I Gotta Be Me
Eydie Gorme · Other Songs - Eydie Gorme
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 faraway prize, a world of success
Is waiting for me if I heed the call
I won't settle down or settle for less
As long as there's half 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 me, I've gotta be me
Daring to try to do it or die, I've gotta be me
I can't be right for somebody else if I'm not right for me
I've gotta be me, I've gotta be me
Daring to try to do it or die,
I've gotta be me
I Gotta Be Me
Eydie Gamore's 1958 recording of 'I Gotta Be Me' stands as a quintessential example of the romantic ballad style that defined her career. As a leading figure in the Great American Songbook, Gamore brought a distinctive vocal warmth and emotional depth to the composition, which was written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen. The track exemplifies the era's emphasis on personal expression and self-assertion within the context of love, themes central to Gamore's repertoire. Her interpretation captures the vulnerability and determination of the lyrics, showcasing her ability to navigate the nuanced emotional landscape of mid-century pop standards. This recording remains a significant part of her discography, reflecting her status as a respected interpreter of classic American songwriting.