Discover the poetic beauty in ‘I Am What I Am’ by Adrian Belew. This lyric breakdown takes you on a journey through the artist’s thoughts, emotions, and the story they aim to tell. From clever metaphors to evocative imagery, we delve into the nuances that make this song a lyrical masterpiece. Whether you’re a fan of Adrian Belew or a lover of well-crafted words, our detailed analysis will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of this song.
“Friends seen an` unseen…to you that are ridin` along
In your automobile…to you that are sitting at you table
I greet you with the holy word `Peace`…
For with my infinite mind I thinks constructively…
And I`m able to draw whatsaever I want into my immediate
Surroundin`…for yo` minds are my mind
And my mind is yo` mind and I`m sendin` out
My mind to you, you, an` you…
You`ve got to remain to bein` yourself…you cannot be
Nobody else, it ain`t no use tryin` bein` no whirlwind
An` uh, jumpin` here an` an` playin` checkers with
Your own life, that ain`t gonna work, baby…
Now repeat these words behind me:
`I am what I am`…now that`s all you are…
You are what you believe you are…stretch out
So many of you all in Radioland, you`re not stretchin` out…
But I want to say one thing to you today…it makes no
Differen` who you are, what you`re doin`, what you`re
Tryin` to do or want to do, repeat these words
`I am what I am and that`s all I am…is what I am`…
That`s all I, look, that, that`s all I am is what I am…and I`m it
Make no differen` whether it`s in the mornin`,
The evenin`, or in the night time…
Hair breakin` out, bald headed…it`s the same thing…
You are what you believe you are
`Cause some of you all are sittin` there right now,
Amen, an` tell if you had a necktie on yo`, on now, right now,
A whirlwind would come along an` choke you to death,
That`s how bad luck some of you all in…
Some of you all in such a bad luck right now
That you couldn`t hit a barn with a baseball bat…
Some of you all in such a bad luck right now, amen,
If you was to sit down by-a-by-men, by a pond, amen,
Somethin` would come up an` stick ya`
You just in that bad a` luck…
I am what I am…now repeat this behind me:
`I am what I am and that is all I am and I am it`…
Yes, I know what you`re sayin`…stretch out…oh, yes…stretch out”