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I Know What I Am
Band of Skulls Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hi ho, tripper's out cold
I've got a feeling like a tired old flow
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be

Gasoline, saccharinne
I've got no reason for the state I'm in
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be

Hotel, Taco Bell
I got the hit but you know damned well
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be

Cut teeth, bet a belief
I've got a feeling that I'm underneath
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be

But it's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay!

Flick flack, no slack
I've got the wit that my enemies lack
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be

Trick some, just begun
I'm givin' you more when you only want one
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be

Hot sweat, got debt
Keep your licker in the locker 'cos you don't know yet
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be

Ship shape, ticker tape
Looks to me like a narrow escape
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be

But it's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay!

I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am!
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am!
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am!
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Band of Skulls's song "I Know What I Am" convey a sense of confidence and certainty about oneself. At first, the song seems to describe a list of disconnected items, but as the lyrics continue, we see that they all serve to reinforce the message that the singer knows who they are and that they don't need anyone else's validation. The repetition of the line "I know what I am, they know what they are" drives this point home.


The first verse sets the scene with the image of a "tripper" who is "out cold." The singer then goes on to express that they feel like they're in a state of exhaustion and lethargy, but they are still sure of their identity. The second verse uses more concrete images of gasoline and saccharine to convey a sense of confusion or disorientation, but again, the singer remains steadfast in their self-knowledge. The third and fourth verses continue to play with contrasting images to assert the singer's sense of self.


Overall, the song has a driving rhythm and a sense of energy, reflecting the confidence that the lyrics exude. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the message that the singer knows who they are and doesn't need anyone else's approval.


Line by Line Meaning

Hi ho, tripper's out cold
Despite others being out cold, I have an inner feeling that cannot be suppressed


I've got a feeling like a tired old flow
My feeling is exhausted but persistent


I know what I am, they know what they are
I am aware of who I am, and they too are aware of who they are


So let me be
Please leave me alone to be myself


Gasoline, saccharine
I feel conflicted and unpredictable


I've got no reason for the state I'm in
I cannot explain why I feel the way I do


Hotel, Taco Bell
I have what you want, but you already know that


I got the hit but you know damned well
I have the desired quality, but you are aware of it


Cut teeth, bet a belief
I have grown and changed, but my core beliefs remain the same


I've got a feeling that I'm underneath
My true self is hiding beneath the surface


But it's alright, it's okay
Everything is fine the way it is


I got the time but the time don't pay
I have the time but it is not worth anything


Flick flack, no slack
I am sharp and alert with no room for mistakes


I've got the wit that my enemies lack
My intelligence is what sets me apart from my enemies


Trick some, just begun
I am capable of deception and have barely started


I'm givin' you more when you only want one
I am offering more than what is expected or desired


Hot sweat, got debt
I am under pressure and owe a debt to someone or something


Keep your licker in the locker 'cos you don't know yet
You should not speak before knowing all the facts


Ship shape, ticker tape
Things are in order and running smoothly


Looks to me like a narrow escape
It appears that I barely made it out of a difficult situation


I know what I am!
I am confident in my identity


So let me be!
Please respect my need for space and individuality




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EMMA RICHARDSON, MATT HAYWARD, RUSSELL MARSDEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@harddazeknight558

"I know what I am" lyrics:
High ho,
Triple sow crow,
I got a feeling like I'm tired of the flow
But I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be

Gasoline
Saccharin,
I got no reason for the state I'm in
But I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be

Hotel,
Taco Bell,
I got the hit that you know damn well,
But I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be

Cut, Tease,
Better believe,
I got the feeling that I'm underneath,
But I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be

But it's alright,
It's okay,
I got the time
But the time don't pay
But it's alright,
It's okay,
I got the time
But the time don't pay
It's alright,
It's okay,
I got the time,
But the time don't pay
It's alright
It's okay.

Flick flack,
No slack,
I got the with that my enemies lack,
But I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be

Trick some,
Just begun,
Giving you more when you only want one,
Cause I know what I am
They know what they are
So let me be

Hot sweat,
Got debt,
Keep your licquor in the locker cause you don't know yet,
But I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be

Ship shape,
Ticker tape,
Looks to me like a narrow escape,
But I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be

But it's alright,
It's okay,
I got the time
But the time don't pay
But it's alright,
It's okay,
I got the time
But the time don't pay
It's alright,
It's okay,
I got the time,
But the time don't pay
It's alright
It's okay.

I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am.
I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am.
I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am.
I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am,
They know what they are
So let me be



@elosmunk8285

This song has been stuck in my head recently. I’ve been struggling to find out the song title. digging inside my brain to recall the lines and lyrics to find out the band’s name.

I was listening to them during the MySpace era —when I was 15/16 (I’m 28 now).

Today I tried to connecting my brand memory again. What I did is I go to MySpace trying to login. I can’t remember the email that I used… but I can recall my username. Squeezing my brain now to list all the possible passwords I might be using back then…

And the magic happened — suddenly the band’s name popped up in my head.

It’s amazing how our brain works

I can live in peace now lol



All comments from YouTube:

@Tornado600

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock got me into this song. It's rather catchy.

@drswole6273

me too lol

@jameslabrat5177

Same :)

@thecellardoor54543

Yup 1000%…. Now we just have memories and broken guitars that can’t activate star power

@ZkaLy6

@@thecellardoor54543 true ky rb strato broke the whammy

i can play smoothly yet tho (without whammy of course)

@jacksonteller3973

I first heard this song in the last episode of Jamie's Dream School

1 More Replies...

@kaleighladner227

This song is so underrated omg

@deepunderdirt

I never even heard of these guys until today - very bad ass! In fairness, I listen to very little mainstream stuff, but reminds of White Stripes meets Queens of the Stone Age with a little Black Keys thrown in. Nice combination!

@julianreyes1141

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock <3 :D

@EIfinlocks

+Julian Reyes Only reason why I'm here. lol

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