Make Your Own Kind of Music
David McCallum Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Nobody can tell ya;
There's only one song worth singin',
They may try and sell ya,
'Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you.
But you've gotta make your own music
Sing your own special song,
Make your own kind of music even if nobody else sings along.
You're gonna be knowing
The loneliest kind of lonely,
It may be rough goin',
Just to do your thing's the hardest thing to do.
But you've gotta make your own music
Sing your own special song,
Make your own kind of music even if nobody else sings along.
So if you cannot take my hand,
And if you must be goin',
I will understand.
But you've gotta make your own music




Sing your own special song,
Make your own kind of music even if nobody else sings along.

Overall Meaning

The song 'Make Your Own Kind of Music' by David McCallum celebrates individuality and uniqueness. It conveys a message that we all have our own unique talents, aspirations, and voices which should be expressed and celebrated, regardless of whether anyone else understands or appreciates them. The song encourages listeners to be true to themselves, to chart their own paths in life, and to pursue their dreams even if it means standing alone. It acknowledges the difficulty and loneliness that comes with being different or pursuing a creative path, but still affirms the value and importance of doing so.


The lyrics open by acknowledging the pressure and criticism that we might face from others who don't understand our choices. The song then asserts that there is only one song worth singing, which is our own special song. It urges us to make our own kind of music and to sing our own special song, even if nobody else sings along. The song acknowledges the difficulty of this path but encourages us to persevere and to trust in our own uniqueness.


Interestingly, 'Make Your Own Kind of Music' was not originally written by David McCallum, but by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil in 1969. It was first recorded by Mama Cass Elliot of The Mamas & the Papas, and later covered by many other artists. McCallum's version, released in 1969, became a hit and has since become a classic song of individualism, creativity, and self-expression.


Line by Line Meaning

Nobody can tell ya;
No one can dictate or control what you do or say.


There's only one song worth singin',
There is only one tune that should be hummed, and that is the one that feels authentic to you.


They may try and sell ya,
People may try to convince you to do things their way, but you should be wary of such persuasion tactics.


'Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you.
Seeing a person like you can make others uncomfortable or cause them to question themselves.


But you've gotta make your own music
You must make your own choices and decisions.


Sing your own special song,
You should communicate with others by expressing yourself in a manner that is unique and genuine to you.


Make your own kind of music even if nobody else sings along.
You should stay true to yourself and maintain individuality, even if others do not relate or understand your perspective.


You're gonna be knowing
You will experience a feeling of loneliness.


The loneliest kind of lonely,
The kind of loneliness where you feel like you are the only one on this path.


It may be rough goin',
It may be difficult or painful at times, but that does not imply giving up.


Just to do your thing's the hardest thing to do.
Pursuing your own path can be the most difficult thing to do.


But you've gotta make your own music
You have to find your own way and not rely on others to show it to you.


Sing your own special song,
You should communicate with others by expressing yourself in a manner that is unique and authentic to you.


Make your own kind of music even if nobody else sings along.
You should stay true to yourself and maintain individuality, even if others do not relate or understand your perspective.


So if you cannot take my hand,
In case you cannot follow someone else, someone who expects you to walk their way.


And if you must be goin',
If you must go your own way.


I will understand.
I will not judge or criticize you for choosing your own path.


But you've gotta make your own music
You must make your own choices and decisions.


Sing your own special song,
You should communicate with others by expressing yourself in a manner that is unique and genuine to you.


Make your own kind of music even if nobody else sings along.
You should stay true to yourself and maintain individuality, even if others do not relate or understand your perspective.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@stephenhopkins8925

The creator of this file took odd liberties, or made errors with the song/track order listing written on screen from that on the actual record, also not including track 3 "Mellow Yellow". Why would "Dad's a Soul Man" include this in the information "Other standout tracks on the album include "Mellow Yellow," which features a groovy bassline and some psychedelic effects,`` and not include the track, baffling?

Here is the original track order as it should be:


1. 98.6 3:23
2. I'm A Believer 3:19
3. Mellow Yellow 2:32 (not included)
4. Penny Lane 3:25
5. 59th Street Bridge Song "Feeling Groovy" 2:24
6. Strawberry Fields Forever 3:00
7. California Dreamin' 2:29
8. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy 3:34
9. B.B. 2:52
10. White Daisies 1:09
11. Oh My! 2:39



All comments from YouTube:

@gerardrubiano714

Un artiste exceptionnel qui nous a quitté…il restera « l’homme invisible » et un grand créateur de musiques de Jazz !!!

@virginiaconnor8350

Thanks for including David's music! I wish that this record-and "It's Happening"- had been combined to a double like his first two to a cd (with a few songs like "Trouble" and that soliloquy he did on "MFU" 'A Man Is A Horn'). RIP, David.

@virginiaconnor8350

David's music made me feel better each time I listened to it as I grew up! I could be feeling really down and come home, put on any of his records, and feel up in no time! No drugs needed; besides, David was a terrific role model. I tried the oboe, but realized I should've tried it at 8 yrs.instead of 15! Still, I love it and English horn best, but learned to love other instruments as well. I also loved hearing him sing too and was glad that the 2 songs +4 more were added to the "A Part of Me"Cd. I only wish that the 3rd and 4th records were combined to make 1 cd + more songs like " Trouble" (the song Illya- David-sang with Nancy Sinatra on the "MFU" episode). I thought there was already a cd as such and hadn't found it, and didn't expect it to be too late. My turntable's old and my speakers are toast. A borrowed Crossley didn't play or last😢 evenly as long as my BIC. Fortunately, I did get to tell David that I loved his records ( especially his music) when I met him in '76 and "78 in Atlanta after 2 plays he performed. Wish I could hear his music played on the remaining "NCIS" episodes. My grandparents even liked it, especially my grandfather (Pop) who played the violin he called a fiddle. David father had an album he called "The Scottish Fiddler". My pop was not Scottish, but Irish 29:19 and my dad played violin and a Muzzette, a double reed like an oboe, in the Shrine Oriental Band.

@virginiaconnor8350

I was playing this record one day and my grandparents loved it, even the pop songs they called the tunes. My Pop asked who the conductor was and I said David McCallum, the man who also played Illya Kuryakin on "MFU". He shook his head and said "David McCallum Sr. Must be his father then." I showed him the record, but he could barely see as my Pop had cataracts by the late '60s. He said he knew of his music then and I later realised he and David's father were about the same age.

@austinforant4264

The world isn't going to be the same without you Dr. Mallard, rest in eternal peace Ducky
(David McCallum 1933-2023)

@Lauravaldivia1

La muerte es un momento la vida es para siempre. 🎉🎉🎉

@anthonyleighton4754

Very cool very 60s.....

@mathewpaul5038

...cool, very cool...

@manhattanblockade8544

RIP

@stephenhopkins8925

The creator of this file took odd liberties, or made errors with the song/track order listing written on screen from that on the actual record, also not including track 3 "Mellow Yellow". Why would "Dad's a Soul Man" include this in the information "Other standout tracks on the album include "Mellow Yellow," which features a groovy bassline and some psychedelic effects,`` and not include the track, baffling?

Here is the original track order as it should be:


1. 98.6 3:23
2. I'm A Believer 3:19
3. Mellow Yellow 2:32 (not included)
4. Penny Lane 3:25
5. 59th Street Bridge Song "Feeling Groovy" 2:24
6. Strawberry Fields Forever 3:00
7. California Dreamin' 2:29
8. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy 3:34
9. B.B. 2:52
10. White Daisies 1:09
11. Oh My! 2:39

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