Who's to Say

Vanessa Carlton · Harmonium

Stand up straight
Do your trick
Turn on the stars
Jupiter shines so bright
When you're around to tell us slow down,
We're too young you need to grow
The speed's the key
And they don't know who we are

And who's to say that we're not good enough?
And who's to say that this is not our love?

Mother don't tell me friends are the ones that I lose
'Cause they'd bleed before you
And sometimes family are the ones you'd choose
It's too late now
I hold on to this life I found

And who's to say we won't burn it out?
And who's to say we wont sink in doubt?
Who's to say that we wont fade today?
Who are they anyway? Anyway they don't know

And you say we're too young, but maybe you're too old to remember
And I try to pretend but I just feel it when we're together
And if you don't believe me, you never really knew us
You never really knew

You and I, packin' up my room, we feel alright
But we're not well consumed
We'll be drivin', 'cause they don't know who we are
Who's to say we won't stay together?
Who's to say we aren't getting stronger?
Who's to say I can't live without you?
Who are they anyway? Anyway they don't know

And you say we're too young, but maybe you're too old to remember
And I try to pretend, but I just feel it when we're together
Who is to say?
And who is to say?
And who are they anyway?

Stand up boy, I shine so bright when you're around

Who's to Say

Vanessa Carlton's 'Who's to Say' stands as a poignant centerpiece on her 2005 album *Harmonium*. Released during a period where she was navigating the complexities of fame and personal identity, the track exemplifies her signature blend of folk-rock and introspective songwriting. With its melodic structure and emotive delivery, the recording captures a universal sentiment of questioning one's place in the world, a theme that resonates deeply with her broader discography. The song complements other notable works from the era, such as 'A Thousand Miles' and 'White Houses', contributing to a cohesive body of work that explores themes of travel, memory, and self-discovery. Carlton's ability to weave personal narrative into accessible pop-folk arrangements makes this track a defining moment in her career, reflecting the artistic maturity she achieved in the mid-2000s.