About the song
“I Am… I Said” is a poignant and introspective song written and recorded by Neil Diamond, released as a single on March 15, 1971. The song’s success was slow-burning, gradually climbing the charts before reaching number 4 on the US pop singles chart by May 1971. Its impact was not limited to the United States, as it also reached number 4 on the UK pop singles chart.
This deeply personal song was inspired by Diamond’s own experiences, including his time spent in therapy in Los Angeles. In an interview with Mojo magazine, Diamond revealed that the song was a conscious attempt to express his dreams, aspirations, and sense of self, which was heavily influenced by his therapy sessions. He also drew inspiration from an unsuccessful tryout for a movie about the life and death of comedian Lenny Bruce, which evoked intense emotions that led him to seek therapy.
The song’s reception was overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its excellent lyrics, production, and performance. Rolling Stone called the song’s lyrics “excellent” in a 1972 review, while The New Yorker used it to exemplify Diamond’s songwriting opaqueness in a 2006 retrospective. Despite some detractors, such as humorist Dave Barry, who poked fun at the song’s lyrics, “I Am… I Said” remains one of Diamond’s most beloved and enduring songs. The song even garnered Diamond his first Grammy Awards nomination, for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.
Video
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”