Wilco

Shouldn't Be Ashamed

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Shouldn't Be Ashamed Lyrics

To live without a savior, answer to his name,
Shouldn't be afraid, shouldn't be ashamed
Like a kid behind the counter remembering your name,
Shouldn't be afraid, shouldn't be ashamed

If it's not like I told you, then it's still your call
You should live how you want, stay with me, we should stay apart
Just shouldn't ever have to be this hard

Like a man on the sidewalk remembering your face,
Shouldn't look away, shouldn't be afraid
He remembers when they still wore gaiters, World War One
Shouldn't be afraid, shouldn't be ashamed

If it's not like I told you, then it's still your call
You should live how you want, stay with me, we should stay apart
Just shouldn't ever have to be this hard

Submitted by

ownpersonaldemon On May 18, 2002

Jesus, Etc.

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart

Ashes of American Flags

Company In My Back

Theologians

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OwnPersonalDemon

Submitter

2002-05-18 16:47:12

2 Meanings

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by Janson

20y ago

The refrain "if it's not like I told you, then it's still your call..." reminds me of a past relationship in which I concentrated so much on the potential she had, while she wanted me to force her to do anything. It was so contradictory. It's like, I can tell you what to do, but you have to make the choice. Respect your freedom of choice, and everything won't be hard- it's about the dilemma of pursuing what you want and even before that, figuring it out, and shaking off the fear of getting hurt if you do make a choice- that really Bogarts people so often. "I don't move in fear of getting knocked down." I love that Jeff sings this so simply.

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by Rannug 12y ago

Awesome comment. I concur.

by YouKnowStuff

17y ago

pretty great song, very simple to understand. he's saying...whatever it is you do, or believe in, don't be ashamed of it.

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