"Gotta Be Me" by Cody Johnson is a country song about embracing one's true self and staying true to who you are, regardless of societal expectations and pressures. The lyrics highlight the singer's pride in his country roots, even if it means being out of style. He mentions his cowboy-like appearance, influenced by the outlaw songs his father used to listen to, and how it's a part of his DNA. The song emphasizes the singer's honesty and straightforwardness, admitting that he may sometimes drink too much and end up in unfavorable situations. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that it's all part of who he is. The chorus expresses the idea that no matter how much others try to change or polish him, his authentic self will always shine through. He compares himself to a cowboy, stating that even though it's not always pretty, the cowboy in him couldn't change if he wanted to. The song also briefly mentions a girl named Pearl who gave the singer a choice between pursuing his passion for singing in a honky-tonk or settling for a regular job. Ultimately, he chose to be true to himself and follow his dreams. Overall, "Gotta Be Me" serves as a self-affirmation anthem, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality and be proud of who they are, despite any obstacles or expectations they may face.
