I would change
‘Cause you’re amazing
Just the way you are

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
‘Cause girl you’re amazing
Just the way you are

Bruno declares that no matter what she thinks she looks like, he sees her beauty and wants her to see herself through his eyes. The ancient poet feels the same way:

“Your beauty is too much for me — I’m in over my head.
I’m not used to this! I can’t take it in…
There’s no one like her on earth,
never has been, never will be.
She’s a woman beyond compare.” 2

Few women I’ve met when faced with sincere respect and admiration could walk away from such esteem unmoved. The poet’s beloved responded, “I am my lover’s. I’m all he wants. I’m all the world to him!” 3

I suggest that this Valentines Day and in the days that follow we choose to express our love verbally: “See it, Believe it. Say it. Stand by it.” is mysilentscream.

1 – Song of Songs 4:1-7, MSG
2 – Song of Songs 6:4-7, MSG
3 – Song of Songs 6:3, MSG