I Am What I Am Lyrics
John Barrowman
Lyrics
I am what I am
I am my own special creation.
So come take a look,
Give me the hook or the ovation.
It's my world that I want to have a little pride in,
My world, and it's not a place I have to hide in.
Life's not worth a damn,
'Till you can say,
"Hey World, I am what I am."
I am what I am,
I don't want praise, I dont want pity.
I bang my own drum,
Some think it's noise I think its 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 sham
'Till you can shout out loud
I am what I am
I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses.
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the aces, sometimes the deuces.
There's one life, and there's no return and no deposit;
One life, so it's time to open up your closet.
Life's not worth a damn
'Till you can say,
"Hey world, I am what I am."
Song & Lyrics Facts
John Barrowman's song "I Am What I Am" is a powerful, anthemic gay pride anthem released in 1993. It was written by Jerry Herman and produced by Barry Mason for the album "Totally Barrowman".
The single was released on April 5th, 1993 and it peaked at #2 on the UK Singles Chart. John Barrowman performed the song with his band which included Richard Brooker (guitar), Nicky Graham (keyboards), Mark Nevin (bass) and Chris Sharrock (drums). The lyrics of this empowering song celebrate individuality and acceptance. It has become an iconic symbol of LGBTQ+ rights around the world. In 2020, John Barrowman re-recorded the song to raise money for the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Appeal.