Rosanne Cash – Never Be You

“Never Be You” is a song written by Tom Petty and Benmont Tench and was first released in 1983 by Maria McKee. The song appeared on the “Streets of Fire” film soundtrack album and was recorded by American country music artist Rosanne Cash. Cash recorded a version for the film, but her version was not used. Cash’s version was released in September 1985 as the second single from the album Rhythm & Romance. The song was Cash’s fifth number one on the country chart. The single went to number one for one week and spent a total of 16 weeks on the chart.

From the album Rhythm & Romance
B-side “Closing Time”
Released September 1985
Genre Country
Length 3:28
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Benmont Tench Tom Petty
Producer(s) David Malloy Rodney Crowell David Thoener

Rosanne Cash – Never Be You Lyrics

Take a look at my eyes
It’s been a long, long time
I used to feel so strong
When I knew you were mine

But since you let me down
I’m hard to be around
I don’t know what I’m gonna do
He could never be you
He could never be you

I guess it all comes around
Baby, please don’t cry
Love is gonna be a little reckless
Oh, lovers all have to stand trial

Since you let me go
There’s nothing going on
I don’t know what I’m gonna do
He could never be you
He could never be you
Uh-uh, uh-uh, huh
He could never be you

He knows the rules
And he plays the part
But he only has me
He don’t have my heart

He could never be you

So take a look at my eyes
No, you can’t hide the truth
No, you don’t get by on pride
It’ll run over you

Since you let me down
I’m hard to be around
I don’t know what I’m gonna do
He could never be you
He could never be you
Uh-uh, uh-uh, huh
He could never be you
Uh-uh, uh-uh, huh
Uh-uh, uh-uh, huh
He could never be you
Uh-uh, uh-uh, huh
Uh-uh, uh-uh, huh
Uh-uh, uh-uh, huh
He could never be you