It Ain't Me
Johnny And 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
The lyrics of Johnny And The Jailbirds's song It Ain't Me talk about a person rejecting the advances of another who is looking for someone to fulfill all their expectations and needs. The first stanza talks about the person expressing that they are not the right fit for the other person as they are not strong enough to protect and defend them at all times, regardless if they are right or wrong. The last line "someone to open each and every door" may symbolize the idea that the other person is looking for an escape or a way out of their current situation and they want the singer to be that person, which the singer rejects by saying "It ain't me, babe".
The second stanza continues with the singer telling the other person to leave them and to not expect much from them as they are not what they are looking for, saying "I'll only let you down". The third stanza adds to the things the person is looking for their perfect partner to do, which includes picking them up each time they fall and constantly showering them with affection. The singer continues to reject these demands by repeating "It ain't me, babe".
Overall, the song showcases the singer rejecting the other person's expectations of a perfect relationship and acknowledging that they cannot fulfill these needs. The song's chorus "no, no, no, it ain't me, babe" emphasizes the singer's rejection and makes it clear that they will not be persuaded to be the "someone" the other person is looking for.
Line by Line Meaning
Go away from my window
I want you to leave my sight and stay away from me
Leave at your own chosen speed
You can leave whenever you want, at any pace
I'm not the one you want, babe
I am not the person you are interested in or attracted to, my love
I'm not the one you need
I am not the person you require in your life to make you happy or complete
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
You claim to desire a person who is always strong and never weak, someone who can shield you and support you no matter if you are right or wrong
Someone to open each and every door
But it ain't me babe
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
You need somebody to open doors for you, but I cannot be that person for you, I cannot fulfill your expectations
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
Please depart the precipice with caution and step lightly on the floor because I am not the one you crave, and I will only disappoint you
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
You claim to seek a person who will vow never to leave your side, somebody who will protect and sacrifice everything for you
But it ain't me babe
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
Yet, I am not that person you desire, my love. Sorry to disappoint you
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
You seem to seek somebody who can boost your spirit whenever you feel down, somebody who collects flowers all the time and can answer your summons unconditionally, and will adore you tirelessly forever
But it ain't me babe
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
But I am not that individual you are yearning for, my love. You need to look elsewhere
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind