About the song
Neil Diamond’s “I Am… I Said” stands as a poignant testament to the artist’s introspective journey through fame, identity, and personal discovery. Released as a single on March 15, 1971, the song marked a pivotal moment in Diamond’s career, achieving notable success with its ascent to number 4 on both the U.S. and UK pop singles charts by May of that year.
The genesis of “I Am… I Said” reveals layers of profound inspiration drawn from Diamond’s own life experiences. Composed over four months, the song encapsulates his emotional odyssey, intertwining references to his dual homes of Los Angeles and New York City. Diamond candidly disclosed that the song emerged during a period of therapy in Los Angeles, where he sought to articulate his dreams, aspirations, and innermost self. This therapeutic introspection is palpable in the song’s lyrics, which resonate with a raw authenticity that captivated audiences and critics alike.
Critically, “I Am… I Said” garnered acclaim for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Rolling Stone hailed its lyrics as excellent, while Allmusic recognized it as a powerful reflection of the confessional singer-songwriter movement of the era. However, not everyone embraced the song’s existential themes; humorist Dave Barry humorously critiqued its introspective musings, highlighting its infamous line, “And no one heard at all, not even the chair.”
Beyond its initial release, “I Am… I Said” has endured through various renditions and interpretations over the years. It found a place on Diamond’s album “Stones” and has been performed live, each rendition adding new layers to its legacy. From Checkmates, Ltd.’s rendition to Brooke White’s reinterpretation on American Idol, the song continues to resonate across generations and cultures, transcending its origins to become a timeless exploration of self-identity and human emotion.
In conclusion, Neil Diamond’s “I Am… I Said” remains a quintessential piece in the mosaic of his illustrious career. Rooted in personal introspection and artistic expression, the song not only secured Diamond’s place in music history but also offered listeners a poignant reflection on the universal journey of self-discovery. Its enduring popularity underscores its status as a classic that continues to inspire and provoke thought decades after its initial release.
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Lyrics
L.A.’s fine, the sun shines most the time
And the feeling is “lay back”
Palm trees grow and rents are low
But you know I keep thinkin’ about
Making my way back
Well I’m New York City born and raised
But nowadays
I’m lost between two shores
L.A.’s fine, but it ain’t home
New York’s home
But it ain’t mine no more
“I am”… I said
To no one there
And no one heard at all
Not even the chair
“I am”… I cried
“I am”… said I
And I am lost and I can’t
Even say why
Leavin’ me lonely still
Did you ever read about a frog
Who dreamed of bein’ a king
And then became one
Well except for the names
And a few other changes
If you talk about me
The story is the same one
But I got an emptiness deep inside
And I’ve tried
But it won’t let me go
And I’m not a man who likes to swear
But I never cared
For the sound of being alone
“I am”… I said
To no one there
And no one heard at all
Not even the chair
“I am”… I cried
“I am”… said I
And I am lost and I can’t
Even say why
“I am”… I said
“I am”… I cried
“I am”