I Am What I Am
Gloria Gaynor
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It takes a lifetime to become the best that we can be We have not the time or the right to judge each other And it's one life, and there's not return or no deposit One life, so make sure you like what's in your closet Mhm, ooh ooh oh yeah, mhm Huh huh, yeah yeah, ooh oh I am what I am I don't want praise I don't want pity I bang my own drum Some think it's noise I think it's pretty And so what if I love each sparkle and each bangle Why not try to see things from a different angle Your life is a shame til you can shout out I am what I am Ooh ooh, mhm Ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah Huh huh, hey hey yeah Ooh ah I am what I am And what I am needs no excuses I deal my own deck Sometimes the ace sometimes the deuces It's my life that I want to have a little pride in My life and it's not a place I have to hide in Life's not worth a danm til you can shout out I am what I am I am what I am I am what I am I am, I am, I am, I am, I am good I am I am, good I am I am, I am good I am
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Written by: Jerry Herman
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
8 facts about this song
Song's Identity"I Am What I Am" is a song originally featured in the Broadway musical "La Cage aux Folles". It was later popularized by two separate artists: Gloria Gaynor and The Village People.
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Gloria Gaynor's VersionThe American singer released her version of "I Am What I Am" in 1983 from her album "I Am Gloria Gaynor".
- It reached No. 82 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and performed better in the UK where it peaked at No. 13.
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The Village People's VersionThe Village People, known for their hits like "YMCA" and "Macho Man", covered the song in 1985 for their album "Sex Over the Phone".
- One of the reasons this version didn't chart as well could be linked to the decline of the group's popularity at the time.
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Gay AnthemThe song "I Am What I Am" is considered a gay anthem. The empowering lyrics resonate with taking pride in one's identity which is a core concept in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Gloria Gaynor has mentioned in interviews that she's proud to be associated with the song because of its positive message of self-acceptance.
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Stage OriginThe song originally comes from the stage musical "La Cage aux Folles" (1983), which tells the story of a gay couple who run a drag nightclub.
- Its powerful message of self-acceptance made it equally popular outside of the theatre circles.
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Song's Influence"I Am What I Am" has been covered by numerous artists in different languages over the years. This highlights the universal appeal and relevance of the song's message.
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Grammys RecognitionGloria Gaynor's version of the song was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards in 1985.
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Continual Relevance on Pride EventsDespite being several decades old, "I Am What I Am" is still frequently played at Pride events worldwide, showing its relevance and enduring popularity.
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Citation
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"I Am What I Am Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 7 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/15904123/Gloria+Gaynor/I+Am+What+I+Am>.
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