I can't help the way I am
you can't force me to be someone I'm not
quit pushing me, I'm much too close to the edge
just let me be me

so many people telling me how to be
how to act, what to like
pressure from all sides, I'm not immune to any of it
even in the most open atmosphere it's hard to be me
I'm made to think it's wrong to act a certain way
to be different, like I'm faking it

I can't help the way I am
you can't force me to be someone I'm not
quit pushing me, I'm much too close to the edge
just let me be me

I hate feeling the need to hide just like everyone else
it's come to feeling uncomfortable anytime I'm in public
I can't take your tidal wave of hypocrisy
it's pushing me to the edge
it would take a lot for me to snap
but snap I will under the pressure
why must you push me so?
and go out of your way to stare and judge?
we're all a little different
don't persecute those who show it

I can't help the way I am
you can't force me to be someone I'm not
quit pushing me, I'm much too close to the edge
just let me be me

how can it be so easy for you to be someone you're not?
it's the hardest thing for me to do
to you it's 2nd nature
why can't you just let me be me?
you're tearing me apart
just give me a chance to show myself
I think you'd like what you'd see
I don't judge, please don't judge me
I'm tired of hiding inside myself

written 4/13/98
©1998 Matt Henderson 4/21/76