I have to live with myself and so
I want to be fit for myself to know.
I want to be able as days go by,
always to look myself straight in the eye.
I don't want to stand with the setting sun
and hate myself for the things I have done.
I don't want to keep on a closet shelf
a lot of secrets of myself
and fool myself as I come and go
into thinking that nobody else will know
the kind of person I really am.
I don't want to dress up myself in a sham.
I want to go out with my head erect
and to deserve all peoples respect.
And here in the struggle for fame and wealth,
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know
that I'm bluster and bluff and empty show.
I can never hide myself from me.
I see what others may never see.
I know what others may never know.
I never can fool myself, and so
whatever happens, I want to be
self-respecting and conscience free.
