Don't Worry 'Bout Me
Joni Mitchell Lyrics
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I'll get along
Forget about me
Just be happy my love
Let's say that our little show is over
And so the story ends
Why not call it a day the sensible way
And still be friends
Look out for yourself
That should be the rule
Give your heart and your love
To whomever you love
Darlin' don't be a fool
Why do we cling to this old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then don't worry 'bout me
Why should we cling to some old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then you don't worry 'bout me
In Joni Mitchell’s song, “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” the lyrics suggest the end of a romantic relationship. She encourages her former lover not to worry about her and move on since their love has become an old faded thing. Joni Mitchell’s serene delivery and the quiet production reinforce the idea that she isn’t bitter or angry.
She starts off with “Don’t worry ‘bout me, I’ll get along” which is almost as if she’s reassuring her former lover that she won’t be broken because of their break up. The line, “Forget about me, just be happy, my love” also drives the point further that she’s accepting of the end of their relationship and just wants her former lover to be happy.
The song gets interesting in the final verse where she gives her former lover advice and hopes they won't make the same mistakes as she did. She says, “Look out for yourself, that should be the rule. Give your heart and your love to whomever you love, darlin’ don’t be a fool”. Joni implies that they should be careful while loving and not cling to old, faded feelings.”
Line by Line Meaning
Don't worry 'bout me
Don't be concerned about my well-being
I'll get along
I will survive and manage without you
Forget about me
Stop thinking about me
Just be happy my love
Be content and joyful without me
Let's say that our little show is over
Our relationship has come to an end
And so the story ends
Our romance has concluded
Why not call it a day the sensible way
Let's end this reasonably and amicably
And still be friends
Despite the breakup, let's remain friendly
Look out for yourself
Take care of your own needs and interests
That should be the rule
This is what you should always follow
Give your heart and your love
Offer your affections and passion
To whomever you love
To the one you truly care for
Darlin' don't be a fool
Don't make foolish choices in love
Why do we cling to this old faded thing
Why do we hold onto this washed-out relationship
That used to be
That was something in the past, no longer present
So if you can forget
If you're able to move on
Then don't worry 'bout me
Don't bother about my feelings
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Rube Bloom, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind