Katie Armiger’s journey truly began two years ago when she entered “Houston’s Best Country Singer” contest sponsored by Radio 93Q Country. The contest, which was held over an eight week period, had over 150 boys and girls ages 9-17 in the Junior Division who were vying for the title. After several performances Katie rose to the top to grab the title of Houston’s Best Country Singer in her division with her rendition of Martina McBride’s “Whatever You Say.”
Several months later, Katie arrived in Nashville, where she began her work in the studio with veteran producer Mark Oliverius for her demo. Over the years Oliverius has worked with the likes of Trick Pony, Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, and Lorrie Morgan, among others. Having completed some of the demo tracks that now appear on her debut album it was obvious to all those around Katie that the project was special and should become something more. Thus the juggling act began. At the same time Katie was going to high school and maintaining an A average, she was listening to, writing, and rehearsing music.
“At 16 years old Katie Armiger has a lot to say,” said Oliverius. “She has a huge voice and a strength for songwriting that goes well beyond her years. I believe that she really does have what it takes to make it in this business – a strong musical talent and a passion for what she does.”
"17 In Abilene," which Katie co-wrote with fellow newcomer Ashlee Hewitt, showcases her skillful songwriting ability as well as her strong vocal talent. "17 In Abilene" is the quintessential carefree road trip song about the possibilities of an open road and is the first single off Katie’s debut self-titled album, due out this summer. “I think every teenager daydreams about getting in their car and taking off so we wanted to create a song that captured that carefree feeling in a catchy way,” said Katie. “Ashlee came up with a great groove on the guitar and the song just flowed from there. I hope listeners enjoy "17 In Abilene" as much as I enjoyed writing it.”
“‘Make Me Believe’ is my ‘chick empowerment’ song,” says Katie. “It is all about standing up and saying I cannot be your everything, so if this is not going to work out then you need to leave. It is a powerful song and I hope that is relayed to listeners.” Taking on a reverse perspective than the usual break-up song Katie and her co-writer Ashlee Hewitt, made it a song of strength where the woman finally tells the man that he needs to leave.
Katie's first album, BELIEVE is due for release in May 2008 and heralds the arrival of a distinctive vocal talent with an unforgettable array of powerful and brilliant songs. Drawing musical inspiration from some of country music’s greats like Martina McBride and Sarah Evans, this 16 year old is passionate about her music, focused on her future, and exudes the talent that’s needed to become a household name.
I'm Free
Katie Armiger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But that don't mean I'm listening
I just tell you what you wanna hear
Look down on me and criticize
It's so easy to do from up on high
But there's more to me than you know
I'm free, free
I'm not yours, I won't be ignored
It's my life no matter how you try
You can't control me, I'm free
Your words fall down like broken glass
You go on and on about this or that
You can't hurt me, you're powerless
Shut your mouth, save your breath
I'm miles away, you don't know it yet
Just keep on I'll always be
I'm free, free
Like a raging wild fire, through the trees
I'm not yours, I won't be ignored
It's my life no matter how you try
You can't control me, I'm free
So keep on thinking that you've won
I'll be stronger when it's all said and done
I'm free, free
Like a raging wild fire, through the trees
I'm not yours, I won't be ignored
It's my life no matter how you try
You can't control me, I'm free
The song "I'm Free" by Katie Armiger is a declaration of freedom from a controlling relationship. The lyrics describe the singer's defiance in the face of criticism and attempts to manipulate her life. The opening lines emphasize the singer's resistance to listening to someone who is trying to control her. She acknowledges that she may give people the answer that they want to hear, but this does not mean that she is actually taking their advice.
The next verse describes how easy it is for people to critique and judge from a position of superiority. However, the singer asserts that there is more to her than meets the eye. She is free, like a raging wildfire, and cannot be controlled or ignored. The chorus repeats this sentiment of freedom and insistence that the singer's life is her own.
The final verse is a warning to the person trying to control her. The singer is not defeated and will emerge stronger from the experience. The repetition of "I'm free" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's determination to live life on her own terms.
Overall, "I'm Free" is an empowering anthem for anyone who feels trapped and controlled by others. The lyrics acknowledge the pain and frustration of being in such a situation but also assert that there is a way out and a brighter future ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
You can whisper softly in my ear
Your attempts to manipulate me through sweet talk are ineffective.
But that don't mean I'm listening
I'm not easily swayed by mere words.
I just tell you what you wanna hear
I may go along with what you say, but that doesn't mean I'll do what you want.
Look down on me and criticize
You judge me and find fault without really knowing me.
It's so easy to do from up on high
You feel superior and entitled to make judgments from your position of power.
But there's more to me than you know
You underestimate me and fail to see my full potential.
I'm free, free
I am independent and unrestrained.
Like a raging wild fire, through the trees
I am passionate and powerful, unstoppable in pursuit of my goals.
I'm not yours, I won't be ignored
I refuse to be controlled or overlooked by anyone.
It's my life no matter how you try
I am the one making decisions about my own life, not you.
You can't control me, I'm free
Your attempts to manipulate, pressure or intimidate me are futile.
Your words fall down like broken glass
Your negative words and criticisms hurt, but I am not defeated by them.
You go on and on about this or that
You harp on about petty issues, but miss the big picture.
You can't hurt me, you're powerless
Your attempts to harm or degrade me will not succeed.
Shut your mouth, save your breath
Your constant talking and complaining is worthless and annoying.
I'm miles away, you don't know it yet
You are so focused on your criticisms that you fail to see how far away from you I really am.
Just keep on I'll always be
Regardless of your negative attitude, I will always remain true to who I am.
So keep on thinking that you've won
You may see yourself as victorious, but you are actually powerless in the face of my freedom.
I'll be stronger when it's all said and done
After all your attempts to control me, I will emerge even stronger and more determined.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KATIE ARMIGER, CHAD CARLSON, JOE WEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind