Photo of Karen CARPENTER and Richard CARPENTER and CARPENTERS, Richard Carpenter & Karen Carpenter , performing on BBC 'In Concert' series

About the song

Released in 1975 as part of their “Horizon” album, “Love Me For What I Am” by The Carpenters is a poignant ballad that explores themes of acceptance, authenticity, and the complexities of relationships.

The song’s gentle melody and Karen Carpenter’s emotive vocals create a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere. It tells the story of a relationship where one person feels pressured to change to meet the other’s expectations. The lyrics express a plea for unconditional love and understanding, emphasizing the importance of embracing individuality.

The song’s themes resonate with audiences of all ages, as it touches on universal experiences of feeling misunderstood or pressured to conform. It encourages listeners to celebrate their unique qualities and seek relationships that nurture their authentic selves. “Love Me For What I Am” serves as a reminder that true love is based on acceptance rather than attempting to mold someone into an idealized image.

Video

Lyrics

We fell in loveOn the first night that we metTogether we’ve been happyI have very few regrets
The ordinary problemsHave not been hard to faceBut lately little changesHave been slowly taking place
You’re always finding somethingIs wrong in what I doBut you can’t rearrange my lifeBecause it pleases you
You’ve got to love me for what I amFor simply being meDon’t love me for what you intendOr hope that I will be
And if you’re only using meTo feed your fantasyYou’re really not in loveSo let me go, I must be free
If what you wantIsn’t natural for meI won’t pretend to keep youWhat I am I have to be
The picture of perfectionIs only in your mindFor all your expectationsLove can never be designed
We either take each otherFor everything we areOr leave the life we’ve made behindAnd make another start
You’ve got to love me for what I amFor simply being meDon’t love me if what you intendOr hope that I will be
And if you’re only using meTo feed your fantasyYou’re really not in loveSo let me go, I must be free
And if you’re only using meTo feed your fantasyYou’re really not in loveSo let me go, I must be free
You’re really not in loveSo let me go, I must be free