Once upon a time, I was a baker

And everybody was impressed

But I didn't need approval because I already knew I was the best

Everything I made was a masterpiece

It all tasted like heaven

But then unfortunately, I turned seven

Once upon a time, I was a painter

And everybody said, "Wow

Girl, you're so clever, you're so talented"

And I agreed, and I stood proud

I painted mountains

I painted blue lakes

I painted people

I drew portraits

But then I drew my dad and held it up beside him

And I realized that it looked nothing like him

And part of me wished nobody had told her

But I guess it's just a part of getting older, hmm

Once upon a time, I was a runner

I was the fastest in the town

And they'd all say nobody will outrun her

'Cause she's the fastest girl around

Once upon a time, I was a dancer

It took no effort

I was a scientist, I was an expert

I was a genius, and I thought nothing of it

Until they told me that I wasn't

And part of me wished nobody had told her

But I guess it's just a part of getting older

When you learn

You're supposed to color perfectly inside of the lines

And you're supposed to win at least a couple hundred times

Before you even have the right to think or say or show you're any good at all

They'll tell you that there's only one right way, one paved path

Or you'll make a fool of yourself, and everyone will laugh

They'll make you feel like everybody's waiting there to watch you as you fall

They sigh, they tell me I'm a dreamer

They say, "Someone's gotta wake her"

But I'll just smile, I'll say

Once upon a time, I was a baker