Originated from a surf rock group called the Crossfires, the Turtles delved into many genres such as breezy pop, psychedelic music, and folk rock. A precursor to the bubblegum pop of the late 60s and early 70s as well as a foil to the more self-consciously hip and "serious" acts of the era, the Turtles produced at least a dozen memorable, radio-friendly chart singles. Yet they remain best known for 1967's "Happy Together", which was their only chart-topping single.
The Turtles wound down their career in 1970.
The two prominent singers - Howard Kaylan ("Eddie") and Mark Volman ("Flo" a.k.a. "Phlorescent Leech") - collaborated with Frank Zappa for a short but very intensive period of one and a half years (between 1970-72) and were the cornerstone of what was known to be the Zappa "Vaudeville" band; two of the most famous achievements of that period being the albums Fillmore East – June 1971 and 200 Motels, the soundtrack of the film by the same name.
It Ain't Me Babe
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leave at your own chosen speed
I'm not the one you want, babe
I'm not the one you need
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who's never weak but always strong
To protect you and defend you
Whether you are right or wrong
But it ain't me, babe
A-no, no, no it ain't me, babe
Well, it ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Go lightly on the ground
I'm not the one you want, babe
I'll only lead you down
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who'll promise never to part
Someone to close his eyes to you
Someone to close his heart
Someone who will die for you and more
But it ain't me, babe
A-no, no, no it ain't me, babe
Well, it ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
No it ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
I said a-no, no, no, it ain't me, babe
I said a-no, no, no, it ain't me, babe
I said a-no, no, no, it ain't me, babe
I said a-no, no, no, it ain't me, babe
The lyrics to The Turtles' "It Ain't Me Babe" speak of a person who is not willing to fulfill someone else's expectations of them. The song conveys a strong message of individuality and self-respect, as the singer makes it clear that they cannot be the person the other is looking for. They encourage the other party to leave and to find someone else who can offer them what they're looking for, as they don't want to lead them on or disappoint them.
The first verse speaks of the other person's desire for someone who is strong enough to protect and defend them, no matter what. The singer acknowledges that they're not that person and they're not the one the other is looking for. They go on to mention that the other person is looking for someone who will always be by their side and will never leave them, but they still can't fulfill that expectation. The chorus follows, with the singer emphasizing that they are not the one the other is looking for.
The second verse speaks of the other person's desire for someone who will close their eyes and heart to them, promising to never leave. The singer again acknowledges that they can't be that person and that they will ultimately lead the other person down. They mention that the other person is looking for someone who will "die for them and more", which is a strong statement of devotion, yet the singer simply cannot provide that. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing that the singer is not the one the other is looking for.
Overall, "It Ain't Me Babe" is a strong statement of individuality and self-respect. The singer knows who they are and what they can offer, and they're not willing to change or compromise that for anyone. The song's message is still relevant today, as it encourages people to stay true to themselves and not let others' expectations define them.
Line by Line Meaning
Go away from my window
Please leave and stay away from me
Leave at your own chosen speed
Go away as quickly or as slowly as you want
I'm not the one you want, babe
I am not the person you are looking for
I'm not the one you need
I am not the person you require in your life
You say you're lookin' for someone
According to what you have said, you are searching for a person
Who's never weak but always strong
Someone who is always steadfast and never shows vulnerability
To protect you and defend you
To shield and guard you from harm
Whether you are right or wrong
Regardless of whether you are correct or mistaken
Someone to open each and every door
Someone to unlock and open every door for you
But it ain't me, babe
However, that person is not me
A-no, no, no it ain't me, babe
Absolutely not, I am not that person
Well, it ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not the one you're seeking
Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Be cautious and gentle as you step away
Go lightly on the ground
Be gentle and careful as you walk away
I'll only lead you down
I will only bring you to a worse place
Who'll promise never to part
Someone who will make a lifelong commitment to you
Someone to close his eyes to you
Someone who can overlook your imperfections and focus on your positives
Someone to close his heart
Someone who will be emotionally invested in you
Someone who will die for you and more
Someone who will go beyond the normal limits to show their unwavering love for you
No it ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
Again, I must reiterate that I am not the person you desire
I said a-no, no, no, it ain't me, babe
I have already stated that it is not me, and I stand by that
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind