Green was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and took an interest in singing, playing the piano, and songwriting at a very young age. At the age of thirteen, she became a member of a female quintet called Younique. Green received her big break at the age of nineteen when she became a backing singer for Jill Scott, who took her on an international tour. She was signed to Columbia Records in November 2001. Green released her first album, featuring the hit "Emotional Rollercoaster", in November 2002 in the U.S. and February 2003 in the United Kingdom. Her second album, featuring the first single "Gotta Go, Gotta Leave (Tired)", was released almost three years later, in June 2005. Green was engaged to Erik Tribbet, a drummer from nearby Camden, New Jersey, with whom she has a son named Jordan.
Selfish
Vivian Green Lyrics
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Gotta do this for me, please don't beg and plead
You may think I'm selfish, sorry but I can't help it
Gotta do this for me, please don't beg and plead
You don't understand it, just can't comprehend
How I can just get up and leave
You think it's gonna get better, nothing lasts forever
That I'm just somewhere else, don't need nobody
To validate me, I'm good
I wanna do just what I want, whatever that may be
I'm solely focused on me, yeah, yeah
See what I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it
What I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it, I do
You've got many folks who love you, no, you don't need me
You're gonna be all right
I'm always here for you, can do what we use to do
But soon someone will come along
As for me I just wanna be free
To live life to the fullest extent
I've played my role and this chapter has closed
Got cause for new auditions, yeah
See what I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it
What I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it, I do
Now what I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it
What I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it, I do
I do, I do, I do
I'm always lovin' too much and I'm always learnin' too much
And I'm always givin' too much, givin' too much of me
And I'm not punishin' you or blaming you blaming you
What I gotta do I gotta do for me
It's what I want, it's what I need, just let me be
I'm sorry if you think this is selfish
See what I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it
What I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it, I do
Now what I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it
What I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it, I do
Now what I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it
What I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it, I do
Yes, I do, yes, I do, this might seem selfish
I do, I do, I like it, this might seem selfish
See what I'm going through
I know I like it
In "Selfish," Vivian Green talks about her need to prioritize herself and her desires over the expectations and needs of others. She acknowledges that others may view her actions as selfish, but she cannot help it. She states that she doesn't need anyone to validate her, and she wants to do what she wants to do. She recognizes that this may hurt those who care for her, but she needs to do what's best for her.
The song is ultimately about self-love and putting oneself first, sometimes at the expense of others. It encourages listeners to prioritize their own well-being and happiness, even if it means being viewed as selfish by others.
Line by Line Meaning
You may think I'm selfish, sorry but I can't help it
I apologize if it comes off as selfish, but I need to prioritize myself.
Gotta do this for me, please don't beg and plead
I need to do what's best for me, so please don't try to change my mind.
You don't understand it, just can't comprehend
You may not fully comprehend my decision and that is okay.
How I can just get up and leave
You may be confused as to how I can easily leave, but I must do what I need.
You think it's gonna get better, nothing lasts forever
You have hope that things will change, but in reality everything has an expiration date.
That I'm just somewhere else, don't need nobody
I am in a different place and don't require validation from anyone else.
To validate me, I'm good
I don't need anyone to validate my decisions, I am content and secure.
I wanna do just what I want, whatever that may be
I want to live life on my own terms, without any restrictions or obligations.
I'm solely focused on me, yeah, yeah
The only goal I have in mind is to focus on myself and self-improvement.
See what I'm going through, might seem selfish to you
You may view my actions as selfish but it's my way of dealing with my own problems.
But I've never tried it and I think that I'll like it
I have never prioritized myself before, but I believe that it's the right choice.
You've got many folks who love you, no, you don't need me
You have a supportive network, and don't have to rely on me for happiness.
I'm always here for you, can do what we use to do
I will always be there for you, and we can still do things we used to enjoy.
But soon someone will come along
You will find someone else who will be able to fill the void.
As for me I just wanna be free
I want to live a life of freedom and not be bound to others' expectations.
To live life to the fullest extent
I want to live my life without any regrets or missed opportunities.
Got cause for new auditions, yeah
I have an opportunity to try something new and I'm excited for it.
I'm always lovin' too much and I'm always learnin' too much
I am constantly putting others before myself and always learning from my experiences.
And I'm always givin' too much, givin' too much of me
I give too much of myself, to the point where I neglect my own needs.
And I'm not punishin' you or blaming you blaming you
This has nothing to do with you or your actions, I just need to do what's best for me.
What I gotta do I gotta do for me
I need to do what's necessary for my own well-being, even if it's difficult.
It's what I want, it's what I need, just let me be
I know what I want and what I need, and I just need the space to achieve it.
I'm sorry if you think this is selfish
I apologize if this comes off as selfish, but I need to prioritize myself.
I know I like it
I am confident that prioritizing myself is what I need to do, and I'm content with it.
Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: ADAM BLACKSTONE, STEVE MCKIE, VIVIAN GREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind