I Got a Name
Jim Croce; Charles Fox; Norman Gimbel Lyrics
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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
"I Got A Name" is a song about finding purpose and identity in the midst of life's journey. The lyrics speak of carrying one's name and dreams with them, like a legacy passed down from family members. The imagery of nature, such as the pine trees and singing bird, convey a sense of belonging and connection to the world around us. The song's main theme is about moving forward and not letting life pass you by, as symbolized by the refrain of "moving me down the highway, rolling me down the highway".
The line "And I'm gonna go there free" is particularly poignant, as it represents the pursuit of personal freedom and the ability to live one's life on their own terms. The lyrics don't shy away from acknowledging the struggle and potential rejection that may come with following one's dreams, as represented by the line "If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud". Overall, "I Got A Name" is a beautifully crafted song that touches upon universal themes of identity, purpose, and the human desire for personal freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Like the pine trees lining the winding road
Similar to how pine trees edge along a twisting road, I too have an identity
I got a name, I got a name
I have an identity
Like the singing bird and the croaking toad
Just like how birds and toads vocalize, I express myself too
And I carry it with me like my daddy did
I hold onto my identity like how my father did
But I'm living the dream that he kept hid
I am pursuing the dream that my father concealed
Moving me down the highway, rolling me down the highway
Life keeps moving me forward, and I flow with it
Moving ahead so life won't pass me by
I keep moving forward to keep pace with life
Like the north wind whistlin' down the sky
Just like the wind howls, I too have a voice
I've got a song, I've got a song
I have something to say, and I express it through song
Like the whippoorwill and the baby's cry
Similar to how whippoorwills and babies make sound, I too use my voice
And I carry it with me and I sing it loud
I express myself loudly and proudly wherever I go
If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud
Even if my voice does not take me far, I am still happy to have expressed myself
And I'm gonna go there free
I will go where my path takes me without any restrictions or limitations
Like the fool I am and I'll always be
I may be foolish, but I will always be myself
I've got a dream, I've got a dream
I have a goal or aspiration
They can change their minds but they can't change me
Others can change their opinions or beliefs, but they cannot change who I am
Oh, I know I could share it if you'd want me to
I am willing to share my dream if someone wants to join me
If you're goin' my way, I'll go with you
If you share my aspirations, I will join you on the journey
Movin' me down the highway, rollin' me down the highway
Life continues to lead me forward, and I follow without resistance
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by
I keep moving forward to keep up with the pace of life
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES FOX, NORMAN GIMBEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind