About the song
In the realm of music, there exist songs that transcend time, speaking directly to the human experience with unflinching honesty. “I Am… I Said,” written and recorded by the legendary Neil Diamond, is one such masterpiece. Released on March 15, 1971, this poignant ballad has left an indelible mark on the music world, resonating with listeners for decades.
The song’s inception was a labor of love, with Diamond pouring his heart and soul into its creation over a period of four months. The result is a deeply personal and introspective work, one that delves into the complexities of the human condition. “I Am… I Said” is a song about self-discovery, a quest to understand one’s place in the world, and the struggles that come with it.
Diamond’s inspiration for the song was multifaceted. In a 2008 interview with Mojo magazine, he revealed that the song was born out of his experiences in therapy in Los Angeles. He sought to express his dreams, aspirations, and inner turmoil through music, and “I Am… I Said” was the culmination of this introspective journey. The song also drew inspiration from Diamond’s failed attempt to channel the spirit of comedian Lenny Bruce, an experience that left him emotionally drained and in need of therapy.
The song’s reception was overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its lyrical excellence and emotional depth. Rolling Stone hailed the song as a masterpiece, while The New Yorker noted its complexity and nuance. Cash Box and Record World also lauded the song’s production and performance, recognizing its impact on the music landscape.
However, not everyone was enamored with the song. Humorist Dave Barry poked fun at the song’s lyrics, questioning the meaning behind the line “And no one heard at all, not even the chair.” Despite this, the song’s significance and emotional resonance cannot be denied.
“I Am… I Said” earned Diamond his first Grammy Awards nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male, a testament to its enduring impact on the music world. The song’s themes of self-discovery, existential angst, and emotional turmoil continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a timeless classic that transcends generations.
In an era where music is often fleeting and forgettable, “I Am… I Said” stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music. It is a song that invites listeners to reflect on their own lives, to confront their fears and doubts, and to find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone. As Neil Diamond so eloquently put it, “I Am… I Said” is a song that seeks to “find [him]self,” a journey that we can all relate to.
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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”