I Gotta Be Me
Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme Lyrics


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Whether I'm right, whether I'm wrong
Whether I find a place in this world or never belong
I've gotta be me, I've gotta be me
What else can I be but what I am?

I want to live, not merely survive
And I won't give up this dream of life
That keeps me alive
I've gotta be me, I've gotta be me
The dream that I see makes me what I am

That faraway prize, a world of success
Is waiting for me if I heed the call
I won't settle down or settle for less
As long as there's half a chance that I can have it all

I'll go it alone, that's how it must be
I can't be right for somebody else if I'm not right for me
I've gotta be me, I've gotta be me
Daring to try to do it or die, I've gotta be me

I can't be right for somebody else if I'm not right for me
I've gotta be me, I've gotta be me




Daring to try to do it or die,
I've gotta be me

Overall Meaning

The song "I Gotta Be Me" by Steve Lawrence is a powerful anthem that speaks about the importance of self-acceptance and individualism. The song begins with the lines "Whether I'm right, whether I'm wrong, whether I find a place in this world or never belong," highlighting the singer's dilemma in finding his identity in the world. However, the chorus, "I've gotta be me, I've gotta be me. What else can I be but what I am?" reinforces the notion that self-acceptance is crucial, and one must embrace their true self, or they'll never find fulfillment in life.


The singer expresses his desire to live life to the fullest (‘I want to live, not merely survive’) and pursue his dreams endlessly. The line ‘That faraway prize, a world of success, is waiting for me if I heed the call, ’suggests that despite the hardships, he's willing to take the risk and pursue his goals. The lines ‘I won't settle down or settle for less, as long as there's half a chance that I can have it all’ highlight his determination to go beyond boundaries and not settle for mediocrity.


The song concludes with the singer reiterating the importance of self-discovery and individuality. ‘I'll go it alone, that's how it must be. I can't be right for somebody else if I'm not right for me'. This line emphasizes that true happiness and success can only be achieved when individuals embrace their true selves.


Line by Line Meaning

Whether I'm right, whether I'm wrong
No matter the outcome of my choices or actions


Whether I find a place in this world or never belong
Regardless of whether I fit in or feel like an outsider


I've gotta be me, I've gotta be me
I must be true to myself


What else can I be but what I am?
I cannot pretend to be someone I'm not


I want to live, not merely survive
I desire a fulfilling life, not just one of existence


And I won't give up this dream of life
I refuse to abandon my ambition for a satisfying life


That keeps me alive
My dream is what motivates me to continue living


The dream that I see makes me what I am
My aspiration is a significant part of my identity


That faraway prize, a world of success
The idea of achieving great success in life


Is waiting for me if I heed the call
Success is attainable if I follow my calling


I won't settle down or settle for less
I am not willing to compromise or accept mediocre outcomes


As long as there's half a chance that I can have it all
If there is even a slight possibility of achieving great success, I will pursue it


I'll go it alone, that's how it must be
I will pursue my dreams independently


I can't be right for somebody else if I'm not right for me
I cannot conform to someone else's expectations if it goes against my true self


Daring to try to do it or die, I've gotta be me
I am willing to take risks to achieve my dreams, even if it means risking failure or rejection




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Walter Marks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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