“I Am” is a song by American recording artist Christina Aguilera, from her … Read Full Bio ↴“I Am” is a song by American recording artist Christina Aguilera, from her sixth studio album Bionic (2010). The song was written by Aguilera, Sia Furler and Samuel Dixon, while production was handled by Sam Dixon. It is a piano ballad, where Aguilera lists her strengths and insecurities and asks to a person take her just the way that she is.

I am
Christina Aguilera Lyrics

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I am timid
And I am oversensitive
I am a lioness
I am tired and defensive
You take me in your arms
And I fold into you
I have insecurities
You show me I am beautiful

Love me or leave me just take it or leave it
It's not that I'm needy just need you to see me
Take me, free me, see through to the core of me
Take me, free me, there will be no more pretending

I am temperamental
And I have imperfections
And I am emotional
I am unpredictable
I am naked
I am vulnerable
I am a woman
I am opening up to you

Love me or leave me, just take it or leave it
It's not that I'm needy, just need you to see me
Take me, free me, see through to the core of me
Take me, free me, there will be no more pretending

Now I stand before you with my heart in my hands
I'm asking you to take me just the way that I am

Please lay down your arms
Do you know me?
Make me feel safe from harm

Oh just take me, free me, see through to the core of me
Take me, free me, there will be no more pretending

I am temperamental
And I have imperfections

And I am emotional
There'll be no more pretending

Overall Meaning

Christina Aguilera's "I Am" explores the vulnerability and emotional complexity of being human. The lyrics delve deep into her psyche and articulate her insecurities, fears, and imperfections while also showcasing her desire to be accepted and loved for who she is. The chorus "Love me or leave me, just take it or leave it" is a universal plea for acceptance, indicating that she is not ashamed of who she is and that she will no longer pretend to be someone she is not.

The first verse establishes the tone by pointing out that even a fierce lioness can be timid and oversensitive. She admits that she is defensive and tired, but when she's in the arms of the person she loves, she feels safe and secure. Through their love, they show her that she is beautiful, even with all of her imperfections. In the second verse, she declares that she is temperamental and unpredictable but is opening up to the person she loves despite feeling naked and vulnerable.

The powerful bridge begins with her holding her heart in her hands and asking for acceptance just the way she is. Through her vulnerability and transparency, she pleads with her lover to lay down their arms and make her feel safe from harm. The song ends with her bravely chanting that there will be no more pretending, signifying that she has found her inner strength and is willing to be herself, flaws and all.

Line by Line Meaning

I am timid
I lack self-confidence and tend to be shy and nervous

And I am oversensitive
I am easily offended or hurt by other people's actions or words

I am a lioness
I am strong, fierce, and protective of those I love

I am tired and defensive
I am exhausted and always on guard, ready to protect myself from emotional pain

You take me in your arms
You provide comfort, support, and love

And I fold into you
I feel safe and secure in your embrace

I have insecurities
I struggle with doubts and uncertainties about myself

You show me I am beautiful
You help me see my own worth and value, despite my flaws and imperfections

Love me or leave me just take it or leave it
Accept me for who I am, with all my strengths and weaknesses, or walk away from our relationship

It's not that I'm needy just need you to see me
I don't require a lot from you, but I need you to recognize and appreciate me

Take me, free me, see through to the core of me
Get to know the real me, by accepting and understanding my true self

There will be no more pretending
I won't hide my true thoughts, feelings, or personality from you anymore

Now I stand before you with my heart in my hands
I am vulnerable and open, revealing my innermost feelings to you

I'm asking you to take me just the way that I am
I am requesting your unconditional love and acceptance, without any conditions or expectations

Please lay down your arms
Drop your defenses, let go of your fears and doubts, and trust me

Do you know me?
Do you truly understand who I am, and what I need from you?

Make me feel safe from harm
Protect me from emotional pain and harm, by loving me and being there for me

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRISTINA AGUILERA, SAM DIXON, SIA FURLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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