“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Imagine sitting in a cozy corner of your favorite café, a warm cup of coffee in hand, when Neil Diamond’s “I Am… I Said” starts playing softly in the background. You can’t help but pause and let the music wash over you. It’s like catching up with an old friend who’s sharing a deeply personal story—because that’s exactly what this song feels like.
Neil Diamond penned “I Am… I Said” during a time when he was grappling with his identity and the conflicting emotions of living between Los Angeles and New York. You can almost picture him sitting alone, wrestling with feelings of isolation despite being surrounded by the bustling life of two vibrant cities. The lyrics capture this beautifully raw paradox—how you can feel utterly alone in a crowd, a sentiment that hits home for so many of us.
What makes this song truly special is its unfiltered honesty. Diamond doesn’t sugarcoat his vulnerability. Instead, he embraces it, creating a universal anthem for anyone who’s ever felt lost or out of place. The line “And no one heard at all, not even the chair” is such a striking image, isn’t it? It perfectly encapsulates that gut-wrenching silence that follows an unheard cry for connection.
The song’s impact on listeners is profound. It’s like a warm embrace for those moments when we’re questioning our own place in the world. And that’s why it remains timeless—because who hasn’t felt that way at some point?
When you listen to “I Am… I Said,” you’re not just hearing a song; you’re experiencing a piece of Neil Diamond’s soul. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to feel uncertain, and sometimes, just acknowledging that feeling is the first step toward finding your way. So next time you hear those opening chords, let yourself sink into the music and reflect on your own journey. Who knows? You might just find the answer you didn’t know you were looking for.
Video
Lyrics
La’s fine, sunshine most of the time
The feeling is laid back
Palm trees grow and the rents are low
But you know i keep thinking about
Making my way back
Well, i’m new york city born and raised
But nowadays, i’m lost between two shores
La’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, i said
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 being 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 swea
But i’ve 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, i said
And i am lost, and i can’t even say why
Leavin’ me lonely still