"Homely Girl" is a song by UB40, released in 1989 as a single from their album "Labour of Love II." The song tells the story of a girl who was once lonely and faced rejection but eventually blossoms into a beautiful woman. The lyrics describe how the girl used to be heartbroken when boys would comment on her appearance, saying she looked better in the dark. The boys would now give anything to be with her, realizing her true beauty. The song emphasizes that physical appearance is not the only measure of beauty and that true beauty lies within. The girl is portrayed as someone who was always eager to participate in class, constantly raising her hand to answer questions. However, she never got a chance to speak, and the singer expresses empathy towards her feelings of being overlooked and unheard. The lyrics also mention a boy who had feelings for the girl and wanted to be by her side forever. The singer recognizes her inner beauty, which was not apparent to others. The song highlights the importance of seeing beyond superficial judgments and appreciating someone's true worth. In the chorus, the singer acknowledges how the girl used to be lonely but has now transformed into a beautiful woman. The singer also reflects on being the only person who offered support and acceptance to the girl during her difficult times. He mentions carrying her books, dealing with stares, laughter, and dirty looks from others, implying that he stood by her despite the judgment of society. Overall, "Homely Girl" conveys the message of the importance of inner beauty, the effects of societal judgments, and the value of finding someone who sees beyond appearances.
