I Wanna Be Like Me
Sara Bareilles · The Blessed Unrest [2013]
Oooooh, oooh
What if I wanna be the one who
Never looks like anybody?
What if I wanna be the one who
Goes her own way?
Would you still believe in someone like me?
What if I wanna be the one who
Doesn't belong here?
What if I wanna be the one who
Won't fit in?
Would you find a new way to make room for me?
CHORUS:
What if I don't wanna be like you?
Not to make you cry
What if I don't wanna be like you?
Just because I was made to be exactly like me
What if I don't wanna be like you?
Not to tear you down
What if I don't wanna be like you?
Because I found I was made to be exactly like me
I wanna be like me
Oooooh, oooh
Oooooh, oooh
What if I wanna be the one who
Doesn't need to hide?
What if I wanna be the one who
Won't apologize?
I'm not the enemy (oooooh)
Unless you want the truth to see
What if I wanna be the one who
You never understand?
Do you ever think you'll ever want to still try to hold my hand?
To get through to you
I'm still trying to
CHORUS
(Break)
Oooooh
Oooooh
Oooooh
Oooooh
What if I don't wanna be like you?
What if I don't wanna be like you?
What if I don't wanna be like you?
What if I don't wanna be like you?
What if I don't wanna be like you?
Not to tear you down
What if I don't wanna be like you?
Because I found I was made to be exactly like me
I wanna be like me
I Wanna Be Like Me
From Sara Bareilles' 2013 album The Blessed Unrest, 'I Wanna Be Like Me' stands as a poignant exploration of self-identity and the desire for connection. The track features Bareilles' signature warm, soulful vocal delivery, blending R&B and pop sensibilities with lyrics that delve into the complexities of wanting to emulate the qualities of others while maintaining one's own integrity. Released during a period where Bareilles was refining her songwriting to balance personal vulnerability with broader appeal, the recording captures the emotional resonance of seeking understanding in a world often defined by superficiality. The song complements other tracks on the album, contributing to a cohesive narrative about growth, relationships, and the search for authenticity within contemporary pop music.