I've Got to Be Somebody
Billy Joe Royal
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I never had any reason For ambition or drive In fact, I never had anybody That cared if I'm alive But then one day she came my way And I heard a voice within me say Don't let her get away Whatever you do But I never thought That this could be That she would ever Look at me seriously [Chorus] And that's why I've got to be somebody I'm down on my knees Begging please please please please I've got to win her love for me I grew up on the sidewalks Got along the best I could Mama worked all day long And Papa was no good I've never asked for much before But here I am at Heaven's door So help me please Don't let her pass me by 'Cause I'd rather die than see Her love turn into sympathy for me [Chorus] Got to be somebody Got to be somebody So tired of being a nobody I've got to be somebody I'm down on my knees Begging please please please please I've got to win her love for me
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
10 facts about this song
Song Release"I've Got to Be Somebody" is a song by Billy Joe Royal, an American pop and country singer. The song was released in March 1965 as a single.
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Billboard Chart StatusThe song was a significant success, managing to reach No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Album AssociationInitially, "I've Got to Be Somebody" was not part of any Billy Joe Royal's album, but later it was added to several compilations and best of albums.
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Song GenreThe number is typically classified under the pop and country genre, incorporating Billy Joe Royal's signature southern sound.
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Song WriterThe song was penned by the prolific songwriter Joe South, a notable figure in American pop music who has written hits for many artists.
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Follow-up Success"I've Got to Be Somebody" was his follow-up single to the major hit "Down in the Boondocks," which reached No. 9 on the Billboard chart.
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Song DurationThe song has a duration of two minutes and twelve seconds, fitting well within the pop song conventions of the era.
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Billy Joe Royal's CareerKnown for his versatile and soulful voice, Billy Joe Royal's career spanned more than five decades, from the early 1960s until his death in 2015. "I've Got to Be Somebody" was one of the hits that established him in the music industry.
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Song InterpretationThe song is generally interpreted as a plea for recognition and individuality, reflecting a universal human desire to mean something or to be someone.
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Song's ReceptionCritics generally praised the song for its catchy melody and Billy Joe Royal's passionate vocals.
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Citation
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"I've Got to Be Somebody Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5739840/Billy+Joe+Royal/I%27ve+Got+to+Be+Somebody>.
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