Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes etc
The idea for this song came to me after a documentary about Bob Dylan got me thinking about what it means to be authentic. In this modern world of fake news, P.R. spin and celebrity culture, anyone who is truly authentic (like Dylan) stands out a mile. This is my celebration of that rare human quality.
There are no choruses in this song but it’s interesting how the rhythm of the five-syllable word ‘au-then-ti–ci-ty’ became a feature of the refrain line at the end of each verse.
Here are the lyrics:
Listen up people, I’ve got something to say:
You’re one of seven billion on the planet today.
All of us are different, and you know for sure,
There’s never been a ‘you’ on the planet before.
Your life’s a story that’s never been told,
When God made you She broke the mould.
So whatever ‘you’ are, you gotta set it free,
Live your life with authenticity.
Every artist knows that
Fashion comes and fashion goes.
Don’t try to fit in, just be true,
Let the whole damn world fit in with you.
Comparison is just for fools,
Sometimes you gotta break the rules.
It’s the only way to be –
Shining with your authenticity.
You don’t have to sing,
Like Ella, Nina, Nat or Bing.
Don’t make the marks that Pablo made,
Or play guitar like Jimi played.
Don’t try and be what you are not,
Just come on out with what you’ve got.
And when you do, you will see,
All you need is authenticity.
Before you find your style,
You try on someone else for a while,
If you walk a mile in someone’s shoes,
You can understand their point of view,
But if you walk too far, it’s a big mistake Those shoes start pinching, you feel a fake. You gotta kick them off and then you will see How to live with authenticity.
Authenticity, authenticity, authenticity.
© Copyright Jez Alborough 2022.
Recorded in Richmond, Surrey by Jez Alborough and Big Wav Productions. With thanks to Major Baldini
Site designed by Jez Alborough and Matthew Wherry and built by Matthew Wherry.
All content © Jez Albrough 2008 - present unless otherwise stated.
DESERT ISLAND DISCS
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My Earliest Musical Influence
Dr Feelgood
My Musical Journey
Refinding My Musical Mojo
Strange Fruit
The History of
a Bittersweet Classic
Fatboy Slim's
'Praise You' Video
A Brilliant Dance Routine
A Philosophical &
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The Making of Paul Simon's
'Graceland' Album