I've Gotta Be Me
Ella Fitzgerald
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Whether I'm right or whether I'm wrong Whether I find a place in this world or never belong I've gotta be me, I've gotta be me What else can I be but what I am? I want to live, not merely survive And I won't give up this dream Of life that keeps me alive I've gotta be me, I've gotta be me The dream that I see makes me what I am That far-away prize, a world of success Is waiting for me if I heed the call I won't settle down, won't settle for less As long as there's a chance that I can have it all I'll go it alone--that's how it must be I can't be right for somebody else If I'm not right for me I've gotta be free, I've gotta be free Daring to try, to do it or die I've gotta be me I'll go it alone--that's how it must be I can't be right for somebody else If I'm not right for me I've gotta be free, I've just gotta be free Daring to try, to do it or die I've gotta be me
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Written by: Walter Marks
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song's History"I've Gotta Be Me" is a song that was initially popularized by an American singer and actor Steve Lawrence in 1968. It was written by Walter Marks in 1967 for the Broadway musical "Golden Rainbow".
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Ella Fitzgerald's CoverRenowned jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald also covered "I've Gotta Be Me" adding her unique and soul-stirring jazz touch to the song.
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Song's ThemeThe song carries a powerful message of self-affirmation. It urges listeners to be proud of who they are and to always stay true to themselves.
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Usage in Popular CultureIt has been used several times in popular culture, appearing in movies, TV series, and advertisements, reinforcing its universal appeal.
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Not a Ryan Tedder's SongContrary to some assumptions, Ryan Tedder, the lead vocalist of OneRepublic, did not perform or cover "I've Gotta Be Me". This might be a common confusion with the other singer Ryan O'Neal, whose band "Sleeping at Last" covered the song in 2013.
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AchievementsSteve Lawrence's version was a top 10 hit on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1968 and also made the top 40 on the Pop chart.
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Notable CoversBesides Ella Fitzgerald, the song has been covered by numerous artists across different genres including Sammy Davis Jr., Michael Jackson, and The Temptations.
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Sammy Davis Jr.'s VersionSammy Davis Jr.'s version of "I've Gotta Be Me" is arguably the most famous interpretation of the song. It was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.
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Impact on ListenersThe song has often been praised for its inspirational and encouraging nature, celebrating individuality and self-love.
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LyricsThe lyrics of "I've Gotta Be Me" speaks to many, making it an enduring classic. It continues to resonate with audiences today for it's powerful affirmation of selfhood and individuality.
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Citation
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"I've Gotta Be Me Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2706691/Ella+Fitzgerald/I%27ve+Gotta+Be+Me>.
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