In June of 2008, Kellie Pickler released "Don't You Know You're Beautiful" as the lead single from her second, self-titled studio album. Written by Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo and Karyn Rochelle, "Don't You Know You're Beautiful" peaked just outside the Top 20 on the country charts (No. 21).

Around the time of the song's release, Pickler explained, via her MySpace page, why she chose to record the tune. Her explanation is below.

I believe in this song because it beholds a very powerful message. I think we all suffer from low self esteem from time to time, and we all have our own insecurities ... which can really bring a person down. In today's society, we (including myself) often compare ourself to that person or model on the front of the magazine, and we all want those expensive clothes that are displayed ... I think that is just human nature. I will be the first to tell you "ALL OF THAT IS NOT REAL." You would NOT believe the touching up photographers can do to pictures. By the time they are done airbrushing those pictures and touching them up, the photo barely looks like the person. Photographers can make you thinner / heavier, give you whatever eye color you want, enhance and change anything in the photo. We live in a very superficial world. ALL of that stuff does NOT matter! It is NOT important!

HERE'S WHAT IS IMPORTANT: Beauty comes in ALL different shapes and sizes, and in EVERY color there is. So, when you look in the mirror, tell yourself that you are beautiful, and BELIEVE it. LOVE YOURSELF, BE YOURSELF, and NEVER change who you are for ANYONE! Be thankful for every breath you take because somewhere in the world, someone else is taking their last. NEVER get caught up in the "worldly things" or the "superficial things," because all of that can and will eventually be taken away. BUT, the "beauty" on the inside will always remain! People will remember the kindness of someone's heart forever ... Never forget to hold your head up high because "DON'T YOU KNOW YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!"

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