It Ain't Me
Janis Joplin & Bob Dylan Lyrics
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Leave at your own chosen speed
I'm not the one you want, babe
I'm not the one you need
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who's never weak but always strong
To protect you an' defend you
Whether you are right or wrong
But it ain't me, babe
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Go lightly on the ground
I'm not the one you want, babe
I will only let you down
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who will promise never to part
Someone to close his eyes for you
Someone to close his heart
Someone who will die for you an' more
But it ain't me, babe
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
Go melt back in the night
Everything inside is made of stone
There's nothing in here moving
An' anyway I'm not alone
You say you're looking for someone
Who'll pick you up each time you fall
To gather flowers constantly
An' to come each time you call
A lover for your life an' nothing more
But it ain't me, babe
No, no, no, it ain't me, babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
The lyrics to "It Ain't Me Babe" by Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan reveal a sense of rejection and nonconformity to the expectations of a romantic partner. The singer asserts their independence and refusal to fulfill the desired role the other person craves. They acknowledge that they cannot be the strong and infallible partner their lover is seeking, emphasizing their own flaws and limitations. The repeated phrase "It ain't me, babe" underscores their firm denial and inability to meet the other person's needs.
The first verse suggests that the other person wants someone who is always strong, protective, and unwavering in their support, regardless of right or wrong. However, the singer asserts that they cannot fulfill this role, emphasizing their inability to be the savior their lover desires. They refuse to be the one to open all the doors and declare that they are not the person the other person is searching for.
In the second verse, the singer advises the other person to tread lightly and not expect too much from them. They emphasize their own shortcomings, revealing that they will inevitably disappoint their lover. Once again, they refuse to be the constant and unwavering partner who promises never to part or close their eyes and heart.
The final verse illustrates a sense of apathy and emotional detachment. The singer suggests that everything inside them is unfeeling and made of stone. They highlight their own emotional unavailability and assert that they are not alone in feeling this way. The other person desires someone who will constantly uplift them, gather flowers for them, and respond to their every call. However, the singer rejects these desires, affirming that they cannot be the lover the other person longs for.
Overall, "It Ain't Me Babe" is a song about asserting one's individuality, refusing to conform to societal expectations, and rejecting the pressure to be someone they are not in a romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Go 'way from my window
Please leave my presence and stay away from my life
Leave at your own chosen speed
Disappear from my life at a pace of your own choice
I'm not the one you want, babe
I am not the person you desire or long for, my dear
I'm not the one you need
I am not the person who can fulfill your true needs
You say you're lookin' for someone
You claim to be searching for another individual
Who's never weak but always strong
Someone who is eternally strong and shows no weakness
To protect you an' defend you
To shield and safeguard you from harm
Whether you are right or wrong
Irrespective of whether you are correct or mistaken
Someone to open each and every door
A person who will open and grant you access to every opportunity
But it ain't me, babe
Unfortunately, I am not the person you seek, my dear
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
Absolutely not, I am not the one you desire, my dear
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
I am not the individual you are searching for, my dear
Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Depart cautiously and delicately from this dangerous situation, my dear
Go lightly on the ground
Tread carefully on your journey through life
I'm not the one you want, babe
I am not the person you desire or long for, my dear
I will only let you down
I will only disappoint and fail you
You say you're lookin' for someone
You claim to be searching for another individual
Who will promise never to part
A person who guarantees to never separate from you
Someone to close his eyes for you
A person who willingly shuts their eyes in favor of yours
Someone to close his heart
A person who emotionally shuts themselves off
Someone who will die for you an' more
An individual who is willing to sacrifice their life and beyond for you
But it ain't me, babe
Regrettably, I am not the person you seek, my dear
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
Absolutely not, I am not the one you desire, my dear
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
I am not the individual you are searching for, my dear
Go melt back in the night
Disappear and blend into the darkness
Everything inside is made of stone
All emotions and feelings within me have turned into cold, unfeeling stone
There's nothing in here moving
There is no sign of life or motion within me
An' anyway I'm not alone
Moreover, I am not lonely or without company
You say you're looking for someone
You claim to be searching for another individual
Who'll pick you up each time you fall
A person who will lift you up whenever you stumble or fail
To gather flowers constantly
To continuously collect beautiful things for you
An' to come each time you call
And to always respond whenever you summon
A lover for your life an' nothing more
A romantic partner for your entire existence, and nothing beyond that
But it ain't me, babe
Sadly, I am not the person you seek, my dear
No, no, no, it ain't me, babe
Definitely not, I am not the one you desire, my dear
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
I am not the individual you are searching for, my dear
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind