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I am oDDBall
by  DaoDDBall
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DaoDDBall
I sing this unaccompanied
Neil Diamond's song "I Am... I Said" was released in 1971 and is often considered one of his most personal and introspective songs. The background to the song stems from a difficult period in Diamond's life when he was grappling with feelings of identity and belonging. He had recently moved to Los Angeles from his native New York, and the transition caused him to feel displaced and disconnected.

In interviews, Diamond has mentioned that the song came from a deep sense of personal turmoil. He was undergoing therapy at the time and feeling a strong existential crisis. The song reflects his struggle to reconcile his public persona with his inner self, and the lyrics depict loneliness and a search for meaning. The line "I am, I said / To no one there / And no one heard at all" expresses a feeling of isolation and frustration, as if his identity and voice were going unheard or unacknowledged.

The song was partly inspired by Diamond's unsuccessful attempt to audition for the role of Lenny Bruce in a movie, which brought him to a point of self-reflection. The themes of the song resonate with the universal human experience of seeking one's place in the world and grappling with questions of identity.

Despite its personal nature, "I Am... I Said" became one of Diamond's most successful hits, reaching the top of the charts and cementing its place as a classic. It captures the raw emotion and depth of Diamond’s songwriting during that period.
Details
Released 12-Sep-2024
Category Pop
Application GarageBand
File
Type mp3
Size 5.5 Mb
Activity
Plays 1
Downloads 0
Weekly plays 1
Weekly downloads 0
Rights and AI
License Non-commercial derivatives allowed; contact artist for permission
AI lyrics No
AI music/production No
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
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

[Pre-Chorus 1]
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

[Chorus 1]
"I am"... I said
To no one there
And no one heard at all
Not even the chair

[Chorus 2]
"I am"... I cried
"I am"... said I
And I am lost and I can't
Even say why

[Post-Chorus]
Leavin' me lonely still

[Verse 2]
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's the same one

[Pre-Chorus 2]
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

[Chorus 1]
"I am"... I said
To no one there
And no one heard at all
Not even the chair

[Chorus 2]
"I am"... I cried
"I am"... said I
And I am lost and I can't
Even say why
[Outro]
"I am"... I said
"I am"... I cried
"I am!"
"I am"... I said
Comments
DaoDDBall
artist
I've made a video at https://rumble.com/v5emb99-i-am-i-said-oddball.html
1 year ago
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