What I Am
Edie Brickell
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I'm not aware of too many things I know what I know if you know what I mean Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box Religion is the smile on a dog I'm not aware of too many things I know what I know if you know what I mean Choke me in the shallow water Before I get too deep What I am is what I am Are you what you are - or what? I'm not aware of too many things I know what I know if you know what I mean Philosophy is a walk on the slippery rocks Religion is a light in the fog I'm not aware of too many things I know what I know if you know what I mean Choke me in the shallow water Before I get too deep What I am is what I am Are you what you are - or what? Don't let me get too deep
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Written by: Edie Arlisa Brickell, Kenneth Neil Withrow, John Bradley Houser, John Walter Bush, Brandon Aly
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Composition"What I Am" was composed by Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, an American alternative rock band. It is the lead single from their 1988 debut album "Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars".
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LyricsEdie Brickell wrote the unconventional and philosophical lyrics. The lines of the song urge listeners to avoid categorizing people into labels and to recognize that everyone is a complex individual.
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Chart PerformanceThe song peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1989, making it the band's biggest hit to the date.
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Music VideoThe music video for "What I Am" received heavy airplay on MTV and helped solidify the band's image and sound in the public eye.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by several artists, including a version by Spice Girl Emma Bunton in 1999 which also reached the top 10 in the UK Singles chart.
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AwardsThe song led to a nomination for the band at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards for Best New Artist.
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Cultural ReferenceThe memorable guitar solo in "What I Am" was performed using a vasterine, a custom-made, double-necked instrument that includes a guitar, bass, and dulcimer.
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Live PerformancesThe song has remained a staple of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians' live shows and is often their closing number.
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Song MeaningThe ambiguity of the song's lyrics sparked debate about its meaning, leading to it being interpreted as everything from a call for individuality to a critique of societal conformity.
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Radio AirplayDespite its success, the song received criticism from some DJs and listeners for its perceived lack of a clear message or catchy chorus. Regardless, it has remained a favorite on adult alternative and classic rock radio stations.
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Citation
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"What I Am Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8442396/Edie+Brickell/What+I+Am>.
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