It Ain't Me
Johnny & The Jailbirds 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 and 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'll only let you down
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who'll promise never to part
Someone to close his eyes for you
Someone to close his heart
Someone to die for you and more
But it ain't me babe
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
You say you're lookin' for someone
To pick you up each time you fall
To gather flowers constantly
And to come each time you call
And will love you for your life
And nothin' more
But it ain't me babe
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
In Johnny & June Carter Cash's song "It Ain't Me Babe," the singer is trying to convey to their lover that they are not the person they are looking for. The lyrics start with "Go away from my window," indicating that the singer wants their lover to leave. They explain that they are not the one their lover wants or needs. The lover is looking for someone who is strong and can protect and defend them, but the singer recognizes that they are not that person. The lover also wants someone who will promise never to part, close their heart and die for them, and the singer recognizes that they cannot fulfill those desires.
The repeated refrain, "No, no, no, it ain't me babe," emphasizes the singer's rejection of their lover's desires. The second verse echoes this sentiment, as the singer urges their lover to 'go lightly' from their life, as they will only let them down. The final verse emphasizes that their lover is looking for someone to constantly pick them up and love them for their life, but the singer recognizes that they cannot fulfill those desires.
Overall, the song is about recognizing one's own limitations and being honest with their partner about what they can and cannot provide in a relationship. It is a rejection of the traditional romantic notions of a partner who is constantly strong, loyal, and willing to die for their lover, and instead acknowledges the imperfections and limitations of human relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Go away from my window
Please leave me alone and stop trying to get my attention.
Leave at your own chosen speed
You can leave right now if you want, but it's up to you to decide.
I'm not the one you want, babe
I am not the person you are in love with or interested in.
I'm not the one you need
I cannot be the person you rely on or depend on.
You say you're lookin' for someone
You have certain expectations about what you want in a relationship.
Who's never weak but always strong
You want someone who is resilient and powerful all the time.
To protect you and defend you
You want someone who can keep you safe and shield you from harm.
Whether you are right or wrong
You want someone who will stick by your side no matter what.
Someone to open each and every door
You want someone who can provide you with every opportunity and access to new things.
But it ain't me babe
I cannot be the person you want me to be.
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
I am not the right match for you, no matter how hard you try.
Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Be careful and cautious in your actions and decisions.
Go lightly on the ground
Be gentle and mindful of your surroundings and the impact you have on others.
I'll only let you down
I cannot be the person who lives up to your expectations and desires.
Who'll promise never to part
You want someone who will commit to staying with you forever.
Someone to close his eyes for you
You want someone who will make sacrifices and put your needs before his own.
Someone to close his heart
You want someone who will be emotionally vulnerable and intimate with you.
Someone to die for you and more
You want someone who will do anything for you, even sacrifice his own life.
To pick you up each time you fall
You want someone who will support you and help you through tough times.
To gather flowers constantly
You want someone who will always show you love and affection, even through small gestures.
And to come each time you call
You want someone who will be there for you whenever you need him.
And will love you for your life
You want someone who will love and cherish you forever.
And nothin' more
You don't want anything else from a relationship besides love and companionship.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind