"The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World

Peer pressure can be a frightful, destructive force, especially among teenagers. Coming to consciousness as an adult in a child's body, it is usually very important to teens that they "fit in" and are respected by their peers. I often think, if they could only have the benefit of five years hindsight, they would see how ultimately unimportant the things are that often monopolize their time and worrying: gaining the admiration of so-called friends that are mean to them, the latest fashions, experience in a romantic relationship, etc.

I would tell them, don't worry so much! There's still time for you to come into yourself and find your true friends. Adolescence is "the middle" of a bumpy ride for just about everyone, and insecure false friends make it worse for everyone. Just be yourself and be happy with it. Your true friends will recognize you and appreciate you for who you are.

"The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World

Hey,
Don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out,
Or looked down on.
Just try your best,
Try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves
When you're away.

It just takes some time,
little girl, you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright.

Hey,
You know they're all the same.
You know you're doing better on your own,
So don't buy in.
Live right now.
Yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough
For someone else.

It just takes some time,
little girl, you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright.

Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out,
Or looked down on.
Just do your best,
Do everything you can.
And don't you worry what their bitter hearts
Are gonna say.

It just takes some time,
little girl, you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright.