About The Song
“I Am… I Said” is a song written and recorded by Neil Diamond. It was released as a single on March 15, 1971, and was quite successful, reaching number 4 on the U.S. and UK pop singles charts. The song was inspired by a drunken conversation between Diamond and his friend, Graham Nash. The song’s story could be read in many ways, depending on the listener’s personal experience and perspective. According to Neil Diamond, the song came about during a rough patch in his life, when he felt like he didn’t belong anywhere. This disconnectedness is echoed in the lyrics, with the protagonist expressing a longing for a place that he can call home.
The song is a song of self-reflection and introspection, with Diamond musing about his place in the world and his feelings of emptiness. The chorus is a simple repetition of “I am” followed by “I said,” which serves as a reminder that our words have power to shape our reality. Overall, “I Am… I Said” is a classic Neil Diamond song that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its simple yet profound lyrics, combined with Diamond’s soulful voice and smooth melodies, make it a power ballad that never fails to evoke emotion.
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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’s 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”… I said