Let Me Be Myself

Album: 3 Doors Down (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Frontman Brad Arnold told Babble and Beat magazine that this was the easiest song on the album to write as the song seemed to flow out easily lyrically. He also felt it was a pretty easy idea to express.
  • Arnold told Artist Direct: "That's probably my favorite song that we've ever done. I look at our albums like chapters of my life. I'm happy to say that I'm in a happier and better chapter now than I was during Away from the Sun. Each album has had a song that was my favorite at the time. During Away from the Sun, that song was definitely "Away from the Sun." It was about being in the dark. On Seventeen Days, there's a song called 'The Real Life' that's more about standing in the shadows but seeing the light and going to it. 'Let Me By Myself' is simply about standing in the light and being yourself. It's so easy to get lost being what someone else wants you to be and forgetting about who you want to be. That song is about getting back to those things, being happy with yourself and who you are."

Comments: 6

  • Just A Guy from EarthI know this song has a straight forward message, which I think all of us can relate to. But for me it has a more significant chord that it strikes.

    It's a song to one's self and the struggles it comes with. Whether that's addiction, abuse, or changing who you are for a relationship/career/friendships. It's a desperate cry from the pure and innocent version of yourself to the person you are now. The true person you are has been shut away for so long unable to exist. The shell that's controlled your life has stolen away time, happiness, a normal and good life. This song is a plea to have just a little piece of that back, even if for only a short moment. Just to remember what it was like to be who you truly were before you locked that person away
  • Joel from Princeton-plainsboro, NjI totally agree with Daniel of Winchester, OH.
  • Daniel from Winchester, OhThis song makes you think its ok to be a little different, and not changing for any reason
  • Alec Thorp from Yorktown Heights, NyThis was used in the newest GEICO Caveman commercial.
  • Daniel from Winchester, OhWhen I first heard this song i loved it I mean it has a good beat and basically its one of their best work yet..
  • Adam from South Pasadena, Israelgreat song. one of the bands best
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.