Charley Pride – I’m Just Me

About The Song

“I’m Just Me” was written by Glenn Martin and recorded by American country music artist Charley Pride. It was released in June 1971 as the second single and title track from the album I’m Just Me on RCA Victor. The song became Pride’s seventh number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, where it stayed at the top for four weeks and charted for 14 weeks.

The song was recorded in Nashville, produced by Jack Clement. The track features Pride’s distinctive baritone vocals, supported by a lively country arrangement with twangy lead guitar and fiddle. The track runs approximately 2:20, showcasing a cheerful, upbeat tempo.

The lyrics reflect a carefree attitude and self-acceptance, with lines like “For I was just born to be exactly what you see.” The narrative follows a man at a railroad station, observing others’ ambitions while embracing his own simple, authentic lifestyle, free from societal pressures or materialistic desires.

The recording captured Pride’s ability to blend joy with a subtle commentary on identity, resonating with listeners during a time when he was breaking racial barriers in country music. The song’s success further solidified his status as a leading artist.

Upon release, “I’m Just Me” contributed to the album’s strong performance, which debuted on the Billboard Country Albums chart on July 17, 1971, peaked at No. 1, and remained on the chart for 38 weeks. The album also included another No. 1 hit, “I’d Rather Love You.”

Charley Pride, born on March 18, 1934, in Sledge, Mississippi, promoted the song through live performances. After a baseball career and signing with RCA in 1966, this song marked a key moment in his rise, later inspiring a documentary about his journey.

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Lyric

Down at the railroad station there’s people gettin’ on
Some are a goin’ north some are a goin’ south
I’m just goin’ to be gone

Some people are born to be takers others just wanna give
Some people live just to love but I just love to live

For I was just born to be exactly what you see
Nothing more or less I’m not the worst or the best
I just try to be exactly what you see today and every day
I’m just me

When people say their life is rough I wonder compared to what
Some are wantin’ more and more’s gettin’ less
I just want what I’ve got

Some wanna live on a hill others down by the sea
Some wanna live inside high walls I just wanna live free

For I was just born to be exactly what you see
Nothing more or less I’m not the worst or the best
I just try to be exactly what you see today and every day
I’m just me

Oh, I was just born to be exactly what you see
Today and every day I’m just me