About the song
“I Am… I Said” stands as a poignant testament to Neil Diamond’s introspective songwriting prowess, released as a single on March 15, 1971. Its journey to success was notable, initially climbing charts steadily before swiftly ascending to number 4 on both the U.S. and UK pop singles charts by May of the same year.
The genesis of “I Am… I Said” reflects Diamond’s deeply personal and introspective journey. Composed over four months, the song is imbued with themes of identity and self-discovery. Diamond revealed to Mojo magazine in July 2008 that the song emerged from a period of therapy in Los Angeles, where he sought to articulate his dreams, aspirations, and personal essence. His sessions with an analyst provided a fertile ground for lyrical exploration, resulting in a song that resonated with listeners seeking deeper emotional connections.
Another layer of inspiration for “I Am… I Said” came from Diamond’s experience auditioning for a film role depicting the life of comedian Lenny Bruce. This endeavor, which stirred intense emotions within Diamond, further compelled him towards introspection and eventual therapy, shaping the song’s profound lyrical content.
Critically, “I Am… I Said” received acclaim for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Rolling Stone lauded its lyrics as excellent in a 1972 review, while Cash Box praised its production and performance. The song’s introspective nature and Diamond’s impassioned vocal delivery aligned well with the confessional singer-songwriter movement of the era, earning it a place among Diamond’s most memorable compositions.
However, not all reactions were uniformly positive. Humorist Dave Barry humorously critiqued Diamond’s lyrics, highlighting the song’s memorable line “And no one heard at all, not even the chair,” in a light-hearted jab at its introspective fervor.
Despite any detractors, “I Am… I Said” marked a significant milestone in Neil Diamond’s career, earning him his first Grammy Awards nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level, encapsulating themes of existential angst and the quest for self-identity that remain timeless.
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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”