Where Am I
Scäm Luiz Lyrics
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Though I know it's just a cover
White people are black
That's when sometimes they discover that
Black people are white
But you couldn't tell the difference
Whit people are white
Where am I
Where do I come in
How do I get my chance
Is being me a sin
It's no excuse
To ignore the situation
But I have no race
So for me there ain't no nation
Since I'm here
I'm gonna make my life worth living
And a little respect
Is what I want
Is all I want
Where am I, I-I, I
I guess the only place I can really call my home
Is right here inside of me
The lyrics to Scäm Luiz's song "Where Am I" are a commentary on race and identity, exploring the different ways in which people are categorized and marginalized based on how they look. The first lines of the song assert that "black people are black" and "white people are black," suggesting that these labels don't necessarily capture the full complexity of a person's identity. Similarly, the second verse suggests that "black people are white" and "white people are white," but that there will always be "a distance" between them.
The chorus of the song asks "Where am I?" and questions whether being oneself is a sin or a liability. The singer recognizes that there are serious racial inequalities in the world, but feels somewhat removed from them because they do not fit neatly into any racial category. Rather than using this as an excuse to ignore the problem, however, the singer resolves to make their own life worth living and to demand a bit of respect.
Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on race and identity, and highlights the ways in which these categories can be both limiting and oppressive. It asks important questions about what it means to be oneself in a world that is constantly trying to fit us into boxes.
Line by Line Meaning
Black people are black
People with dark skin are commonly referred to as black in our society
Though I know it's just a cover
However, I understand that race is just a superficial label
White people are black
People with light skin can also face discrimination and struggle in life
That's when sometimes they discover that
This realization can bring attention to the issue
Black people are white
People of any race can possess qualities that do not fit common stereotypes
But you couldn't tell the difference
These qualities are not always obvious or apparent
Whit people are white
White people are recognized as part of the majority in society
Yet there'll always be a distance
However, there will always be a divide between individuals due to external factors like race
Where am I
Asking what my place is in the world
Where do I come in
When will I have the opportunity to make my mark
How do I get my chance
What do I need to do to achieve success
Is being me a sin
Questioning whether or not my individuality is viewed negatively by society
It's no excuse
Acknowledging that avoiding or ignoring issues surrounding race is not a valid excuse
To ignore the situation
Dismissing racial issues will not lead to progress
But I have no race
Recognizing that race is a social construct
So for me there ain't no nation
As a result, I don't feel a strong sense of belonging to any particular group or culture
Since I'm here
While I am alive
I'm gonna make my life worth living
I will strive to live a fulfilling life regardless of my circumstances
And a little respect
I desire to be treated with some common decency
Is what I want
This is a basic human need
Is all I want
I don't require much, just basic respect
Where am I, I-I, I
Repeated questioning and introspection about my identity
I guess the only place I can really call my home
Ultimately, the only place where I can truly belong is within myself
Is right here inside of me
My sense of self and identity is the only constant in my life
Contributed by Dominic E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.