I have to live with myself, and so
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 things I have done.
I don't want to keep on a closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself,
And fool myself, as I come and go,
Into thinking that nobody else will know
I want to go out with my head erect,
But here in the struggle for fame and self
I want to be able to like myself
I don't want to look at myself and know
That I'm bluster and bluff, an empty show.
I can never hide myself from me;,
I never can fool myself, and so,
Whatever happens, I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience free.
