Different Drum
Linda Ronstadt Lyrics
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Oh, can't you tell by the way I run
Every time you make eyes at me? Whoa
You cry and moan and say it will work out
But honey child I've got my doubts
You can't see the forest for the trees
So, don't get me wrong, it's not that I knock it
For a boy who wants to love only me
Yes, and I ain't sayin' you ain't pretty
All I'm saying's I'm not ready for any person
Place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me, so
Goodbye, I'll be leavin'
I see no sense in this cryin' and grievin'
We'll both live a lot longer if you live without me
So, don't get me wrong, it's not that I knock it
It's just that I am not in the market
For a boy who wants to love only me
Yes, and I ain't sayin' you ain't pretty
All I'm saying's I'm not ready for any person
Place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me, so
Goodbye, I'll be leavin'
I see no sense in this cryin' and grievin'
We'll both live a lot longer if you live without me
The lyrics of "Different Drum" by Linda Ronstadt & The Stone Poneys express the singer's desire for independence from a romantic relationship that does not align with her goals and aspirations. She tells her partner that they both "travel to the beat of a different drum" and highlights her apprehensions about the relationship's ability to work out. The partner, on the other hand, seems invested in the relationship and continues to pursue her despite her reluctance. The singer explains that she is not attacking her partner's intentions but rather stating her own desires for autonomy.
The verse "all I'm saying's I'm not ready for any person, place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me" aligns with the themes of self-discovery and bucking societal pressures that were popular in the 1960s when the song was released. The chorus "goodbye, I'll be leaving" is a clear statement of independence, with the singer choosing to leave the relationship and start anew. The overall tone of the song is melancholic, as the singer recognizes the pain of leaving but affirms her desire to pursue her own path in life.
Line by Line Meaning
You and I travel to the beat of a different drum
We have different views and goals in our lives
Oh, can't you tell by the way I run
I act differently from you, which highlights our incompatibility
Every time you make eyes at me? Whoa
Whenever you show affection towards me, I feel uncomfortable and distant
You cry and moan and say it will work out
You express your emotions and optimism, thinking that we can make it work
But honey child I've got my doubts
But I have doubts that we can truly be happy together
You can't see the forest for the trees
You can't see the big picture and ignore the issues that we have
So, don't get me wrong, it's not that I knock it
I don't criticize your desire to be with me
It's just that I am not in the market
It's just that I am not looking for a serious relationship
For a boy who wants to love only me
I don't want to commit to someone who only wants to be with me
Yes, and I ain't sayin' you ain't pretty
You are attractive, but that's not enough for me to stay
All I'm saying's I'm not ready for any person
I'm not ready to commit to anyone
Place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me, so
I don't want anyone or anything to control me or limit my choices
Goodbye, I'll be leavin'
I'm leaving you
I see no sense in this cryin' and grievin'
I don't see the point in being sad and upset about our breakup
We'll both live a lot longer if you live without me
We will both be better off if we go our separate ways
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Michael Nesmith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind