Wasn't Born to Follow

Carole King

About Wasn't Born to Follow

"Wasn't Born to Follow", also known as "I Wasn't Born to Follow", is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Goffin wrote the lyrics and King provided the music. The song was first recorded by the Byrds on their 1968 album, The Notorious Byrd Brothers. King's short lived band the City also recorded the song for their 1968 album, Now That Everything's Been Said. It has also been covered by many other artists, including the Monkees, the Lemon Pipers, Dusty Springfield, and as a solo recording by King. The Byrds recording was featured in the 1969 film Easy Rider and was released as a single in the UK and Germany in the same year as a result. 


Year:
1980
3:18
39 
#1

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No I'd rather go and journey 
Where the diamond crescent's glowing
And run across the valley
Beneath the sacred mountain
And wander through the forest
Where the trees have leaves of prisms
That break the sight up into colors
That no one know the names of

And when it's time I'll go and lay
Beside the legendary fountain
Till I see her form reflected
In its clear and gentle waters
And if you think I'm ready
You may lead me to the chasm
Where the rivers of our visions
Flow into one another

And I'll stay awhile and wonder
At the mist that they created
And lose myself within it
Cleanse my mind and body
And I know at this moment
As I stand in that cathedral
I will want to dive
Beneath the white cascading water

She may beg and she may plead
And she may argue with her logic
Mention all the things I'll lose
That really have no value
Though I doubt that she will ever
Come to understand my meaning
In the end she'll surely know 
I was not born to follow

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Carole King

Carole King (born February 9, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. King and her former husband Gerry Goffin wrote more than two dozen chart hits for numerous artists during the 1960s, many of which have become standards. As a singer, her Tapestry album topped the U.S. album chart for 15 weeks in 1971, and remained on the charts for more than six years. more »

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Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Wasn't Born to Follow" is a folk-pop song written by the team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin.
First Release
Though the song was covered by multiple artists, it was first popularized by the American band "The Byrds" in 1968.
Album
The song was included in The Byrds' album "The Notorious Byrd Brothers."
Song Theme
The song reflects an anti-establishment and anti-conformist message, marking the countercultural sentiments of the 1960s.
Film Appearance
"Wasn't Born to Follow" was featured in the soundtrack of the cult classic "Easy Rider" (1969).
Dusty Springfield Cover
British pop singer Dusty Springfield covered the song, and her version was included in her 1970 album "A Brand New Me."
Carole King's Contribution
As one of the co-writers of the song, Carole King was already a successful musician and songwriter before she penned "Wasn't Born to Follow." She's also known for hits like "You've Got a Friend" and "I Feel the Earth Move."
Gerry Goffin's Role
Gerry Goffin, the co-writer, was not just a longtime partner of Carole King in music, but he was also her husband. They wrote numerous hit songs together before their divorce in 1968.
The Byrds' Leadership
Under the leadership of Roger McGuinn, The Byrds' version of "Wasn't Born to Follow" features their signature harmonies and 12-string Rickenbacker guitar sound.
Legacy
The song is still celebrated today and is seen as a reflection of both anti-establishment attitudes and the freedom of the open road, further popularized by its inclusion in the "Easy Rider" soundtrack. The song itself has become a classic in the counterculture and popular folk-rock genres.

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    "Wasn't Born to Follow Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14732557/Carole+King/Wasn%27t+Born+to+Follow>.

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