I AM
McKenna Lyrics
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The cowardly and scared
And powerfully prepared
For things I dare not speak of in all of my lifetime
For I am ready
Mother nature calls
And beckons them to come
To witness persecution for my privilege
For I am ready
To turn the many into some
Before you run out of rhyming words for scum
Why'd you act sick and pretend
Pretend that you've never known it?
Aren't you just sick of spending
All your time getting noticed?
You showed me the message you sent
And act like you never wrote it
Well, aren't you just sick of your friends
Your friends with ulterior motives?
'Cause I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I am everyone else, I
I am insecure
As pretty as I seem
It's a recurring theme
I've never heard much different in all of my lifetime
For I am ready
I love and care for you
As ugly as you are
You're precious, you're a star
Your energy is admirable at the most
For I am ready
To reconsider what you have
Before you run out of rhyming words for chav
Why'd you act sick and pretend
Pretend that you've never known it?
Aren't you just sick of spending
All your time getting noticed?
You showed me the message you sent
And act like you never wrote it
Well, aren't you just sick of your friends
Your friends with ulterior motives?
'Cause I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I am everyone else, I
The opening lines of McKenna's song "I Am" set a somber and contemplative tone, as she sings about the children on the street who are cowardly and scared yet powerfully prepared for things she dare not speak of. This line points out the harsh reality of the struggles of the less fortunate in society. The next line, "For I am ready" stands in contrast to the previous statement and speaks to the idea of privilege and being prepared for nothing due to never having to face the issues that the less fortunate deal with. The second verse of the song speaks to a recurring theme in McKenna's music, where she talks about Mother Nature calling and beckoning people to witness the persecution of the less fortunate as a result of privilege.
The chorus of "I Am" is an interesting mix of self-reflection and social commentary. The line "Why'd you act sick and pretend, pretend that you've never known it?" can be interpreted as a criticism of society's tendency to ignore the issues of the less fortunate while putting up a façade of empathy. The recurring line "I am everyone else" speaks to the idea that we are all connected, and that the issues of the less fortunate are our issues as well.
Overall, "I Am" is a poignant and introspective song that delves into themes of privilege, empathy and social injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
Children on the street
There are vulnerable children on the streets who are oppressed and living in fear.
The cowardly and scared
These children are afraid and powerless due to their circumstances.
And powerfully prepared
Despite their fear, they are prepared for what's to come and willing to fight for better lives.
For things I dare not speak of in all of my lifetime
The hardships these children face are so severe that it's unimaginable to speak of them.
For I am ready
The singer is also ready to fight for these children and their rights.
Mother nature calls
The natural world is calling out to the oppressed and marginalized people to come together and stand up.
And beckons them to come
The oppressed are being called upon to unite and fight against their oppressors.
The innocent and done
The innocent people who have been harmed are ready to take a stand for what's right.
To witness persecution for my privilege
The privileged singer recognizes that they have the luxury of watching from afar as those less fortunate suffer persecution and injustice.
To turn the many into some
The singer wants to unite the oppressed and marginalized people so that they can become a powerful force for change.
Before you run out of rhyming words for scum
Before the oppressed run out of ways to describe their oppressors and abusers.
Why'd you act sick and pretend
Why do people try to hide their true feelings and pretend that everything is fine?
Pretend that you've never known it?
Why do people pretend to be ignorant of the suffering and oppression of others?
Aren't you just sick of spending
The singer is asking if people aren't tired of spending all their time trying to get attention at the expense of others.
All your time getting noticed?
People's obsession with being noticed and popular is causing them to ignore the struggles of others.
You showed me the message you sent
The singer has seen through the facade and knows the true intentions of some people.
And act like you never wrote it
Despite being confronted, some people will still deny their intentions and try to hide their true feelings.
Well, aren't you just sick of your friends
The singer is questioning whether people are tired of associating with people who are only interested in their own gains.
Your friends with ulterior motives?
The singer is questioning if people are tired of their so-called friends who have secret agendas and motives.
'Cause I am everyone else
The singer is saying that they are part of the struggle and that they are not above it.
I am insecure
Despite their fame and success, the singer is not immune to feelings of insecurity.
As pretty as I seem
The singer's outward appearance does not reflect their inner feelings or struggles.
It's a recurring theme
The singer has dealt with feelings of insecurity and oppression throughout their life.
I've never heard much different in all of my lifetime
The singer has experienced a great deal of oppression and has not seen much change in their lifetime.
For I am ready
Despite their struggles and insecurities, the singer is ready to fight for what's right and stand with the oppressed.
I love and care for you
The singer has compassion and empathy for those who are suffering and oppressed.
As ugly as you are
The singer sees the beauty and worth in people regardless of their appearance or circumstances.
You're precious, you're a star
The singer recognizes the value and potential in every person and wants to help them shine.
Your energy is admirable at the most
The singer is inspired by the strength and resilience of those who have faced oppression and adversity.
To reconsider what you have
The singer is encouraging people to examine their beliefs and values and make positive changes.
Before you run out of rhyming words for chav
Before people become jaded and cynical, and unable to find the words to express their feelings about oppression and injustice.
I am everyone else
The singer sees themselves as part of a larger struggle and wants to stand with those who are oppressed.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Declan McKenna
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Liam Cook
on Sunset Boulevard
The lyrics of Sunset Boulevard by James McKenna capture the pain and sorrow of a young celebrity who has been caught up in the vicious cycle of fame and success. The song is a reflection of the sharp and often painful contrast between criticism and acclaim in the public eye. The protagonist is pleading to be remembered and respected for who he is and not as a celebrity. The lyrics are laced with irony, mocking the superficiality of Hollywood and its obsession with youth and beauty. The singer conveys his frustration at being perceived as a product rather than an artist.
In the first stanza, the protagonist expresses his wish that his ashes be spread far and wide and not buried on Sunset Boulevard. He recognizes that Hollywood is not his true home, and he longs to be somewhere where the sun still shines. In the second stanza, he addresses his listeners, recognizing that he craves attention and is often the center of attention. Still, he wishes that people would listen to him and not just ignore him. The third and final stanza is an acknowledgment of his youth and the way he lives life to the fullest, partying and living on the edge. He recognizes that he is not invincible and that his youthful exuberance will eventually come to an end.