Smith has been performing since the age of 8 and writing songs since 11, amassing a broad catalog of mostly unreleased tracks that skew from pop to modern soul. One of the earliest songs she remembers writing was called “High Street,” about when all the stores in her hometown of Walsall, in the midwest of England, closed during the economic recession of the late-’00s, leaving behind a hollow ghost town. Walsall is a run-down place, Smith said, with “a lot of creative people, but not many possibilities.”
I am
Jorja Smith Lyrics
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Try it if it feels right, yah
When you try
Oh, oh
I'm trying
I'm just, I'm just
I been out here tryin' to see my homecoming
Try and shoot me down for voicing my own opinion
Triggering a part of me that's always been indifferent
And I know that we have asked for change
Don't be scared to put the fears to shame
When you know what you got
Sacrifice ain't that hard
Feel like depending on me
Sometimes we ain't meant to be free
When you know what you got
Sacrifice ain't that hard
Feel like depending on me
Sometimes we ain't meant to be free
Open up this letter, you ain't tryin' to be
You been blind to the subject but not blind to me
And I know that this margin ain't too small for me
Not too real, not too much anymore, not alone
And I know that we have asked for change
Don't be scared to put the fears to shame
When you know what you got
Sacrifice ain't that hard
Feel like depending on me
Sometimes we ain't meant to be free
When you know what you got
Sacrifice ain't that hard
Feel like depending on me
Sometimes we ain't meant to be free
If who I am offends you
Don't feel sorry
Don't feel, don't feel sorry
Don't feel, don't feel sorry
My loss is worth more than your wins
I'm satisfied if it starts to look in
That is everything, that is everything, that is everything
That is everything
That is everything
I try to make it stop
Hard work don't stop
I try to make it stop
Hard work don't stop
I, stop
I know what you are
I try to make it stop
Hard work don't stop
I try to make it stop
Hard work don't stop
I try to make it stop
Hard work don't stop
I, stop
I know what you are
I try to make it stop
Hard work don't stop
The lyrics to Jorja Smith's song "I Am" speak to the difficulties of navigating personal identity and societal pressures. The song begins with Smith encouraging listeners to try new things and follow their intuition, suggesting that they should not be afraid to take risks that feel right. However, the song then takes a more introspective turn as Smith reflects on her own experiences with trying to be true to herself.
Smith discusses feeling like an outsider and facing criticism from others for expressing her own opinions. The idea of sacrifice is introduced, suggesting that sometimes in order to be true to oneself, it may be necessary to give up certain things. The lyrics "Sometimes we ain't meant to be free" speak to the idea that societal expectations may restrict individuals from fully embracing their true selves.
The song ends with Smith asserting that she will not apologize for who she is, stating that her own self-acceptance is worth more than any external validation. The repeated refrain of "I try to make it stop, hard work don't stop" suggests that the struggle to be true to oneself is ongoing and requires continuous effort.
Overall, "I Am" is a powerful exploration of individual identity and the difficulties of navigating societal expectations. It encourages listeners to be true to themselves, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Try it if it feels right (try it)
Encouraging someone to try something that feels right to them
Try it if it feels right, yah
Repeating the suggestion to try something that feels right
When you try
Reminding that trying is the first step towards something
I'm trying
Admitting to putting in effort towards a goal
I'm just, I'm just
Stating an intention to keep going despite obstacles
I been out here tryin' to see my homecoming
Expressing a desire to achieve a personal goal
And of course, somebody's always gonna say something
Acknowledging that criticism is inevitable
Try and shoot me down for voicing my own opinion
Describing the negative response to expressing oneself
Triggering a part of me that's always been indifferent
Noting that this reaction does not affect the artist deeply
And I know that we have asked for change
Acknowledging the collective desire for progress
Don't be scared to put the fears to shame
Encouraging people to face their fears and overcome them
When you know what you got
Pointing out the importance of self-awareness
Sacrifice ain't that hard
Suggesting that sacrificing is easier when one is aware of their priorities
Feel like depending on me
Implying that others have placed their trust in the singer
Sometimes we ain't meant to be free
Acknowledging that true freedom is not always achievable
Open up this letter, you ain't tryin' to be
Addressing someone who is avoiding a difficult truth
You been blind to the subject but not blind to me
Suggesting that the listener has been aware of the artist's position
And I know that this margin ain't too small for me
Expressing confidence in one's own abilities
Not too real, not too much anymore, not alone
Implying that the singer has reached a point of stability and support
If who I am offends you
Acknowledging that some people may take issue with the artist's identity
Don't feel sorry
Rejecting any sense of guilt or responsibility for the listener's discomfort
My loss is worth more than your wins
Suggesting that the artist's personal growth and truth is more valuable than anyone's objections or opposition
I'm satisfied if it starts to look in
Suggesting that the singer is content if others start to introspect or change their perspectives
That is everything, that is everything, that is everything
Declaring the importance of self-determination and expression
I try to make it stop
Describing efforts to overcome opposition and negativity
Hard work don't stop
Implying a commitment to perseverance and diligence
I know what you are
Asserting an understanding of the listener's behavior or perspective
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Missing Link Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JORJA SMITH, KENDRICK LAMAR, MARK ANTHONY SPEARS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind