Growing up in Portishead, Andy met Geoff Barrow who was later to head the b… Read Full Bio ↴Growing up in Portishead, Andy met Geoff Barrow who was later to head the band that put the place on the map. Andy became Portishead's Tour DJ where his eclectic style was perfectly showcased on the band's 1995 and 1998 world tours and he's been in constant demand in clubs across the globe ever since.
See also Dynamo Productions

I'M A MAN
DJ Andy Smith Lyrics

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Well, my pad is very messy and there's whiskers on my chin
And I'm all hung up on music, and I always play to win
I ain't got no time for lovin' 'cause my time is all used up
Just sittin' 'round creatin' all that groovy kind of stuff

Well, I'm a man, yes I am, and I can't help but love you so
Well, I'm a man, yes I am, and I can't help but love you so

Well, if I had my choice of matter I would rather be with cats
All engrossed in mental chatter showin' where our minds are at,
And relating to each other just how strong our will can be
In resisting all involvements with each groovy chick we see

Well, I'm a man, yes I am, and I can't help but love you so
Well, I'm a man, yes I am, and I can't help but love you so

I've got to keep my image while suspended on a throne
That looks out upon a kingdom filled with people all unknown
Who imagine I'm not human and my heart is made of stone
And I've never had no problems and my toilet's trimmed with gold

Well, I'm a man, yes I am, and I can't help but love you so
Well, I'm a man, yes I am, and I can't help but love you so

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to DJ Andy Smith's "I'm A Man" speak to the life of a musician who is consumed by music and the creative process. The first verse paints a picture of a messy, unkempt lifestyle with no time for love or anything other than making music. The repetition of "I'm a man, yes I am" adds emphasis to the fact that the singer is fully aware of his priorities and his need to create.

The second verse speaks to the singer's preference for the company of like-minded individuals, specifically cats. The mental chatter mentioned could be a reference to the deep conversations musicians often have about music and the creative process. The line "resisting all involvements with each groovy chick we see" could be interpreted as a nod to the many distractions that can deter a musician from their craft.

The final verse acknowledges the pressure to maintain a public image while feeling isolated from those around them. The line "And I've never had no problems and my toilet's trimmed with gold" hints at the loneliness and detachment that often come with being a successful musician. Overall, the lyrics suggest that the life of a musician can be all-consuming, leaving little time for anything else, and often leading to isolation and detachment.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, my pad is very messy and there's whiskers on my chin
My living space is untidy and I haven't bothered to shave recently.

And I'm all hung up on music, and I always play to win
I am very passionate about making music and I always strive to be successful.

I ain't got no time for lovin' 'cause my time is all used up
I don't have any spare time for romantic relationships because I'm too busy with music-related activities.

Just sittin' 'round creatin' all that groovy kind of stuff
I spend my free time making cool music.

Well, I'm a man, yes I am, and I can't help but love you so
I am a man who loves you very much and can't help it.

Well, if I had my choice of matter I would rather be with cats
If I got to choose, I would rather spend time with intellectual friends who are interested in deep topics.

All engrossed in mental chatter showin' where our minds are at
Engaged in deep conversations to reveal and understand each other's thoughts.

And relating to each other just how strong our will can be
Discussing how much self-control we can exhibit in avoiding romantic relationships.

In resisting all involvements with each groovy chick we see
Avoiding any romantic entanglements with attractive women.

I've got to keep my image while suspended on a throne
I have to maintain a certain reputation as a successful musician.

That looks out upon a kingdom filled with people all unknown
My success has brought me fame and adoration from many strangers.

Who imagine I'm not human and my heart is made of stone
People often idolize me but fail to see my humanity and assume I lack emotions and empathy.

And I've never had no problems and my toilet's trimmed with gold
People assume I have no struggles and live a luxurious life.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jimmy Miller, Steve Winwood

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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