I Got A Name
Croce Jim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got a name, I got a name
Like the singing bird and the croaking toad
I got a name, I got a name
And I carry it with me like my daddy did
But I'm living the dream that he kept hid
Moving me down the highway, rolling me down the highway
Like the north wind whistlin' down the sky
I've got a song, I've got a song
Like the whippoorwill and the baby's cry
I've got a song, I've got a song
And I carry it with me and I sing it loud
If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud
Moving me down the highway, rolling me down the highway
Moving ahead so life won't pass me by
And I'm gonna go there free
Like the fool I am and I'll always be
I've got a dream, I've got a dream
They can change their minds but they can't change me
I've got a dream, I've got a dream
Oh, I know I could share it if you'd want me to
If you're goin' my way, I'll go with you
Movin' me down the highway, rollin' me down the highway
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by
Movin' me down the highway, rollin' me down the highway
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by
The lyrics of Jim Croce's song "I Got A Name" describe the singer's strong sense of self-identity and his desire to pursue his dreams without compromise. The first verse compares the singer's identity to the natural elements that he sees along the road, like the pine trees, singing birds, and croaking toads. He claims that he carries his name with him like his father did and is now living a dream that his father never had the chance to pursue. Moving down the highway is a metaphor for moving forward in life, proactively engaging with all that the world has to offer, instead of standing still and letting life pass him by.
The second verse describes the singer's desire to create something that will be his legacy, represented by the song that he carries within him. This song is compared to the sounds of nature, such as the north wind whistling down the sky, the whippoorwill's call, and a baby's cry. He says that he will always sing this song, even if it never takes him anywhere. He values his personal expression and is willing to pursue it, no matter what obstacles he may face.
The final verse affirms the singer's independent spirit and his unwavering commitment to his dreams. He calls himself a "fool," but also sees himself as someone who has a dream and is willing to pursue it no matter what others may say or do. He believes that others may try to change his mind, but they cannot change him. The final lines suggest that he is open to finding like-minded individuals to share his journey with.
Line by Line Meaning
Like the pine trees lining the winding road
Just like the rows of trees along a curvy road, I have an identity that's always with me wherever I go.
I got a name, I got a name
My identity is mine and it's something that no one else can take from me.
Like the singing bird and the croaking toad
Similar to the vocal bird and frog, I too have a unique sound to offer the world.
And I carry it with me like my daddy did
I bear my identity the same way my father did, holding it close to my heart always.
But I'm living the dream that he kept hid
Though my father had unfulfilled aspirations, I'm chasing my own dreams and fulfilling them in his stead.
Moving me down the highway, rolling me down the highway
The journey of life is taking me on the road, allowing me to move forward along the way.
Moving ahead so life won't pass me by
I'm progressing in life so that I won't miss out on what it has to offer.
Like the north wind whistlin' down the sky
Similar to the whistling wind in the sky, I too have a melody that defines me.
I've got a song, I've got a song
I have a personal tune that represents me and my personality.
Like the whippoorwill and the baby's cry
Just like the call of the bird and the cry of a baby, I too have a voice that's unique to me and my story.
And I carry it with me and I sing it loud
I'm proud of who I am, and I'm happy to share my personal narrative and tune with the world.
If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud
Even if my song doesn't lead me to success or recognition, I'll still be proud to have shared it.
And I'm gonna go there free
I'm determined to chase my dreams and make my own path in life, without any restraints or limitations.
Like the fool I am and I'll always be
Just like a typical fool, I have a dream to achieve, and it defines who I am perfectly.
I've got a dream, I've got a dream
I have a vision for my future, and I'm actively pursuing it.
They can change their minds but they can't change me
Others' opinions have no bearing on my personal aspirations and identity.
Oh, I know I could share it if you'd want me to
I'm happy to share my story and my tune with anyone who's receptive to it.
If you're goin' my way, I'll go with you
I'm willing to take the journey with anyone who embraces my identity and shares my vision.
Movin' me down the highway, rollin' me down the highway
I'm being propelled forward in life, and I'm excited to see where my identity and dreams take me.
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by
I'm actively progressing in life, so that I won't let it pass me by and miss out on what it has to offer.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES FOX, NORMAN GIMBEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robbie
Like the pine trees linin' the windin' road
I've got a name, I've got a name
Like the singin' bird and the croakin' toad
I've got a name, I've got a name
And I carry it with me like my daddy did
But I'm living the dream that he kept hid
Movin' me down the highway, rollin' me down the highway
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by
Like the north wind whistlin' down the sky
I've got a song, I've got a song
Like the whippoorwill and the baby's cry
I've got a song, I've got a song
And I carry it with me and I sing it loud
If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud
Movin' me down the highway, rollin' me down the highway
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by
And I'm gonna go there free
Like the fool I am and I'll always be
I've got a dream, I've got a dream
They can change their minds but they can't change me
I've got a dream, I've got a dream
Oh, I know I could share it if you want me to
If you're goin' my way, I'll go with you
Movin' me down the highway, rollin' me down the highway
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by
Movin' me down the highway, rollin' me down the highway
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by
walterlv01
"And I carry it with me and I'll sing it loud...if it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud"
To me one of the most perfect lines ever in any song
nemesisgenius
Jim Croce's greatest song he ever recorded. This song is a masterpiece that has all depth and weight to it. This gem hits the soul. Whoever dislikes this classic has no heart and soul.
Melissa House
I chose this as the opening track to my dads funeral (he alway played Jim when i was a kid).. it was the right tune. He loved life, he was always moving ahead so life wouldnt pass him by, & i will *always carry his name. rip dad its been an absolute blast! xxxxoooooo
Melissa House
@Philip Brower Thanks Philip 🙏💙
Philip Brower
What a wonderful way to honor the life of your father.
CARPE DIEM
Thanks Melissa. Beautiful words. Salutes from Spain.
James Palladino
Rip your dad. But he’s living the dream!!
OnlyFan OfSlots
❤
Walter Sobchak
The world lost Jim way to early on. Hell of a musician and the messages with each song is timeless.
Will Datuin
This is a timeless song that I will cherish forever