Why Can't I Be You?

This article is about the song. For the tv series, see Why Can't I Be You? (TV series).

"Why Can't I Be You?"
Single by The Cure
from the album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
Released	April 6, 1987
Format	7", 12"
Genre	New Wave, post-punk
Length	3:14
Label	Fiction Records
Producer	Robert Smith Dave Allen
The Cure singles chronology
"Boys Don't Cry (New Voice)" (1986) "Why Can't I Be You?" (1987) "Catch" (1987)

"Why Can't I Be You?" is a 1987 single by The Cure from their album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me.

History

The German CD single was the first for the band. Most subsequent releases would contain a CD single element.

Australian comedy troupe The D-Generation parodied this song's title on the back cover of their single "Five In A Row", with the title changed to "Why Can't I Be Dead", a reference to the band's image as being depressing.

The video for the single was shot at Ardmore Studios in County Wicklow, Ireland.

Track listing

7": Fiction / Fics 25 (UK)

1. "Why Can't I Be You?" (3:12)
2. "A Japanese Dream" (3:27)

2x7": Fiction / Ficsg 25 (UK)

1. "Why Can't I Be You?" (3:12)
2. "A Japanese Dream" (3:27)

1. "Six Different Ways [Live in Orange]" (3:26)
2. "Push [Live in Orange]" (4:35)

12": Fiction / Ficsx 25 (UK)

1. "Why Can't I Be You? [Extended Mix]" (8:07)
2. "A Japanese Dream [Extended Mix]" (5:47)

CDV: Fiction / 080 184-2 (UK)

1. "Why Can't I Be You? [Extended Mix]" (8:10)
2. "A Japanese Dream [Extended Mix]" (5:52)
3. "Hey You!!!" (2:23)
4. "Why Can't I Be You?" (3:31) [Video]

• also released on German CD Polydor 888 454-2

Personnel

• Robert Smith - Voice, Guitar, Keyboards
• Lol Tolhurst - Keyboard
• Porl Thompson - Guitar, Keyboard
• Simon Gallup - Bass
• Boris Williams - Drums