Charley Pride – I’m Just Me

About the song

Background

  • Released in 1971 as the title track from Pride’s twelfth studio album.
  • Written by Glenn Martin.
  • Became Pride’s seventh number one hit on the U.S. country singles chart.
  • The song appeared on the album I’m Just Me, which itself reached number one on the Billboard country albums chart.

Lyrics

The song is a celebration of individuality and self-acceptance. The narrator sings about being comfortable in his own skin, despite what others might think.

Here’s an excerpt:

I don’t worry ’bout the fads or the fashions I don’t try to be somethin’ I’m not I just wear a smile and sing my own songs And that’s all I ever have thought

Themes

  • Self-acceptance: The core message is about being happy with who you are, regardless of external pressures.
  • Staying true to oneself: The lyrics emphasize the importance of authenticity and not conforming to expectations.
  • Confidence: The song conveys a sense of self-assuredness and comfort in one’s identity.

Video

Lyrics

Down at the railroad station there’s people gettin’ on
Some are a goin’ north some are a goin’ south I’m just goin’ to be gone
Some people are born to be takers others just wanna give
Some people live just to love but I just love to live.

For I was just born to be exactly what you see
Nothing more or less I’m not the worst or the best
I just try to be exactly what you see
Today and every day I’m just me.

When people say their life is rough I wonder compared to what
Some are wantin’ more and more’s gettin’ less I just want what I’ve got
Some wanna live on a hill others down by the sea
Some wanna live inside high walls I just wanna live free.

For I was just born to be exactly what you see
Nothing more or less I’m not the worst or the best
I just try to be exactly what you see
Today and every day I’m just me.

Oh, I was just born to be exactly what you see
Today and every day I’m just me…