I Don't Want To Be – Gavin DeGraw
One Tree Hill · One Tree Hill [2005]
I don't need to be anything other than a specialist's son
I don't have to be anyone other than a birth of two souls in one
Part of where I'm going is knowing where I'm coming from
I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me
I'm surrounded by liars everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by imposters everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by a deadly crisis everywhere I turn
Am I the only one to notice?
I can't be the only one who's learned
I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think about me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me
Can I have everyone's attention please
See, not like this and that
You're gonna have to leave
I came from the mountain, the crust of creation
My whole situation made from clay, dust, stone
And now I'm telling everybody
I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I'm trying to do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me
I don't want to be
I don't want to be
I don't want to be
I don't want to be
About I Don't Want To Be – Gavin DeGraw
"I Don't Want To Be" by Gavin DeGraw serves as the opening theme for the television series *One Tree Hill*, establishing the show's emotional tone through its melodic pop-rock arrangement. Released in 2005 on the series' soundtrack album, the track blends DeGraw's signature vocal style with a driving rhythm that became synonymous with the drama's narrative of youth and heartbreak. The song's placement at the start of episodes helped define the visual and auditory identity of the program during its initial run, resonating with audiences who connected the lyrics to the series' exploration of teenage relationships and personal growth. As a defining moment in the show's history, the recording remains a staple of 2000s teen drama soundtracks, illustrating how television themes can transcend the screen to become enduring musical works in their own right.