I'M A MAN
Original Television Soundtrack Lyrics

The song "I'm a Man" by The Original Television Soundtrack is a classic blues song that reflects on masculinity and sexual prowess. The song begins with the singer reflecting on his youth, where he had "somethin'" in his pocket that kept a lot of people alive. It is unclear what exactly the "something" is, but it could be an allusion to a phallus or a metaphor for his potential as a man. He then proclaims that he's now a man who's twenty-one and can have a lot of fun. The rest of the song is a declaration of his sexual prowess and his ability to attract women. He invites all "pretty women" to stand in line because he can make love to them in an hour's time. He even declares that he can go back to Kansas to bring back his second cousin, Little John, the conqueroo, indicating that he's so irresistible that even relatives can't resist his charm.

Through the lyrics, the singer is expressing his confidence in his masculinity and his sexual power. He spells out "man" to assert his identity and pride in his gender. The singer's proclamation that he can make love to a woman in an hour's time is a reflection of the gender dynamics of the time, where men were typically supposed to be the initiators of sexual activity. The lyrics also allude to African-American folklore, particularly Little John the Conqueroo, who was a mythical figure thought to possess magical powers that could control women.

Overall, "I'm a Man" is a classic blues song that is an ode to masculinity and sexual power. It reflects the gender dynamics of its time, while also alluding to African American folklore.