I've Gotta Be Me
Ella Fitzgerald · Other Songs - Ella Fitzgerald
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
I've Gotta Be Me
Ella Fitzgerald's 'I've Gotta Be Me' stands as a quintessential example of her mastery over the swing and jazz standards repertoire. Recorded during her prolific career, the track showcases her unparalleled vocal agility and phrasing, characteristic of her work in the mid-to-late 20th century. As a vocalist, Fitzgerald was renowned for her ability to improvise melodies and adapt to the rhythm section, delivering performances that defined the Great American Songbook tradition. This recording reflects her commitment to artistic integrity and her signature style, which blended technical precision with emotional depth. The song remains a staple in jazz collections, illustrating her enduring influence on vocal jazz and her status as a legendary figure in American music history.