What I Am
Emma Bunton Lyrics


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I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean
I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean

Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box
Religion is the smile on a dog
I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean, d-do ya?

choke me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep

What I am is what I am
You what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
You what you are or what?

I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean

Philosophy, is a walk on the slippery rocks
Religion is a light in a fog
I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean, d-do ya?

Choke me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Choke me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep

What I am is what I am
You what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
You what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
You what you are or what you are
What I am is what I am
You what you are or what?

now now now now
I say, I say, I say
I do hey-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-ay

Choke me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep (repeat 4 times)
don't let me get to deep (repeat 4 times)
What I am is what I am
You what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
You what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
You what you are or what you are
What I am is what I am




You what you are or what?
(repeat to fade)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Emma Bunton's "What I Am" are about self-knowledge and acceptance. The lines "I'm not aware of too many things, I know what I know, if you know what I mean" suggest that the singer is humble and self-aware, recognizing that she cannot know everything but is content with what she does know. The lines "Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box, religion is the smile on a dog" are playful in their juxtaposition of high-minded philosophy with mundane breakfast food and religion with the simple happiness of a dog. This suggests that the singer is not interested in intellectual posturing or dogmatic religious beliefs, but rather prefers a down-to-earth approach to life. The repeated lines "What I am is what I am, you what you are or what?" reinforce this idea of embracing oneself without judgment and accepting others without trying to change them.


The final lines "Choke me in the shallow water before I get too deep" could be interpreted in a few different ways. They could be a metaphor for the idea that the singer wants someone to stop her from going too far down a dark or dangerous path before it's too late. Alternatively, they could be a playful nod to the song's lighthearted tone, suggesting that the singer doesn't take herself too seriously and is willing to make fun of her own earnestness.


Overall, "What I Am" is a song about being comfortable with who you are and not worrying too much about what others think. It celebrates the joy of self-discovery and encourages listeners to embrace their own unique quirks and perspectives.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm not aware of too many things
I don't claim to know everything


I know what I know, if you know what I mean
I trust my own knowledge and intuition


Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box
Philosophy is often presented in simplified, easily digestible terms


Religion is the smile on a dog
Religion brings a sense of joy and comfort to believers, much like a dog's happy expression


choke me in the shallow water
Stop me before I get in too deep


What I am is what I am
I am who I am and nothing can change that


You what you are or what?
Are you comfortable with who you are?


Philosophy, is a walk on the slippery rocks
Philosophy can be a challenging and uncertain path


Religion is a light in a fog
Religion provides clarity and guidance in uncertain times


Choke me in the shallow water
Protect me from harm while I'm still discovering myself


don't let me get to deep
Don't let me lose myself in things I don't understand


now now now now I say, I say, I say
I'm emphasizing the urgency of the message


What I am is what I am
I won't change for anyone else's benefit


You what you are or what you are
Are you true to yourself?




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Edie Arlisa Brickell, Kenneth Neil Withrow, John Bradley Houser, John Walter Bush, Brandon Aly

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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