I Can't Be Myself
Embracing Individuality: Merle Haggard's Struggle for Authenticity
Lyrics
It's a way of mine to say just what I'm thinking
Expressing a personal tendency to speak candidly about thoughts and desires.
And to do the things I really want to do
Desiring to engage in actions that align with personal preferences.
And you want to change the part of me I'm proud of
Facing resistance to change a proud aspect of oneself.
So I can't be myself, when I'm with you
Unable to be genuine when in the company of the person addressed.
Oh, you never liked the clothes I wear on Sunday
Facing disapproval for one's choice of clothing on Sundays.
Just because I don't believe the way you do
Attributing the disapproval to religious differences.
But I believe the Lord knows I'm unhappy
Expressing a belief in personal unhappiness, possibly due to imposed changes.
'Cause I can't be myself when I'm with you
Stating the inability to be authentic in the presence of the person being addressed.
I can't be myself and be what pleases you
Highlighting the conflict between being oneself and meeting the expectations of the other person.
And down deep inside, I don't believe that you'd want me to
Casting doubt on the likelihood of the other person truly desiring the speaker to conform.
And it's not my way to take so long deciding
Emphasizing a reluctance to take an extended time to make a decision.
That I can't be myself, when I'm with you
Reiterating the challenge of being authentic in the presence of the person addressed.
I can't be myself and be what pleases you
Repeating the conflict between personal authenticity and pleasing the other person.
And down deep inside, I don't believe you'd want me to
Reiterating skepticism about the other person's true desire for the speaker to conform.
And it's not my style to take so long deciding
Reiterating a resistance to a prolonged decision-making process.
That I can't be myself, when I'm with you
Emphasizing the ongoing challenge of being genuine in the presence of the person addressed.
No, I can't be myself, when I'm with you
Concluding the inability to be true to oneself when with the other person.
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