I Don't Want to Be

Last updated

"I Don't Want to Be"
I Don't Want to Be single art.jpg
Single by Gavin DeGraw
from the album Chariot
ReleasedFebruary 17, 2004 (2004-02-17)
Studio
Length3:37
Label J
Songwriter(s) Gavin DeGraw
Producer(s) Mark Endert
Gavin DeGraw singles chronology
"I Don't Want to Be"
(2004)		"Chariot"
(2005)

"I Don't Want to Be" is a song by American singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw from his 2003 debut album, Chariot . The song gained exposure after being featured as the opening theme to The CW teen drama series One Tree Hill , and it was released as a radio single on February 17, 2004. It peaked at number 10 in the United States in 2005 and became a top-20 hit in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

Contents

The song is certified gold in the US, having sold over 500,000 downloads. In 2012, the song reached number 27 on the UK Singles Chart, its highest position, due to the finale of One Tree Hill's ninth and final season airing, which also featured DeGraw.[ citation needed ] The song's music video follows the message of the lyrics, featuring a girl investigating her high school peers while they are frozen in time, and she eventually decides to be herself. [1]

Background and composition

Gavin DeGraw wrote the song as a message to adolescents, encouraging them to be themselves and to not let outside factors change their personalities. DeGraw explained:

["I Don't Want to Be"] was heavily influenced by the identity crisis right now that exists amongst youth. It's almost like you can go into any town in the country and the kids don't necessarily have an identity of their own; it's like whatever is on television is who they are. [1]

Upon finishing the song, DeGraw was happy with the results, but he was unsure if the song would become a hit despite being able to "have an impact on people's psyche and on their tapping toe". [2] Musically, the track is written in the key of C minor and proceeds at a moderately slow tempo of 76 beats per minute. [3] [4]

Track listings

UK and Australian CD single [5] [6]

  1. "I Don't Want to Be" (album version) – 3:37
  2. "I Don't Want to Be" (Stripped/acoustic version)
  3. "Just Friends" (album version) – 3:24
  4. "I Don't Want to Be" (video)

European CD single 1 [7]

  1. "I Don't Want to Be" (album version) – 3:38
  2. "I Don't Want to Be" (Stripped version) – 4:04
  3. "Get Lost" – 4:26
  4. "I Don't Want to Be" (video)

European CD single 2 [8]

  1. "I Don't Want to Be"
  2. "I Don't Want to Be" (Stripped version)

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the UK CD single liner notes. [5]

Studios

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [32] Gold400,000‡
United States (RIAA) [33] 2× Platinum2,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesFebruary 17, 2004 J [34]
August 16, 2004Contemporary hit radio [35]
AustraliaSeptember 6, 2004CD [36]
United KingdomJune 20, 2005 [37]

Use in media

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Low (Kelly Clarkson song)</span> 2003 single by Kelly Clarkson

"Low" is a song by American singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson from her debut album, Thankful (2003). The song was written by Jimmy Harry and produced by Clif Magness. It was released as the album's second official single, on August 3, 2003, while it was also released as a double A-side single with "The Trouble with Love Is" in the United Kingdom. This release reached only number 35, but "Low" was more successful in Australia and Canada, reaching numbers 11 and two, respectively, while also peaking at number 58 in the United States. The song received favorable reviews from music critics who complimented her vocals and the song's lyrics. On March 5, 2013, Billboard ranked the song at number 90 in its list of "Top 100 American Idol Hits of All Time".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let Me Love You (Mario song)</span> 2004 single by Mario

"Let Me Love You" is a song by American singer Mario, released as a single on October 4, 2004, from his second studio album, Turning Point (2004). The song was written by Ne-Yo, Kameron Houff, and Scott Storch, while the production was handled by Storch. The song garnered Mario a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2006 and became a top-10 hit worldwide, reaching number one in the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Incomplete (Backstreet Boys song)</span> 2005 single by Backstreet Boys

"Incomplete" is a song by American vocal group Backstreet Boys from their fifth studio album, Never Gone (2005). The power ballad was released on April 11, 2005, as the group's first single since they decided to reunite after a two-year hiatus. It was written by Dan Muckala, Lindy Robbins, and Jess Cates, and it was produced by Muckala with Kevin Richardson on piano. According to Billboard magazine's Chuck Taylor, the song is an "emotion-packed, grown-up tome about relationship struggle and strife."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Over and Over (Nelly song)</span> 2004 single by Nelly

"Over and Over" is a song by American rapper Nelly featuring American country music singer Tim McGraw. The lyrics were written by Nelly while the music was written and produced by James D. "Sted-Fast" Hargrove II and Jayson "KoKo" Bridges. Other musicians who contributed to the recording include Bryan Loss (drums) and Matthew Brauss. The lyrics of the song focus on regret.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fallen (Sarah McLachlan song)</span> 2003 single by Sarah McLachlan

"Fallen" is the first single from Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan's fifth studio album, Afterglow (2003). The song was a moderate commercial success, reaching number 32 in Ireland, number 41 in Australia and the United States, and number 50 in the United Kingdom. At the 2004 Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, losing to "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Don't Know My Name</span> 2003 single by Alicia Keys

"You Don't Know My Name" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys for her second studio album The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). It was written by Keys, Kanye West and Harold Lilly, and produced by Keys and West. The song contains a sample from the 1975 song "Let Me Prove My Love to You", written by J. R. Bailey, Mel Kent and Ken Williams and performed by The Main Ingredient. It was released as the lead single from The Diary of Alicia Keys on November 10, 2003, by J Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Ain't Got You</span> 2004 single by Alicia Keys

"If I Ain't Got You" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys for her second studio album The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Inspired by the 2001 death of singer Aaliyah, the September 11 attacks, and other events in the world and in Keys' life, the song is about "how material things don't feed the soul". It was released as the second single from The Diary of Alicia Keys on February 17, 2004, by J Records. The single cover depicts Keys similarly to the subject of Man Ray's 1924 photograph Le Violon d'Ingres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Want to Miss a Thing</span> 1998 single by Aerosmith

"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" is a song recorded by American hard rock band Aerosmith as the theme song for the 1998 science fiction disaster film Armageddon, in which lead singer Steven Tyler's daughter Liv starred. It is one of four songs performed by the band for the film, the other three being "What Kind of Love Are You On", "Come Together", and "Sweet Emotion". The power ballad was written by Diane Warren, who originally envisioned it would be performed by "Celine Dion or somebody like that". The song received its airplay premiere on May 12, 1998, and was officially added to radio a week later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just Want You to Know</span> 2005 single by Backstreet Boys

"Just Want You to Know" is a song performed by American vocal group Backstreet Boys. The song was released on October 4, 2005, as the second single from the group's fifth studio album, Never Gone (2005). The single performed well in European countries, reaching the top 10 in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Belgium and peaking within the top 20 in Germany, Ireland, and Italy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Believe (Fantasia song)</span> 2004 American Idol winners single

"I Believe" is the debut single of American Idol third season winner Fantasia. The song was co-written by Louis Biancaniello, Sam Watters, and former American Idol contestant Tamyra Gray. Released in the United States on June 15, 2004, "I Believe" debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, selling 142,000 copies during its first week and winning three Billboard awards. The song also reached number one on the Canadian Singles Chart and number four on Australia's ARIA Singles Chart. It was included on Fantasia's debut album, Free Yourself, released on November 23, 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hey Whatever</span> 2003 single by Westlife

"Hey Whatever" is a song by Irish boy band Westlife. It was released on 15 September 2003 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Turnaround (2003). The song is a re-written version of "Rainbow Zephyr", a popular song by Irish rock band Relish. Released on 15 September 2003, the song peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Tell Me (Avril Lavigne song)</span> 2004 single by Avril Lavigne

"Don't Tell Me" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne from her second studio album, Under My Skin (2004). "Don't Tell Me" was written by Lavigne and Evan Taubenfeld, while it was produced by Butch Walker. The song has been noted as having a "grungy sound". "Don't Tell Me" was released on March 15, 2004, by Arista Records as the lead single from Under My Skin and peaked at number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 that same year. In an AOL Radio listener's poll, "Don't Tell Me" was voted Lavigne's ninth-best song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Happy Ending (song)</span> 2004 single by Avril Lavigne

"My Happy Ending" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne, written by herself and Butch Walker for her second studio album, Under My Skin (2004). Structurally, the song is written in 4/4 style and has a repeated hook in both the chorus and in the intro and outro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nobody's Home (Avril Lavigne song)</span> 2004 single by Avril Lavigne

"Nobody's Home" is the third single released from Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne's second studio album, Under My Skin (2004). The track was written by Lavigne and former Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody, who also plays guitar on the song. "Nobody's Home", produced by Don Gilmore, is generally slower-paced than Lavigne's previous singles from Under My Skin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roses (Outkast song)</span> 2004 single by OutKast

"Roses" is a song by American hip hop duo OutKast. It was released on March 1, 2004, as the third single from their 2003 double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. It appears on André 3000's The Love Below disc and is the only track on his disc to feature Big Boi. The track was largely popular in the United Kingdom and the United States, peaking at number four on the UK Singles Chart and number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. It also found popularity in Australia, reaching number two on the Australian Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karma (Alicia Keys song)</span> 2004 single by Alicia Keys

"Karma" is a song by American singer and songwriter Alicia Keys, taken from her second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Written by Keys, Kerry Brothers, Jr., and Taneisha Smith, the song takes influence from hip hop and classical music. It was released as the album's fourth and final single on November 1, 2004, by J Records. Peaking at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 17 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, it's the album's only single not to top a Billboard chart. A mashup of "Karma" with Stevie Wonder's 1972 hit "Superstition" titled "Karmastition", produced by Go Home Productions, was also released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hotel (Cassidy song)</span> 2003 single by Cassidy

"Hotel" is a song by American rapper Cassidy, released by J Records and Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records as his commercial debut single on September 29, 2003. The song also serves as the lead single from his debut album, Split Personality. The track was produced by Swizz Beatz and features R. Kelly on featured vocals. "Hotel" reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Our Lives (song)</span> 2004 single by the Calling

"Our Lives" is a song by American rock band the Calling. It was released on March 29, 2004, as the lead single from their second studio album, Two (2004). This single peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, number two on the UK Rock Chart, and reached the top 20 in Denmark and Italy. It was used as the theme song to the short lived series "Clubhouse" on CBS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rubberneckin'</span> Song performed by Elvis Presley

"Rubberneckin'" is a song performed by Elvis Presley, which was recorded at American Sound Studio. It was used in the film Change of Habit and subsequently issued as the B-side of "Don't Cry Daddy" in conjunction with the movie premiere. It reached number six in the United States on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Think I'm Not</span> 2000 single by Kandi Burruss

"Don't Think I'm Not" is the debut solo single of American R&B singer Kandi from her debut album, Hey Kandi... (2000). Kandi co-wrote the song with Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, Katrina Willis, and Bernard Edwards, Jr. and produced it alongside Briggs. Released on July 11, 2000, "Don't Think I'm Not" reached number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 32 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. Outside the US, the song reached the top 20 in Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

References

  1. 1 2 "Behind the Mask: Gavin DeGraw's 'I Don't Want to Be' Will Dig Deep into Who You Really Are". Society of Rock. February 29, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  2. ↑ Roberge, Nicole (December 4, 2013). "Gavin DeGraw Discusses His Platinum Chariot Album, and His Hit Single 'I Don't Want to Be'". Songwriter Universe. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  3. ↑ "I Don't Want to Be by Gavin DeGraw – Digital Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. March 16, 2015. MN0145901. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  4. ↑ "I Don't Want to Be ● Gavin DeGraw". Note Discover. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  5. 1 2 I Don't Want to Be (UK CD single liner notes). Gavin DeGraw. J Records. 2005. 82876 702222.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ↑ I Don't Want to Be (Australian CD single liner notes). Gavin DeGraw. J Records. 2004. 82876-64530-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ↑ I Don't Want to Be (European CD single liner notes). Gavin DeGraw. J Records. 2005. 82876 645302.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ↑ I Don't Want to Be (European CD single liner notes). Gavin DeGraw. J Records. 2005. 82876 645312.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want to Be". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want to Be" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  11. ↑ "R&R Canada CHR/Pop Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1588. January 7, 2005. p. 25. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want to Be" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  13. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  14. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Gavin DeGraw". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 24, 2005" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want to Be" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want to Be". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want to Be". VG-lista. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want to Be". Singles Top 100. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want to Be". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  23. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Year in Music & Touring: Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 52. December 25, 2004. p. YE-74. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  27. ↑ "2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor . Vol. 12, no. 51. December 17, 2004. p. 22.
  28. ↑ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2005". Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  29. ↑ "Årslista Singlar, 2005" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  30. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 – 2005". BillboardTop100of.com. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  31. ↑ "2005 The Year in Charts: Top Mainstream Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 13, no. 50. December 16, 2005. p. 26.
  32. ↑ "British single certifications – Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want to Be". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  33. ↑ "American single certifications – Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Wanna Be". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  34. ↑ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1542. February 13, 2004. p. 25. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  35. ↑ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1568. August 13, 2004. p. 19. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  36. ↑ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 6th September 2004" (PDF). ARIA. September 6, 2004. p. 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2004. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  37. ↑ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . June 18, 2005. p. 35.
  38. ↑ Lujan, Adam (July 25, 2016). "One Tree Hill cast reunites, performs theme song". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved May 19, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.