James Christopher "Chris" Carmack (born December 22, 1980) is an American a… Read Full Bio ↴James Christopher "Chris" Carmack (born December 22, 1980) is an American actor, singer and former fashion model, best known for his roles in two popular television shows—the 2003 teen drama series The O.C., and the 2012 country music drama Nashville. Carmack has also appeared in films, including The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations, Into the Blue 2: The Reef, Love Wrecked, Beauty & the Briefcase and Alpha and Omega.

Is That Who I Am
Chris Carmack Lyrics

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I've always been broken underneath my smile
So you think that I was, happy all the while
If I'm being honest, I didn't stand a chance, is that who I am?

Staring at my shadow, for way too long,
If never did nothing then nothing could go wrong,
I've always been singing, I've never had a song,
Is that who I am?

I see big bright lights burning in the atmosphere,
Calling my name, calling my name

Sayin' I, I don't have to be, the way I've been,
And, I still got a lot of soul underneath my skin,
It's calling my name, calling my name,
Is that who I am?

Am I just a lost soul, blowing in the wind,

Or a coward, scared to look within?
Do I have a brave heart,
With a light so dim,
Is that who I am?

I see big bright lights
Burning in the atmosphere,
Calling my name, calling my name.

Sayin' I, I don't have to be, the way I've been,
And I, still got a lot of soul underneath my skin,
It's calling my name, calling my name,
Is that who I am?

Sayin' I, I don't have to be, the way I've been
And I, still got a lot of soul underneath my skin,
And it's calling my name, calling my name

Calling my name,
Calling my name,

Is that who I am?
Is that who I am?

Overall Meaning

In "Is That Who I Am," Chris Carmack explores the concept of identity and whether or not we truly know ourselves. He begins by acknowledging that he has always felt broken behind his smile, which may have led others to believe he was happy when he was not. He questions his own authenticity, wondering if the person he has become was inevitable, or whether he could have made different choices along the way. He seems to feel lost and unsure of himself as he reflects on his life, asking whether he is simply blowing in the wind or too afraid to look within to find his true self. The repetition of the lines "calling my name, calling my name" suggests that he is searching for something, but is not quite sure what that something is.

The song highlights the ever-evolving nature of identity and encourages listeners to think deeply about who they really are. Carmack's introspective lyrics encourage self-reflection and honesty, asking important questions about the relationship between the person we present to others and the person we are truly meant to be. The chorus serves as a call to action, inviting the listener to recognize that they do not have to remain stuck in patterns that do not serve them and that there is always potential for growth and change.

Line by Line Meaning

I've always been broken underneath my smile
Throughout my life, I've always felt broken or troubled internally, even when I appeared happy and smiled on the outside.

So you think that I was, happy all the while
You may have assumed or believed that I was happy and content all along, but that wasn't always the case.

If I'm being honest, I didn't stand a chance, is that who I am?
Honestly, I had very little chance or opportunity to overcome the hardships and struggles that I faced in life. This makes me question whether that defines who I am as a person.

Staring at my shadow, for way too long
I have spent too much time looking at and being fixated on my own flaws, issues, and negative qualities.

If never did nothing then nothing could go wrong
If I didn't take any chances or risks, then I wouldn't have to worry about potential failures, mistakes, or disappointments in my life.

I've always been singing, I've never had a song
I have been vocal and expressive about my thoughts, feelings, and experiences, but I have never found my true purpose, passion, or identity in life.

I see big bright lights burning in the atmosphere,
I am drawn to exciting and promising opportunities and possibilities that seem like they could lead to a better future or path.

Calling my name, calling my name
These opportunities or possibilities seem like they were meant for me, and they are urging me to take action or pursue them.

Sayin' I, I don't have to be, the way I've been
These opportunities or possibilities are telling me that I don't have to continue living my life the way I have been, and that there are other paths or ways of being that could bring fulfillment and meaning.

And, I still got a lot of soul underneath my skin
Despite my struggles and flaws, I still have potential, strength, and depth within me that can be nurtured and developed.

Is that who I am?
All of these factors make me wonder and question what truly defines me as a person and what path I should take in life.

Am I just a lost soul, blowing in the wind,
I feel aimless, confused, and uncertain about my direction and purpose in life, like a powerless and insignificant being that is at the mercy of the unpredictable forces of the universe.

Or a coward, scared to look within?
Alternatively, I may be avoiding or resisting introspection and self-awareness, afraid of what I may discover about myself and the changes that may be necessary.

Do I have a brave heart, with a light so dim,
I may have the potential for courage and bravery within me, but it is overshadowed or suppressed by my doubts, fears, and insecurities.

Sayin' I, I don't have to be, the way I've been
Once again, these enticing opportunities or possibilities are reminding me that I have the power and choice to change my current situation and path in life.

Calling my name, calling my name
These opportunities or possibilities are persistent and loud in their call for me to take action and seize them.

Is that who I am?
My identity and purpose in life are still unclear and ambiguous, leaving me to ponder whether these opportunities or possibilities could help me find them.

Calling my name,
The intensity and urgency of these opportunities or possibilities' call for me to seize them is emphasized.

Calling my name,
The repetition of this phrase reinforces the persistent and consistent nature of the call for me.

Is that who I am?
The song ultimately ends with the same question it started with, leaving me to continue questioning and exploring my identity and path in life.

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHAUN SHANKEL, AARON BENWARD, STEVEN THOMAS MOAKLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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