It Ain't Me Babe
Joaquin and Reese 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
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 into the night, babe,
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 song "It Ain't Me Babe" by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash has been covered by multiple artists, including Reese Witherspoon in the film "Walk the Line." The lyrics speak to a person who is being pursued by someone who is looking for the perfect partner to protect and defend them, someone who will always be there to pick them up when they fall. However, the singer in the song tells the pursuer that they are not the one they are looking for. The repeated refrain of "It ain't me, babe" emphasizes this sentiment.
The first verse sets the tone for the entire song, with the singer telling the pursuer to leave at their own speed and that they are not the person they want or need. The second verse continues this sentiment, with the singer saying that they will only let the pursuer down and that they are not the person who will promise never to part or close their eyes and heart for them. The final verse speaks to the pursuit's desire for a lover for life, but once again, the singer says that they are not this person. The repetition of the refrain emphasizes the singer's rejection of the pursuer.
Overall, the song speaks to the idea that sometimes people are just not meant to be together, no matter how much one person may desire it. The singer is honest about their limitations and does not want to give false hope to the pursuer. Reese Witherspoon's version of the song captures the vulnerability and honesty of the lyrics, making it a poignant moment in the film.
Line by Line Meaning
Go 'way from my window,
Please leave my sight and go away from me
Leave at your own chosen speed.
You can leave at your own pace or speed
I'm not the one you want, babe,
I'm not the person you are seeking, my dear
I'm not the one you need.
I'm not the person you require in your life
You say you're lookin' for someone
You claim to be searching for somebody
Never weak but always strong,
Someone who's never vulnerable but consistently sturdy
To protect you an' defend you
A person who safeguards and shields you
Whether you are right or wrong,
Whether you're right or wrong, this person will stand by you
Someone to open each and every door,
A person who will open any and every door for you
But it ain't me, babe,
But unfortunately, I am not that person
No, no, no, it ain't me, babe,
I repeat, I am not the one you're looking for
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not the one you want
Go lightly from the ledge, babe,
Take it easy and don't be hasty, my darling
Go lightly on the ground.
Move gently on your path
I'm not the one you want, babe,
I must specify again that I am not who you're seeking
I will only let you down.
I will inevitably disappoint you
Who will promise never to part,
A person who vows never to leave or separate from you
Someone to close his eyes for you,
A person who will shut their eyes for you
Someone to close his heart,
A person who will close their heart off for you
Someone who will die for you an' more,
A person who will give their life for you, and beyond that
But it ain't me, babe,
Still, I regret to break it to you that I am not the one
No, no, no, it ain't me, babe,
I reiterate, I am not that person
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe.
I'm afraid it's just not me that you seek
Go melt back into the night, babe,
Retreat into the darkness, my dear
Everything inside is made of stone.
Everything inside me is as hard as stone
There's nothing in here moving
There is nothing here that is changing or progressing
An' anyway I'm not alone.
And besides, I am not by myself
Who'll pick you up each time you fall,
Who will help you get back on your feet whenever you stumble
To gather flowers constantly
To regularly collect flowers
An' to come each time you call,
And to be there for you whenever you beckon
A lover for your life an' nothing more,
A partner for your lifetime, and nothing extra
But it ain't me, babe,
However, I cannot fulfill that role for you
No, no, no, it ain't me, babe,
I insist, I am not who you're searching for
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe.
I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm not the one you desire
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind