I Am
Jones Lyrics

Being young and feeling all alone gets so hard (So hard)
Growing up and feeling isolated can be incredibly difficult

I would find myself tearing my mind apart (Apart)
I would constantly overthink things and drive myself crazy

Trying to be
Attempting to fit in

Accepted but I see
Realizing that trying to please others is not sustainable

Reality is
The truth of the situation is

I have no identity
I don't know who I am

That's when I chose
It was then that I decided

A different approach
A new way of doing things

I told myself it's time to step out on your own
I decided to start making choices based on my own feelings and desires

Life comes at all of us in all types of different ways
Everyone faces challenges and struggles in their lives

Hold on to something that gets you throughout the day
Find something that brings you comfort and support during difficult times

I know now that I need to be true to myself
I realize that in order to be happy, I need to be authentic to my own identity

So when I say these words it ain't just for my health
When I speak about being true to myself, it's not just a passing thought

All my life I thought I needed to be someone else
I spent a lot of time trying to fit into other people's expectations

Now I look back on those memories knowing I should have been just who I am
In hindsight, I realize that I should have embraced my true self from the beginning

You look at me and what do you really see
What people perceive when they see me

You stand next to me and what do you really feel
How people feel when they're around me

When you've come so far
After experiencing so much growth and change

You start to wonder where else you can possibly go
Thinking about what new challenges and goals to strive for

They say the limit is sky and star
People often say that there are no limits to what you can achieve

But I wanna touch what's beyond that as I continue to grow
I aspire to achieve even more than what is expected of me

Statistics placed on the young and Black
Stereotypes and biases that are faced as a young black person

I, too, was just another but I slipped through the crack
I was able to overcome these stereotypes and biases

Made it out with some scratches
I faced some difficulties along the way

Found some commitment
Realizing the importance of dedication and hard work

Got out with a few bruises
Experiencing some pain and setback, but ultimately persevering

Ended up with enrichment
Gaining valuable experiences and growth

Just a few tools to chase the dream
Having what I need to pursue my goals

Exactly what I needed to help my light beam
Things that helped me shine and succeed

Failure don't scare me
I'm not afraid of failing

The flavor of forever is Jonesey
My unique identity and personality is fitting for me forever

This year you can be a bystander
Not everyone will be able to understand or relate to my journey

'Cause what's good for the goose ain't always good for the gander
What works for other people isn't always what will work for me

I feel like I turned Samson from a shrew
I've transformed from someone who was seen as weak or unimportant

God, Himself, told me that's what this healthy beard'll get you
A reference to a biblical story where a man's strength came from his long hair and beard

This is what I've developed into
The person I have become

A beacon of self-worth and staying true
I am a shining example of self-esteem and authenticity

The only way to be that I never knew
I had to learn that in order to be truly happy, I had to be true to myself

Take a peak at the new and improved
Take a look at the better version of myself

Jones...
Referring to himself and his unique personality