Song Details
- Album Release Date: 1989-02-28
- Album Name: Hits 1979 – 1989
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “Never Be You” by Rosanne Cash
“Never Be You” by Rosanne Cash is a song that speaks to the difficulty of truly being oneself, and how easy it is to be taken over by external influences. It highlights the inner struggle to stay true to oneself but also acknowledges the understanding that we can never escape our environment or our influences, no matter how hard we try. The lyrics, set to a plaintive and soulful melody, reveal that the fight to remain authentic and true to oneself is constant and ongoing. Cash pleads for the listener to heed her warning and to hold onto their individuality no matter how much pressure is applied from outside sources. This is expressed in the chorus, where she urges “Don’t ever be you, never be you, don’t ever forget who you are.” By taking a stand against the forces that try to manipulate and shape us, we can triumphantly say, “never be you—always stay true.”