I Will Not Go Quietly
Don Henley Lyrics

Woke up with a heavy head
Starting the day with a burden of worries

And I thought about leavin' town
Considering the possibility of running away

I could have died if I wanted to
Feeling hopeless and helpless

Slipped over the edge and drowned
Succumbing to depression and despair

But, oh no baby, I won't give up that easy, no
Determined to keep fighting and not give in

Too many tire tracks in the sands of time
Too many mistakes and regrets in the past

Too many love affairs that stop on a dime
Too many failed relationships that ended abruptly

Oh well, oh baby
Accepting the reality of the situation

I think it's time to make some changes 'round here
Realizing the need for change and taking action

Yeah, I'm gonna tear it up
Breaking the routine and shaking things up

Gonna trash it up
Disregarding conventions and expectations

I'm gonna round it up
Gathering strength and resources

Gonna shake it up
Disrupting the status quo and challenging norms

I will not lie down
Refusing to give up

I'm brave enough to be crazy
Having the courage to take risks and be different

I'm strong enough to be weak
Being vulnerable and admitting limitations

I see all these heroes with feet of clay
Realizing that even those who seem invincible have flaws

Whose mighty ships have sprung a leak
Whose plans and dreams have been ruined

And I want you to tell me darlin'
Asking for support and guidance

Just what do you believe in now?
Asking about values and priorities

Well, c'mon over here baby
Inviting intimacy and affection

You 'bout to gimme a heart attack
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions

I want to wrap my lovin' arms
Expressing love and care

Around the small of your back
Embracing the person closely

Yeah, and I'm gonna pull you, pull you, pull you
Showing passion and desire

Pull you right up close to me, yeah
Being physically and emotionally connected

Turn this thing around
Changing the direction of life

I will not go quietly
Refusing to give up without a fight

No, I will not lie down
Being resilient and persistent

Well, don't you ever get lonely?
Asking about feelings of isolation and sadness

Don't you ever get down?
Asking about moments of discouragement and depression

Don't you ever get tired of all the wicked tongues in this town?
Feeling fed up with gossip and criticism

Uh baby, I just want to take you away from here
Expressing the desire to escape and start anew

I ain't no tiger
Rejecting stereotypes of masculinity

I ain't no little lamb
Rejecting stereotypes of passivity

Suppose you tell me mama
Asking about expectations and assumptions

Who do you think I think I am?
Asserting individuality and self-awareness

And ooh baby, don't you give a damn?
Asking for acceptance and affirmation