Let Me Be Lonely
Janis Ian · Other Songs - Janis Ian
I'd rather be by myself
than with you acting holy
I want to be with the one
I want to be
or else I want to be free
Ooo, let me be lonely
Saving up for a rainy day
or donate to charity?
Impossible
Think you'll make history?
improbable
give your love to me
Ooo, let me be wanted
I've a right to tonight
to delight
when you got it you flaunt it
and if you're not
what you seem to be then
how come you're coming on strong?
Ooo, let me be wanted
all you do with your time
is tease me
Couldn't you find the time
to please me?
With your kind
it looks so easy
shoving the blues away
Ooo - let me be lonely
I'd rather be by myself
acting holy
I want to be with the one
Ooo, let me be lonely
All you do with your time
couldn't you find the time?
With your kind it's done
Let Me Be Lonely
Janis Ian's 'Let Me Be Lonely' stands as a defining anthem of the 1970s feminist songwriting movement, reflecting her candid exploration of female identity and emotional vulnerability. Recorded during a pivotal era for women in popular music, the track showcases Ian's signature ability to blend acoustic storytelling with raw personal narrative. As a key component of her discography, the song resonated deeply with audiences seeking authentic voices in rock and folk, establishing her reputation as a chronicler of the everyday struggles and triumphs of women. Its enduring legacy lies in its unapologetic honesty, which helped pave the way for future generations of female artists to address themes of isolation and self-discovery with the same directness and power.