T… Read Full Bio ↴This is one of the best hits from singer songwriter Gavin DeGraw.
This song was also used as the theme for TV hit series One Tree Hill.
I Dont Want to Be
Gavin DeGraw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Than a prison guard's son
I don't need to be anything other
Than a specialist's son
I don't have to be anyone other
Than the birth of two souls in one
Part of where I'm going is knowing where I'm coming from
Anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have a peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms
Wondering what I've got to do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me
I'm surrounded by liars everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by impostors everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by identity crisis everywhere I turn
Am I the only one who's noticed?
I can't be the only one who's learned
I don't want to be
Anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have a peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms
Wondering what I've got to do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me
Can I have everyone's attention please?
If you're not like this and that, you're gonna have to leave
I came from the mountain
The crust of creation
My whole situation made from clay to stone
And now I'm telling everybody
I don't want to be
Anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have a peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms
Wondering what I've got to do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me
I don't want to be I don't want to be I don't want to be
The lyrics to Gavin DeGraw's song "I Don't Want to Be" are a declaration of self-acceptance and resistance against societal pressures to conform to a certain identity. The first verse sets the tone by stating that the singer doesn't need to be defined by their family's occupation or their own specialization. They acknowledge their unique origin and heritage, and understand the importance of knowing where they come from in order to move forward.
The chorus reinforces the message that the singer only wants to be themselves, and they have found peace in accepting that. They are tired of constantly questioning their identity and trying to fit into certain expectations or groups. The second verse highlights the struggle of feeling surrounded by people who are not authentic and are grappling with their own sense of self. The singer questions whether they are the only one who realizes this, implying that many people are likely struggling with the same issues.
The final verse takes a more sweeping approach, with the singer claiming their space and asserting their identity as valid and important, regardless of what others may think. They acknowledge their humble beginnings and the fact that they have been shaped by their circumstances, but they are proud of who they are and will not change for anyone.
Overall, "I Don't Want to Be" is a powerful anthem for individuality and self-acceptance, with a message that resonates with many people who feel pressured to conform to societal expectations or the demands of others.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't need to be anything other
Than a prison guard's son
I'm happy with who I am and where I come from, which happens to be the son of a prison guard.
I don't have to be anyone other
Than the birth of two souls in one
Part of where I'm going is knowing where I'm coming from
I don't have to be anyone else because I am the product of two people's souls coming together as one. Understanding my past helps me move forward.
I don't want to be
Anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have a peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms
Wondering what I've got to do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I am content being myself and doing what I believe in. I find inner peace when I focus on my own goals and passions, rather than trying to please others.
I'm surrounded by liars everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by impostors everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by identity crisis everywhere I turn
Am I the only one who's noticed?
I can't be the only one who's learned
I see a lot of people around me struggling with their own sense of identity and authenticity. It can be hard to trust others when they aren't being true to themselves.
Can I have everyone's attention please?
If you're not like this and that, you're gonna have to leave
I came from the mountain
The crust of creation
My whole situation made from clay to stone
And now I'm telling everybody
I am proud of my unique identity and want to embrace others who are also different. I grew from humble beginnings and now want to share my story and inspire others to be themselves.
I don't want to be anything other than me
I don't want to be I don't want to be I don't want to be
Overall, my message is clear - I don't want to be anyone else but myself. I am happy and at peace with who I am and don't feel the need to change or conform to others' expectations.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GAVIN DEGRAW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@king0n140
"Good 2010's shows."
-shameless
-breaking bad
-Dexter
-stranger things
-atlanta
-better call saul
-on my block
-game of thrones
-Empire
-psych
-Son's of Anarchy
-the walking dead and supernatural (but they definitely went on for to long)
"Comedy dramas 2010's"
-how I met your mother
-scrubs
"And if you where just looking for dramas 2010''s"
-gossip girl
-the fosters
-greys anatomy
-empire
-shameless
-the OC
@sophie8373
If you don't envisage Lucas with a basketball on a bridge when listening to this, did you even have a childhood!?
@myleshays4808
right man i miss one tree hill.
@Gapeaches77able
Ummm, yes.
@countyourmiracles.7734
😆😆😆
@aggelina5463
Sophie for real
@officerbutton9532
My friend took me to the River Court one night as a surprise. It was so cool to be there. Unfortunately it's been demolished
@monaechenielle
Shout out to all my One Tree Hill fans who are still listening to this in 2021!!!!
@nicholaskarageorgesirbeowu8277
I don't even know the show I just like the song .
@IzzyPeasyLemon
Now i just wanna watch OTH again 😅
@DomoDeelayO124
I’m watching it now 🤟🏾