The song "Be With Me" by James McMurtry is about the human desire for validation and recognition from others. The lyrics question whether someone is really who they say they are, whether they are famous or just an ordinary person. The narrator wants to meet this person, shake their hand, and buy them a drink as a sign of respect and admiration. The song also touches on the theme of power dynamics, with the king commanding a jester to perform for his amusement. The jester is kept captive, but the more the king mistreats him, the better he performs. This suggests that those who have power over others often take advantage of their position and exploit those who are less fortunate. In the final verse, the narrator expresses a desire to attend a tent revival and medicine show, where there is rumored to be a talented dancer and singer. The narrator asks if he could go, and wonders if they could be like the person they admire. It shows that people often look for inspiration in others and strive to be like them, but ultimately want to be validated and accepted for who they are.
