I Can Be for Real
The Sylvers Lyrics


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Telling jokes, getting laughs
But deep inside I frown
Goes out of ways
No one needs a clown
But it's fun 'cause I know
I do what I do best
Yet I feel I'm like all the rest
Who tell me I could never be myself
(be myself)
I have too much, keep my feelings on the shelf
I tell myself no matter what they feel
I know that I can be for real
(ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh)
It's a gift from the heart
To bring out a happy face
And to weep, that's like a warm embrace
Yes, I love what I live, whoo
Each day seems like a trial
But what is life without a smile
They tell me I could ever be myself
I have too much, keep my feelings on the shelf
I tell myself no matter what they feel
I know that I can be for real
A funny plans what I have
And what I always will (what I always will)
I have secrets that could some reveal part of me
(ooh ooh ooh ooh)
(ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh)
(ooh ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh)
They tell could I could never be myself
I have too much, keep my feelings on the shelf
I tell myself no matter what they feel
I know that I can be for real
I know that I can be for real
(I know that I can be for real)
(For real, for real)
For real (for real)
For real (for real)




For real (for real)
For real

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "I Can Be for Real" by The Sylvers talks about the struggle of being true to oneself amidst societal expectations and pressure. The singer mentions how they present themselves as a clown to get people to laugh and entertain, but inwardly, they are not happy, hence "But deep inside I frown". The lyrics suggest that the singer experiences discomfort and pressure to conform, and others discourage them from being true to themselves. However, despite this, the singer acknowledges that they have the courage and the strength to be vulnerable, to express themselves genuinely and without fear of being judged. The chorus of the song emphasizes this, with the singer stating that regardless of what other people feel, they can be their true selves and that they value being genuine.


The song explores the theme of authenticity and how it is essential to be true to oneself. Despite pressure from societal expectations and the belief that vulnerability is a weakness, the singer recognizes the importance of being genuine. The song delivers an important message that it is okay to be oneself entirely, that vulnerability is a strength, and authenticity is the path to happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

Telling jokes, getting laughs
Making others happy by telling jokes and making them laugh


But deep inside I frown
Despite appearing happy, feeling unhappy and sad inside


Goes out of ways
Going above and beyond to make others happy


No one needs a clown
Feeling like others do not appreciate or need one's efforts to make them happy


But it's fun 'cause I know
Despite feeling unappreciated, enjoying making others happy because it is something one is good at


I do what I do best
Being good at making others happy through jokes and laughter


Yet I feel I'm like all the rest
Feeling like everyone else who is told they cannot be themselves


Who tell me I could never be myself
Feeling pressured to not express one's true self due to criticism from others


(be myself)


I have too much, keep my feelings on the shelf
Not expressing true feelings and keeping them hidden away


I tell myself no matter what they feel
Reminding oneself that it is important to remain true to oneself regardless of others' opinions


I know that I can be for real
Having confidence in being true to oneself


(ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh)


It's a gift from the heart
The ability to make others happy is something that comes from within one's heart


To bring out a happy face
Using one's ability to make others happy by bringing a smile to their face


And to weep, that's like a warm embrace
Being able to share both happy and sad moments with others is comforting


Yes, I love what I live, whoo
Being grateful for being able to make others happy despite feeling unappreciated


Each day seems like a trial
Feeling like every day is a challenge to continue making others happy


But what is life without a smile
Believing that making others happy is an important part of life


A funny plans what I have
Having a talent for making others laugh and planning ways to do so


And what I always will (what I always will)
Believing that making others happy through humor is something that will always be a part of oneself


I have secrets that could some reveal part of me
Having aspects of oneself that are not fully expressed and may be revealed through one's humor


(ooh ooh ooh ooh)


(ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh)


(ooh ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh)


For real (for real)
Being genuine and true to oneself


For real (for real)
Being genuine and true to oneself


For real (for real)
Being genuine and true to oneself


For real
Being genuine and true to oneself




Contributed by Isabella S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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