Introduction:
Released in 1981 on the album Living Eyes, “Be Who You Are” is a pop ballad by the legendary musical group, the Bee Gees. The song, written by Barry Gibb, the eldest of the Gibb brothers, features the signature falsetto vocals and tight harmonies that became a trademark of the Bee Gees’ sound.
While Living Eyes wasn’t one of their commercial peak albums, “Be Who You Are” struck a chord with listeners, becoming a hit single and reaching number one on the charts in several countries, including Canada and Belgium. The song’s enduring popularity is likely due to its message of self-acceptance and individuality.
The Bee Gees themselves were no strangers to reinvention throughout their career. Originally formed in the 1960s, they rose to fame with a softer pop sound but achieved superstardom during the disco era of the mid-to-late 1970s. “Be Who You Are” was released during a time of transition for the group, as they shifted away from disco and embraced a more mature sound. Despite this change, the song still retained the Bee Gees’ signature harmonies and production techniques, produced in this case by the team of the Bee Gees themselves along with Karl Richardson and Albhy Galuten.
The lyrics of “Be Who You Are” offer a simple yet powerful message. The line “Be who you are / Don’t ever change” serves as the song’s central theme, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique qualities. The song also acknowledges the temptation to conform to societal pressures, referencing “crazy dreams / We threw, we threw away,” but ultimately emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself.
“Be Who You Are” has transcended its disco origins to become a powerful anthem that continues to resonate with listeners today. The song has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and its message of self-acceptance continues to inspire people of all ages. “Be Who You Are” stands as a testament to the Bee Gees’ lasting legacy and their ability to create music that connects with people on a personal level.
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Lyrics:
Be who you areDon’t ever changeThe world was made to measure for your smileSo smile.
Those crazy dreamsWe threw, we threw awayI never been alone with youI never couldThey say
That love will find a wayAnd love will never be set freeI won’t ever let you seeYou could not understandYou never will
Be who you areI bless I bless your nameAnd all that summer madness caused the rainAnd we, we
The glory that we madeMy love will grace the halls of timeA love that never can be mineYou could not love me thenI love you still
Be who you areSeize life and find a wayAnd I will be that shadow loving who you areBe who you areWe were