Wilson was born Margarita Ibrahimoff (Bulgarian: Маргарита Ибрахимов; Greek: Μαργαρίτα Ιμπραΐμοβ) in Los Angeles, California. Her mother was born and raised in an ethnic Greek village (Sotirë) in present-day Albania. Her father, born Hassan Ibrahimoff (March 21, 1920 – March 6, 2009), worked at a race track; he was a Bulgarian Muslim immigrant, born in Oraio, Xanthi, Greece, and lived in Bulgaria, where his half brother Ferhat still lives,[ before moving to the United States on May 4, 1949. Wilson's father changed his name from Hassan Ibrahimoff to Allan Wilson in 1960, "Wilson" being the name of a local street in Southern California. Wilson was raised in the Greek Orthodox religion.
Wilson's career began with a guest appearance on The Brady Bunch, in a 1972 episode entitled "Greg's Triangle," which was followed by appearances on several shows during the 1970s and 1980s (including Three's Company in 1982).
She has appeared in several movies, including Volunteers, Teen Witch, The Bonfire of the Vanities, Barbarians at the Gate, Mixed Nuts, Sleepless in Seattle, Now and Then, That Thing You Do!, Jingle All the Way, Runaway Bride, Invisible Child, The Story of Us, and Raise Your Voice. She played Susan Borman, wife of astronaut Frank Borman, in the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon. On television, she guest starred in many television series, including Frasier, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Good Wife and Body of Proof.
Wilson has performed on Broadway, where she performed the role of Roxie Hart from June–August 2006 in the revival of Chicago.
She is often credited with being the driving force behind Nia Vardalos' movie deal for My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which became the highest-grossing independent film of all time, and for which she served as a producer.
Wilson's debut solo album, AM/FM, will be released May 8, 2012, on Decca Records. The album will feature classics from the 60s and 70s.
Wilson married actor Tom Hanks in 1988, and they have two sons, Chester and Truman. Wilson has two stepchildren, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks. Wilson has one grandchild, and two step-grandchildren.
The Way I Am
Rita Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep it to yourself, like you're supposed to do
Tell people yes when you're heart saying no
Tighten your grip when you oughta let go
The only time I'm me is when I'm alone with you
Just one step through the door
It all hits the floor
Every single disguise and all of the lies
Fade into how you love me
The way I am
The way I am
The way I am
You love me
The way I am
The way I am
The way I am
You love me
You know every word
Trapped underneath my tongue
You see through my skin
Better than anyone
To all the places that I never show
Secrets are safer when you keep them close
You're the finish line
In every race I run
Just one step through the door
It all hits the floor
The moment you say my name
Every single disguise and all of the lies
Fade into how you love me
The way I am
The way I am
The way I am
You love me
The way I am
The way I am
The way I am
You love me
Just one step through the door
It all hits the floor
The moment you say my name
Every single disguise and all of the lies
Fade into how you love me
The way I am
The way I am
The way I am
You love me
The way I am
The way I am
The way I am
You'll love me
You love me
The way I am
You love me
The way I am
The lyrics of Rita Wilson's song "The Way I Am" depict a sense of vulnerability and authenticity in a relationship. The opening lines portray a feeling of societal pressure to maintain a facade of positivity ("Paint a perfect smile") and to keep personal struggles hidden from others. The singer highlights the internal conflict of pretending to be okay when they are not, and the struggle of going against their true feelings for the sake of conformity. The idea of putting on a brave face and holding back true emotions is a universal experience, and by acknowledging this internal struggle, the artist connects with listeners on a deep emotional level.
As the song progresses, there is a shift in the narrative when the singer is with their partner. The moment they are together and their partner says their name, all the walls and masks they've put up come crashing down. This signifies a sense of relief and comfort that comes from being truly seen and accepted by someone who understands them deeply. The lyrics emphasize the transformative power of love and how it has the ability to dissolve all pretenses and falsehoods, allowing the singer to be their authentic self without fear of judgment.
The repeated chorus of "The way I am, you love me" reinforces the theme of unconditional acceptance and love from the partner. The singer acknowledges that their partner sees through their defenses and understands them on a level that no one else does. This kind of acceptance is portrayed as liberating and empowering, as it allows the singer to let go of their inhibitions and be their true self without reservation. The lyrics beautifully capture the essence of feeling completely seen and loved for who you are, flaws and all.
In the final verses, the singer expresses gratitude for the safe space their partner provides where they can reveal their innermost thoughts and secrets. The partner is portrayed as a constant support and a source of strength in the singer's life, acting as a guiding light in times of struggle. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the reassurance that the partner will continue to love and accept the singer unconditionally, just the way they are. Overall, "The Way I Am" celebrates the beauty of authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of genuine love in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Paint a perfect smile, over the message of
Cover up true emotions with a facade of happiness
Keep it to yourself, like you're supposed to do
Hide your true feelings as society expects
Tell people yes when you're heart saying no
Agree outwardly even when your inner self disagrees
Tighten your grip when you oughta let go
Hold on when you should be letting things go
The only time I'm me is when I'm alone with you
Authentic self only shown in intimate moments
Just one step through the door
One action changes everything
It all hits the floor
Everything comes crashing down
The moment you say my name
Your impact on me is profound
Every single disguise and all of the lies
Masks and falsehoods disappear
Fade into how you love me
Revealing true self in your love
The way I am
My true self
You love me
You accept and cherish me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Danelle Leverett Reeves, Jason Bradford Reeves, Rita Wilson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind