People also change how they represent themselves based upon the situations they are in. This fits the song perfectly because this person's concept of themselves has changed in order to be accepted as member into that social group. The Social Identity Theory states that people's concepts of themselves are linked to membership in social groups.
![complicated song by avril lavigne complicated song by avril lavigne](https://www.hilltopviewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/AvrilLevigne-900x900.jpg)
Lavigne knows the interpersonal truth….”not everyone is doing it” and “so what if they are because you are an amazing person just the way you are.” In life, many people are two-sided, they are friends for the wrong reasons, and many times they get into trouble for doing what is “cool.” Lavigne gives the same “everyone’s doing it” lecture that a parent would give a child, but instead the lecture can only be interpreted through her music. Lavigne doesn’t really like what she sees and appreciates the true person much more than the “fake” person that everyone supposedly likes more. She sees the person become anxious when trying to be something that they really are not. Lavigne also sees the tension and anxiety that wanting to fit into a social organization can cause. When this person is just with her, they are different and she likes them just the way they are. Lavigne sees this person that she thinks so knows change depending on the social situation or atmosphere. In the lyrics below, Lavigne continues to explain what happens to all of us at some point in our lives. Lavigne sees these changes although truly wants this person to “never change” and be themselves. This could be compared to times when your friends told you to “never change” or “be yourself.” We may all be one physical body, but we do tend to change our personality, identity, and self-presentation to become what we think we should be. Lavigne is frustrated with this person for trying to be someone that they are not, just to gain acceptance from others.
![complicated song by avril lavigne complicated song by avril lavigne](https://www.chords.vip/images/song-lyrics/chord_complicated_avril-lavigne_1.jpg)
In the lyrics below, Lavigne tries to tell the individual that they are perfect in their own way. In order to fit in, it seems as though they have gone against their own personal identity. The person being spoken to in the song by Lavigne is having an interpersonal disagreement between their formed and imagined self. A major part of the song deals with changing your identity to fit into a particular social organization. Identity can be defined as a "theory of self" formed and maintained through actually or imagined interpersonal agreement about what the self is like.
![complicated song by avril lavigne complicated song by avril lavigne](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2D445Y3/avril-lavigne-performs-her-song-complicated-to-open-the-2002-billboard-music-awards-at-the-mgm-grand-garden-arena-in-las-vegas-nevada-december-9-2002-reutersethan-miller-em-2D445Y3.jpg)
But just as Lavigne explains life in her song, we all struggle at one point or another to be a certain way regardless of whether that is who we truly are. Personally, I have always wanted to be the girl that everyone looked at as being interested in learning, independent, caring, compassionate, and always and forever a small town girl. Who are we? Who do we want to be? Who do others want us to be? These questions are always running through our minds. Identity is also a main theme in “Complicated” that is something many people focus on every day. Everyone has the need to fit into a social organization and “Complicated” shares with the listener that everyone struggles to present themselves in a way that creates acceptance of others.
![complicated song by avril lavigne complicated song by avril lavigne](https://cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lavigne-billboard/avril-lavigne-complicated-makes-billboard-top-pop-songs-list-06.jpg)
How do they present themselves? I certainly do remember when I had to have the coolest backpack, the newest shoes, and the most fashionable outfit because if I didn’t I would face what the other kids would think of me. In high school, a trying time in life begins where many teenagers are trying to fit in. The themes of “Complicated” are themes that many of us have been forced to explore during our own lives. Many people may listen to Avril Lavigne's "Complicated" and think, “Hmm…what a great song.” But others when given the opportunity to complete an in-depth analysis of the song may realize that the lyrics discuss life, a person’s identity, and self presentation.