Audioslave is the collaboration between the former singer of Soundgarden and the former ryhthm section from Rage Against the Machine – an alternative supergroup if you will. While I’ve liked their stuff in general, I haven’t liked it as much as the other groups individually. This song is different.
Why I like these lyrics:
I like lyrics that face reality maybe because I like to face reality mysef – at least I like to think I do. Be Yourself embodies the idea that we all struggle and find happiness as individuals and the only way we can live is by being who we are. This outlook is really very Zen in nature because it doesn’t sit in judgement of what is happening in a person’s life. It just recognizes it and allows it to happen. Duncan Sheik penned the lyric “Mr. Wilson took some pills and I don’t blame him – it’s hard to be alive,” referring to Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. In the same way Sheik recognizes the failings of one of his heroes and understands, Be Yourself point to the key element of self awareness – knowing thyself.
Favorite Line:
someone finds salvation in everyone
and another only fame
—
Someone falls to pieces
sleepin all alone
someone kills the pain
spinning in the silence
to finally drift away
someone gets excited
in a chapel yard
catches a bouquet
another lays a dozen white roses on a grave
to be yourself is all that you can do
to be yourself is all that you can do
someone finds salvation in everyone
and another only fame
someone tries to hide themself
down inside their selfish brain
someone swears his true love
until the end of time
another runs away
separate or united?
healthy or insane?
to be yourself is all that you can do
to be yourself is all that you can do
to be yourself is all that you can do
to be yourself is all that you can do
you can be fading out
and pulled apart
or been in love
every single memory of
could have been faces of love
don’t lose any sleep tonight
i’m sure everything will end up alright
you may win love
but to be yourself is all that you can do
to be yourself is all that you can do