Need to Be
Jim Weatherly Lyrics
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Who I am in this world
Is all I ask
I can't pretend to be something I'm not
And I won't wear a mask
You've touched my face with love in your eyes
But will you touch my heart
With the understanding that it takes to realize
There's the need to be true to myself
And make my own mistakes
And not to lean too hard on someone else
No matter what it takes
So if you're sure it's love
Just be sure it's love
For this thing called me
'Cause I am what I am and
I have the need to be
I'm not fool enough to ever think
That I could be the master of my fate
But it's up to me to choose my roads in life
Rocky may well be the ones I take
There's the need to be something more than
Just a reflection of a man
I can't survive in someone's shadow
I need my own spot to stand
So if you're sure it's love
Just be sure it's love
For this thing called me
I am what I am and
I have the need to be
So if you're sure it's love
Just be sure it's love
For this thing called me
I am what I am and
I have the need to be...
In Jim Weatherly's song "The Need To Be," the singer emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not pretending to be someone else. The lyrics express the desire to fulfill one's need to be who they truly are in this world, without wearing a mask or playing a part. The singer acknowledges the love and understanding that someone else may have for them, but also emphasizes the need to make their own mistakes and not lean too hard on someone else.
The song’s message is straightforward and relatable. Weatherly speaks to a timeless theme of self-discovery and the human need for identity. He reinforces the idea that we all have a unique path to follow and a need for self-expression. Without such expression, one could only exist as someone else's reflection or in their shadow.
Line by Line Meaning
To for-fill to need to be
I have a deep-seated desire to be my true self and fulfill my purpose in life
Who I am in this world
I want to be accepted for who I truly am in this world
Is all I ask
I don't need anything more than acceptance for who I am
I can't pretend to be something I'm not
I won't pretend to be someone I'm not just to please others
And I won't wear a mask
I won't hide my true self behind a mask to fit in
You've touched my face with love in your eyes
I can see the love in your eyes when you look at me
But will you touch my heart
I need you to understand me on a deeper level and truly touch my heart
With the understanding that it takes to realize
To truly love me, you need to understand me fully
I just can't play a part
I can't pretend to be someone I'm not just to please you
There's the need to be true to myself
I need to stay true to who I am
And make my own mistakes
I need to make my own decisions and learn from my own mistakes
And not to lean too hard on someone else
I can't rely too heavily on someone else to make decisions for me
No matter what it takes
I'll stay true to myself, no matter how hard it is
So if you're sure it's love
If you truly love me
Just be sure it's love
Make sure it's real love
For this thing called me
Love me for who I am
'Cause I am what I am and
I won't change who I am
I have the need to be
I have a desire to be my true self
I'm not fool enough to ever think
I'm not naïve enough to believe
That I could be the master of my fate
That I have complete control over my life
But it's up to me to choose my roads in life
I need to make my own choices in life
Rocky may well be the ones I take
My choices in life may not always be easy
There's the need to be something more than
I need to be more than just a reflection of someone else
Just a reflection of a man
I don't want to be just a copy of someone else
I can't survive in someone's shadow
I can't live my life in someone else's shadow
I need my own spot to stand
I need to find my own place in the world
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES D. WEATHERLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@strongenoughtobreak-jv7uw
This is such a beautiful song. I wish he was still here😢🤗😘💗💗💗🙋♀️👣
@80srocker67
My mom loved this song and I cry every time I hear it because it reminds me of the most beautiful spirit I’ve ever known on this earth. Mom I Love You!!!
@julimorando3973
As a young teenager I used to listen to this ‘45 all the time. I love this song!
@user-Spicoli
My mom’s favorite song, rip Jim and I love you mom and miss you everyday .
@micheledeleon1680
Thank you for this wonderful song. May you rest in peace.
@TheSpaghetti64
RIP Jim Weatherly 1943 - 2021. Thanks for the music.
@maryc7830
Another angel gone to heaven. Thank you Jim for creating such beautiful music.
@stevedupont395
I love and miss. You JIM.THIS SONG SAYS IT ALL. LOVE, A FRIEND.
@HEMISUPERBEE426
AMEN !
@stevations
We lost another great one ! Jim Weatherly, the songwriter behind a string of 1970s hits for Gladys Knight & the Pips, including the destined-for-standard-status “Midnight Train to Georgia,” died Wednesday of natural causes at his home near Nashville. He was 77.