iindra

I have to live with myself and so

I want to be fit for myself to know,

I want to be able as days go by,

To look at myself straight in the eye.

I don't want to stand with the setting sun

And hate myself for the things I've done.

I don't want to hide 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

What kind of man I really am;

I don't want to dress myself in sham.

I want to go with my head erect,

I want to deserve all men's respect

And in this struggle for fame and pelf

I want to be able to like myself.

I don't want to look at myself and know

That I am a bluster and empty show.

I cannot hide myself from me;

I can see what others can never see;

I know what others can never know,

I cannot fool myself, and so

Whatever happens, I want to be

Self-respecting and conscience free