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

The lyrics to Chris Carmack's "Who I Am" delve into the topic of self-discovery and self-exploration. At the core of the song is the idea that the singer has always felt broken, despite outward appearances of happiness. The phrase "broken underneath my smile" suggests that there is more to the singer's emotional state than meets the eye. The singer questions whether this sense of brokenness is truly reflective of who they are as a person. The lines "If I'm being honest, I didn't stand a chance / Is that who I am?" suggest that the singer is grappling with a lack of agency or control over their own life, and is questioning how much of themselves is tied to this feeling.


The second verse of the song continues this theme of questioning the self. The singer admits to having spent a lot of time "staring at [their] shadow" and never taking action. The line "I've always been singing, I've never had a song" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the singer has struggled to find their own voice and identity. The chorus reinforces the idea that there is more to the singer than what has been seen on the surface - the "big bright lights" represent a sense of possibility and hope.


Overall, "Who I Am" is a thoughtful and introspective look at the complexities of the self. The song suggests that it is important to question one's identity and sense of self in order to truly understand and embrace who you are.


Line by Line Meaning

I've always been broken underneath my smile
Despite my seemingly happy exterior, I have always been internally damaged.


So you think that I was, happy all the while
Others may have assumed that I was content, but that was not the case.


If I'm being honest, I didn't stand a chance, is that who I am?
Truthfully, I was not equipped to deal with certain situations. Does this deficiency define me?


Staring at my shadow, for way too long,
I have fixated too much on my own flaws and shortcomings.


If never did nothing then nothing could go wrong,
If I refrain from taking risks, then I can avoid failure or disappointment.


I've always been singing, I've never had a song,
I have always had passion, but have yet to find my true purpose or calling.


Is that who I am?
Am I defined by my lack of direction and purpose?


I see big bright lights burning in the atmosphere,
I am drawn to possibilities of success or fulfillment.


Calling my name, calling my name
I am compelled to explore these opportunities.


Sayin' I, I don't have to be, the way I've been,
I am starting to realize that I am not obligated to stay on the same path that I have been on.


And, I still got a lot of soul underneath my skin,
Despite my past struggles, I have an inherent and profound sense of self-worth and resilience.


Is that who I am?
Is my inner strength and potential who I truly am?


Am I just a lost soul, blowing in the wind,
Have I been wandering aimlessly without purpose and direction?


Or a coward, scared to look within?
Have I been avoiding confronting my own fears and limitations?


Do I have a brave heart,
Do I have the courage to face my inner demons and take risks?


With a light so dim,
Despite my bravery and drive, my path has not always been easy or clear.


Sayin' I, I don't have to be, the way I've been
I am recognizing that I am capable of changing my trajectory.


And I, still got a lot of soul underneath my skin,
I have a lot of untapped potential and strength within me, waiting to be discovered or unleashed.


Calling my name, calling my name
The possibilities for a better future are beckoning me forward.


Is that who I am?
Am I the sum of my past struggles and my latent potential?


Calling my name,
The pull towards a better future is strong.


Calling my name,
I am being urged towards change and growth.


Is that who I am?
Am I finally recognizing my own strength and potential?




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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Comments from YouTube:

Richie Nuñez

this is a beautiful song. Thank God the full version is available here. it's very touching. Chris Carmack is one of kind singer he totally deserves his stardom. Absolutely.

ACDILU

This is absolutely beautiful! And beautifully sung!

Ardrianne Torrance

Thank you so much. I have looked for this for months. Nashville is the best show on TV right now and one of my absolute favorites that has ever been on television. Its a great show with great actors, great music, and great story. 

josh corrigan

To be completely honest this is easily the best song in the show (imo). Fade into you and it ain't yours to throw away are close but this takes it for me.

Gerard Hazlehurst

I was broken, and with the love and support of the people around me I recovered,this song makes me so grateful

ailish3park

Thank you so much for this, I've been looking for it online for ages!!

Evan Ramirez

why are there no tutorials for this song the way it's played in this track!!!??? seriously it's only the best song in the show...

Suchandra Banerjee

Best country song

Jan Riel

Chris is the best singer n actor hes a great singer

lil joe lil joe

Legend man Chris Carmack cowboy beach boy beatiful

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