JUST THE WAY I AM
(Dolly Parton)


Dolly Parton - 1969



If you hear me crying in the night
Pretend that you don't hear me, it's all right
Don't ask me why I'm crying, please don't make a sound
I don't know why, it's just the way I am

And if you think I act a little strange
And you don't understand when I do things
Like running through the fields while the rain is pourin' down
I don't know why, it's just the way I am

And even though you may not understand me
I hope that you'll accept me like I am
For there are many sides of me
My mind and spirit must be free
I might smile when other folks would frown
I don't know why it's just the way I am

I might go out chasing butterflies
And if I fail to catch one, I might cry
And if you want me you might find me in the meadow walkin' round
I don't know why, it's just the way I am

I might be home and busy cleaning house
And in the middle of my work I might go out
And go play games with children at the playground
It makes me happy, that's just the way I am

And even though you may not understand me
I hope that you'll accept me like I am
For there's a childish side in me
My mind and spirit must be free
I might smile when you think I should frown
I don't know why, it's just the way I am



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - December 2018)