Why Avril Lavigne’s ‘Complicated’ still is one of my favorite songs!
I was driving today and ‘Complicated’ by Avril Lavigne came on the radio. I hadn’t heard it in years, but the moment those lyrics played - “Why do you have to go and make things so complicated”? - hit home, once again. That song wasn’t just a young adult anthem; it was a truth I lived by for so many years and, currently, still do. This song isn’t just about a relationships or friendships - it’s about authenticity!
This song spoke to many young girls trying to fit in, play it cool, or be liked. Funnily enough, this was never for me, hence, this song screamed authenticity to me and screamed truth. Back in 2002, Avril was one of few artists I idolized. I loved her rawness and her skateboard funk! Today, when I heard this song the message was the same, however, I can also recognize how much pretending drains the spirit.
We say we want peace, connection, love - but we build walls of filters, forced friendships, expectations, and masks. The irony? The world is craving what’s real more than ever.
To teen girls: You don’t need to twist yourself to fit in. The right people will never ask you to.
To women: Remember the version of you who didn’t perform - she is still inside, waiting to breathe again.
The truth:
She doesn’t overthink the truth.
She doesn’t filter herself to please everyone
She doesn’t need validation to feel worthy
She doesn’t have to be busy and attached, surrounded by others 24/7
Somewhere along the way, many have forgot that version of themselves and instead
She started performing. She started pretending
She became polite when she wanted to scream
She smiled when she wanted to rest
She said she is fine when she wasn’t
Have I been there too and got lost for a bit? Absolutely! Its exhausting! The world teaches us to complicate what was once simple: being real.
Maybe that’s why the song still resonates - it’s a reminder that being real might scare some people, but it frees you. And I love that feeling - not caring what others think.
So here is my invitation: Let’s stop making things complicated. Let’s be who we are - no apologies, no filters. Because authenticity never goes out of style.
If this message hit home, share it with a teen girl who needs a reminder. Also, check out Rise as Her - a space for girls (and mothers) to remember who they are before the world tells them who to be!
