Note To Self: Don't Die
Ryan Adams Lyrics


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I'm as blue
I'm as blue as the ocean is true, it's just reflections of the sky
I'm as cold
I'm as cold as the stories you told but never sick enough to die

Note to self, don't change for anyone
Note to self, don't die
Note to self, don't change for anyone
Don't chance, just lie

I'm as sick
I'm as crass as the things in your past, you wished that you could let them go
Caged birds
Caged animals starving for class
In your house when you're alone

Note to self, don't change for anyone
Note to self, don't die
Note to self, don't change for anyone
Don't change, just lie

Who do you call when you're alone
Nobody, baby
Who do you want to be, figure out and just let me know
Don't change, don't change, don't change
Just let me go




Just let me go
Just let me go

Overall Meaning

In Ryan Adams's song "Note to Self: Don't Die," the lyrics convey a sense of deep melancholy and emotional turmoil. The singer of the song is feeling blue and reflective. The ocean's blueness is indicative of the singer's emotional state, which is deeply affected by the sky's reflection. Similarly, the singer is cold, but not physically ill enough to die. The metaphorical usage of the phrase 'never sick enough to die' suggests a deeper psychological trauma that the singer is grappling with.


The song's chorus is a compelling reminder to the self. The singer advises himself not to change for anyone, even if the world around him pressures him to do so. The repetition of the phrase 'note to self' emphasizes the importance of the singer's message. The refrain 'just lie' highlights the tension between being true to oneself and the need for self-preservation in a world that may not accept one's true self.


The song's bridge asks deeply philosophical questions about one's existence. The line 'who do you want to be, figure out and let me know' is a call to action for oneself. The singer does not want to be changed and wants to be let go. The song's ending is profound, indicating the singer's relentlessness in being himself.


Overall, the song is an exploration of the self and the concept of self-preservation. The singer's advice to himself is to stay true to himself and resist the temptation to change for the world's sake.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm as blue
I'm feeling down and sad


I'm as blue as the ocean is true, it's just reflections of the sky
I feel so sad that the vastness of sadness I feel is reflected by the vastness of the ocean


I'm as cold
I'm emotionally distant


I'm as cold as the stories you told but never sick enough to die
The stories you told me hurt me so much that I feel numb, but I won't let them kill me


Note to self, don't change for anyone
I must stay true to myself and not let anyone else change me


Note to self, don't die
I need to keep going and not let despair consume me


Don't chance, just lie
I shouldn't take any risks and should just pretend to be okay


I'm as sick
I'm mentally unwell


I'm as crass as the things in your past, you wished that you could let them go
I'm just as insensitive and hurtful as the things you regret and can't forget


Caged birds
Trapped animals


Caged animals starving for class
I feel like I'm trapped and can't escape my status in life


Who do you call when you're alone
Who can you rely on when you're feeling lonely?


Nobody, baby
I don't have anyone to turn to


Who do you want to be, figure out and just let me know
What kind of person do you aspire to be? Let me know so we can work towards that together


Don't change, don't change, don't change
Stay true to yourself, don't let the world change you


Just let me go
Just let me move on with my life and be who I want to be


Just let me go
Just let me go, even if it hurts




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PARKER POSEY, RYAN ADAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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