Gotta Be True
Keith and Renee Lyrics


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So much for never makin' the same mistake
I can't believe I'm here again
So much for ever thinkin' that I could change
My good intentions still remain in chains

[Chorus]
She's gotta be over me now
Probably moved on with her life
Found someone she knows she can believe
God I would give anything if I could just go back again
And be the man she needed me to be

I thought I was a hero
I played him well
He saves the day but not himself
I acted out the lover
My finest part
Had all the lines but not the heart
No look where we are

[Chorus]

Be the man that she could trust, who put her first
Who tamed his demons, who healed her hurts
In health and sickness, who helped her grow
With no resentment, true repentance, God as my witness

[Chorus: x2]

She needed me to be
She needed me to be, oh




Whoa, hallelujah
Yeah, I could be that man she needed me, she needed me to be

Overall Meaning

In the song Gotta Be True by Keith and Renée, the lyrics express regret and self-reflection after making the same mistake again. The singer acknowledges their good intentions but admits to being held back by their own demons. The chorus is a plea for a second chance, recognizing that the person they hurt has likely moved on and is now with someone they can trust. The singer yearns to be that person again, the man the person needed them to be.


The second verse of the song speaks to the facade the singer put up in their relationship. They played the role of the hero and the lover, but lacked the emotional depth to sustain a healthy relationship. The bridge takes a more positive turn, as the singer reflects on what they could be. They want to be the man who puts their partner first, tames their own demons, and helps their partner grow without resentment or hesitation.


Overall, the song Gotta Be True is a heartfelt expression of regret and a desire for redemption. The singer recognizes their shortcomings and wants to improve themselves for the sake of their former partner.


Line by Line Meaning

So much for never makin' the same mistake
I have failed to avoid repeating my mistakes


I can't believe I'm here again
I am surprised and disappointed to find myself in the same situation again


So much for ever thinkin' that I could change
I was wrong to believe that I could change who I am


My good intentions still remain in chains
Despite my desire to do better, I am still held back by my shortcomings


She's gotta be over me now
I assume she has moved on from our relationship


Probably moved on with her life
I imagine that she has continued living her life without me


Found someone she knows she can believe
She has likely found someone she trusts and has faith in


God I would give anything if I could just go back again
I deeply regret my past actions and wish I could undo them


And be the man she needed me to be
I wish I had been the person she deserved in our relationship


I thought I was a hero
I believed I was doing the right thing in our relationship


I played him well
I portrayed a character or role in our relationship


He saves the day but not himself
I may have helped others but failed to help myself


I acted out the lover
I behaved like someone in love but lacked true feelings


My finest part
The best version of myself that I presented during our relationship


Had all the lines but not the heart
I may have said the right things, but did not truly mean them


No look where we are
Our relationship has fallen apart


Be the man that she could trust, who put her first
I should have been reliable and shown her that she was my priority


Who tamed his demons, who healed her hurts
I should have taken care of my own issues and helped her with hers


In health and sickness, who helped her grow
I should have supported her in all aspects of her life, through good times and bad


With no resentment, true repentance, God as my witness
I should have apologized and made amends for my mistakes, without any resentment, and with sincerity and honesty


She needed me to be
I failed to be the person she needed in our relationship


Whoa, hallelujah
A cry of lament, regret or hope


Yeah, I could be that man she needed me, she needed me to be
I still have a chance to change and become the person she deserves




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT LP
Written by: KEITH LIONEL URBAN, MONTY POWELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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