Be Myself – English Lyrics

• By: Why Don't We
• Album: The Good Times And The Bad Ones

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into the emotional depth of Why Don't We's "Be Myself" to not only enjoy a poignant pop song but also to explore the English language through its relatable lyrics. This track, born from personal experience with anxiety, offers powerful expressions of vulnerability and the universal desire for authenticity. By focusing on its sincere storytelling and introspective vocabulary, you can gain a deeper understanding of emotional language in English while connecting with a song that resonates with many. Its clear articulation of personal struggle and hope makes it a unique and special piece for language learners.

[English]

Where do I start?

All these thoughts inside my head

Collide and I decide I'm staying in tonight

They say, "Follow your heart"

But it's beating uncontrollably

I can't hear what it's telling me this time

We're dancing on the edge of anxiety's ledge

And I might fall again, I might fall

We're walking on a rope of worry and I hope

That I don't fall again, I don't fall, oh

Take me somewhere I can be

I can be myself

Oh, take me somewhere I am free

Free to be myself and nothing else

...

I've never had pride for myself and I'm proud of that

'Cause I know that I'm just somebody else

So why do I try? (Why do I try?)

Try to find my validation in what everybody's saying

I need some help

We're dancing on the edge of anxiety's ledge

And I might fall again, I might fall

We're walking on a rope of worry and I hope

That I don't fall again, I don't fall, oh

Take me somewhere I can be

I can be myself

Oh, take me somewhere I am free

Free to be myself and nothing else

...

We're dancing on the edge of anxiety's ledge

And I might fall again, I might fall

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
thoughts /θɔːts/ B1	noun - an idea or opinion produced by thinking or occurring suddenly in the mind.
head /hed/ A1	noun - the part of the body above the neck where the eyes, nose, mouth, and brain are.
collide /kəˈlaɪd/ B2	verb - hit with force when moving.
decide /dɪˈsaɪd/ A2	verb - come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration.
heart /hɑːrt/ A1	noun - an organ that pumps blood through the body.
beating /ˈbiːtɪŋ/ B1	verb - to strike or thump rhythmically.
time /taɪm/ A1	noun - the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.
dancing /ˈdænsɪŋ/ A1	verb - move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps.
edge /edʒ/ B1	noun - the outside limit of an object, area, or surface.
anxiety /æŋˈzaɪəti/ B2	noun - a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
ledge /ledʒ/ C1	noun - a narrow shelf-like projection from a wall or cliff.
fall /fɔːl/ A1	verb - move downwards, typically rapidly and freely without control. noun - the act of falling.
rope /rəʊp/ A2	noun - a length of thick strong cord made by twisting together strands of hemp, sisal, etc.
worry /ˈwʌri/ A2	noun - a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems. verb - give way to anxiety and unease; allow one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles.
free /friː/ A2	adjective - not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes.
pride /praɪd/ B1	noun - a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
proud /praʊd/ A2	adjective - feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.
somebody /ˈsʌmbədi/ A1	noun - an unspecified or unnamed person.
try /traɪ/ A1	verb - make an attempt or effort to do something. noun - an attempt to do or achieve something.
validation /ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃən/ C1	noun - the action of checking or proving the validity or accuracy of something.
help /help/ A1	verb - make it easier for someone to do something by offering one's assistance. noun - the action of helping someone; assistance.

Key Grammar Structures

• They say, 'Follow your heart'.

  ➔ Reported speech

  ➔ 'They say' indicates the speaker is reporting what others have advised.

• I can't hear what it's telling me this time.

  ➔ Present continuous tense

  ➔ 'I can't hear' expresses an ongoing inability to understand something now.

• We're walking on a rope of worry.

  ➔ Present continuous tense

  ➔ 'We’re walking' indicates an action currently in progress.

• Take me somewhere I can be myself.

  ➔ Modal verb 'can'

  ➔ 'I can be myself' shows ability or possibility.

• I've never had pride for myself.

  ➔ Present perfect tense

  ➔ 'I've never had' indicates an experience up until now.

• I need some help.

  ➔ Simple present tense

  ➔ 'I need' expresses a simple statement of desire or requirement.

• 'Cause I know that I'm just somebody else.

  ➔ Conjunction (that) and present simple tense

  ➔ 'I know that' indicates belief or understanding.