Not Myself
John Mayer Lyrics


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Suppose I said
I am on my best behavior
There are times
I lose my worried mind

Would you want me when I'm not myself?
Wait it out while I am someone else?
Suppose I said
Colors change for no good reason
And words will go
From poetry to prose

Would you want me when I'm not myself?
Wait it out while I am someone else?

And I
In time
Will come around
I always do for you

Suppose I said
You're my saving grace

Would you want me when I'm not myself? (My grace, myself)
(Not myself, when I'm someone else)
Wait it out while I am someone else? (When I'm someone else)
(When I'm someone else, when I'm not myself)




Would you want me when I'm not myself?
Wait it out while I am someone else?

Overall Meaning

The song Not Myself by John Mayer is a contemplative piece, examining the complexities of human relationships and the willingness of others to support someone through their struggles. The singer opens by stating that he is on his best behavior, but there are times when he loses his worried mind. He then poses a series of questions, asking if his partner would want him when he is not himself and if they would wait for him while he is someone else. The singer is acknowledging the difficulties that can come with being in a relationship and being vulnerable, as well as the question of whether or not someone will still want you when you are struggling.


The chorus shifts into affirmation, with the singer stating that he will always come around, no matter the circumstances. He then asks if his partner would still want him if he said they were his saving grace. This question is a plea for acceptance and reassurance, as the singer is expressing that their partner is someone they rely on and perhaps fearful of losing.


The song is a reflection on the complexities of human relationships, and how supporting someone through their struggles can be challenging but also immensely rewarding. It is a reminder that even when we are not ourselves, our relationships can ground us and remind us of who we are.


Line by Line Meaning

Suppose I said
What if I told you


I am on my best behavior
I'm trying to be good and not cause trouble


There are times
Sometimes


I lose my worried mind
I become anxious and stressed


Would you want me when I'm not myself?
Do you still accept me even when I'm not at my best?


Wait it out while I am someone else?
Can you be patient with me while I try to figure things out?


Colors change for no good reason
Things can change unexpectedly without any explanation


And words will go
Sometimes what was once meaningful becomes meaningless


From poetry to prose
From something beautiful and artistic to something plain and ordinary


And I
I, the artist of the song


In time
Eventually


Will come around
I will return to my usual self


I always do for you
I always come back to you


You're my saving grace
You are the one who helps me through difficult times


(My grace, myself)
(You are the source of my strength)


(Not myself, when I'm someone else)
(I don't feel like myself when I'm not my best)


(When I'm someone else)
(When I'm not acting like myself)


(When I'm someone else, when I'm not myself)
(When I'm not being true to myself)


Would you want me when I'm not myself?
Will you still be there for me even when I'm struggling?


Wait it out while I am someone else?
Can you stick with me while I work through my issues?




Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: John Clayton Mayer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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