About the song
“I Am… I Said” is a deeply personal song by Neil Diamond, released as a single on March 15, 1971. It quickly captured the public’s attention, climbing to number 4 on the U.S. pop singles chart by May of that year and achieving similar success in the UK. This track remains one of Diamond’s most introspective works, reflecting his emotional journey during a period of personal reflection and therapy.
The song’s creation was a significant endeavor for Diamond, taking him four months to complete. He described it as an effort to articulate his dreams and aspirations, drawing from his experiences in therapy. In interviews, Diamond explained that the song emerged from his sessions with an analyst in Los Angeles, aiming to explore his own identity and emotional struggles. Additionally, the song was influenced by his involvement in a failed film project about comedian Lenny Bruce, which deeply affected him and led to further introspection.
Critics have generally praised “I Am… I Said” for its emotional depth and production quality. Rolling Stone commended the song’s lyrics, while The New Yorker highlighted Diamond’s unique songwriting style. Cash Box lauded the track for its “excellent production and performance,” and Record World appreciated its philosophical depth. However, not all responses were positive; humorist Dave Barry humorously critiqued the song’s lyrics, suggesting that some lines seemed puzzling.
Despite the mixed reviews, the song was a significant milestone for Diamond, earning him his first Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. “I Am… I Said” continues to be remembered as a powerful expression of Neil Diamond’s personal struggles and artistic vulnerability.
Video
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”