In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, she made a return to the stage and, although bald from chemotherapy, performed a tribute to Janis Joplin with the song "Piece of My Heart". Etheridge's performance was widely lauded, with India.Arie writing "I Am Not My Hair" about Etheridge. Later that year, Etheridge released her first compilation album, Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled. The album was a huge success, peaking at #14 on the Billboard 200, and going Gold immediately. Her latest release is 4th Street Feeling.
Etheridge is known for her mixture of "confessional lyrics, pop-based folk-rock, and raspy, smoky vocals." She has also been an iconic gay and lesbian activist since her public coming out in January 1993.
It's Only Me
Melissa Etheridge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well it was definitely gone when I woke up today
I walked up to the mirror to see
It's only me
I got out of the kitchen I couldn't stand the heat
Back into my skin and out on the street
Lookin' for a little salvation
Baby you can just pretend
That maybe you can love again
But babe I know better
It's only me
And wherever you are tonight
The satisfaction you invite
Nobody knows better
It's only me
Well I went down to the revival
To give my soul a chance
And the DJ spoke to God
And the congregation danced
And I heard a sound and I turned around
It's only me
I found a little angel who had fallen from the sky
And I took that little angel and I taught her how to fly
When the night is done and the morning comes
It's only me
Baby you can just pretend
That maybe you can love again
But babe I know better
It's only me
And wherever you are tonight
The satisfaction you invite
Nobody knows better
It's only me, only me
All you'll ever want
And all you'll ever need
And all you'll ever taste
And all you'll ever bleed
Look deep inside you
It's only me
Baby you can just pretend
That maybe you can love again
But babe I know better
It's only me
And wherever you are tonight
The satisfaction you invite
Nobody knows better
It's only me
Ohâ?¦
Baby you can just pretend
That maybe you can love again
But babe I know better
It's only me
It's only me
It's only me
The lyrics of Melissa Etheridge's song "It's Only Me" are about self-realization and acceptance. The lyrics start with the famous phrase, "They say the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, well, it was definitely gone when I woke up today," suggesting that the singer has experienced some sort of loss, whether it be physical or emotional. The singer then describes how she looks at herself in the mirror and sees that the only person she can truly rely on is herself.
She then says that she tries to find salvation by going out on the street, but she still knows that the love and acceptance she craves will only come from within. She then speaks to a former lover, telling them that they can pretend to love someone else, but in reality, they know that they will never find anyone like her because she is unique. Finally, she tells the listener to "look deep inside you." The final line, "Baby you can just pretend that maybe you can love again, but babe I know better, it's only me," sums up the whole theme of the song - that one must accept and love themselves before they can truly love others.
Overall, the lyrics of "It's Only Me" are about self-acceptance and personal growth. The singer realizes that the only person they can fully rely on is themselves and that true happiness comes from finding love within themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away
People say that fortunes can change, sometimes unexpectedly
Well it was definitely gone when I woke up today
Something of value was lost overnight, and may not be recovered
I walked up to the mirror to see
Looking in the mirror to face one's own reality
It's only me
Being alone and dealing with one's own problems, without divine help or interference
I got out of the kitchen I couldn't stand the heat
Leaving behind a situation that was volatile or uncomfortable
Back into my skin and out on the street
Returning to normalcy and facing the outside world
Lookin' for a little salvation
Searching for hope, a brighter future, or a solution to current problems
Baby you can just pretend
Trying to convince oneself or others that things are not as bad as they seem
That maybe you can love again
Hopeful for new relationships, despite past disappointments or heartbreak
But babe I know better
Despite optimism, still recognizing the reality of a situation
And wherever you are tonight
Wondering about the whereabouts or actions of a significant other
The satisfaction you invite
Curious about what pleasures or happiness that person may be experiencing
Nobody knows better
Nobody can truly understand a person's thoughts, feelings, or motives
Well I went down to the revival
Seeking spiritual guidance or support
To give my soul a chance
Hoping for redemption or inner peace
And the DJ spoke to God
The music and lyrics of a song resonated deeply with the singer's beliefs or values
And the congregation danced
Feeling a connection or sense of community with others who share similar beliefs
And I heard a sound and I turned around
Being startled or surprised by something unexpected
It's only me
Realizing that one is alone in their struggles and must face them alone
I found a little angel who had fallen from the sky
Discovering something or someone who is special or significant
And I took that little angel and I taught her how to fly
Nurturing and empowering something or someone to reach their full potential
When the night is done and the morning comes
Awaiting a new day, with new opportunities for growth and change
All you'll ever want
Everything that one desires or longs for
And all you'll ever need
Everything that one requires or depends on to survive
And all you'll ever taste
Every experience, good or bad, that one will encounter in their lifetime
And all you'll ever bleed
Every sacrifice or pain that one must endure to achieve their goals
Look deep inside you
Encouraging introspection and self-reflection
It's only me
Embracing one's individuality and self-reliance
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MELISSA ETHERIDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind