01 I'm a Man
Steve Winwood; The Spencer Davis Group Lyrics
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And there's whiskers on my chin
And I'm all hung up on music
And I always play to win
I ain't got no time for lovin'
'Cause my time is all used up
Just to sit around creatin'
But I'm a man, yes I am
And I can't help
But love you so
But I'm a man, yes I am
And I can't help
But love you so
Well, if I had my choice of matter
I would rather be with cats
All engrossed in mental chatter
Movin' where our minds are at
And relatin' to each other
Just how strong our wills can be
I'm resisting all involvement
With each groovy chick we see
Well, I'm a man, yes I am
And I can't help
But love you so
But I'm a man, yes I am
And I can't help
But love you so
I got to keep my image
While suspended from a throne
That looks out upon a kingdom
Full of people all unknown
Who imagine I'm not human
And my heart is made of stone
I never had no problems
And my toilet's trimmed with chrome
I'm a man, yes I am
And I can't help
But love you so, no no
I'm a man, yes I am
And I can't help
But love you so
Yes I am (no, no, no)
I need you so bad(yeah)
Yes I do
Yes I do
Yes I do
Yes I do
Yes I do
Yes I do
Yes I do
Yes I do
Yes I do
The lyrics of "I'm a Man" by The Spencer Davis Group is all about the persona of an artist. The song tells a story of a man who is committed to his craft, fully engrossed in it, and living for his passion. He is a man who is driven by his love for music, to the point where he says he has no time for love. His focus is on creating music and performing as best as possible. Despite his dedication to music, he can't help but love someone so deeply. He's a man who is assertive and confident in his abilities.
The second verse of the song takes a different perspective, where the artist prefers to be around people who appreciate what he does, other musicians who think like him, and have similar views. He resists involvement with the women who come and go. He enjoys the company of people who share his passion and works towards making more excellent music. The final verse of the song acknowledges the persona's celebrity status, living in self-imposed isolation, surrounded by luxury, and isolated from the public.
The song reveals the difficulties and the life of a dedicated musician, solely focused on his craft, and as much as he loves the music, he cannot help but fall for someone.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, my pad is very messy
My living space is disorganized and untidy.
And there's whiskers on my chin
I have facial hair that needs grooming.
And I'm all hung up on music
I am deeply passionate about music.
And I always play to win
I have a competitive spirit and always strive to be the best.
I ain't got no time for lovin'
I don't have time for romance or relationships.
'Cause my time is all used up
I am too busy with other things to devote time to love.
Just to sit around creatin'
I spend my time creating music and art.
All that groovy kind of stuff
I create music that is cool and hip.
But I'm a man, yes I am
I am a strong and capable person.
And I can't help
It is beyond my control.
But love you so
I have strong feelings of affection for you.
Well, if I had my choice of matter
Given the option, I prefer to spend time with like-minded individuals.
I would rather be with cats
I would rather be with cool and interesting people.
All engrossed in mental chatter
Having deep conversations and exchanging ideas.
Movin' where our minds are at
Going with the natural flow of our thoughts and emotions.
And relatin' to each other
Connecting and understanding each other.
Just how strong our wills can be
Sharing our determination and inner strength.
I'm resisting all involvement
I am avoiding any romantic or emotional attachments.
With each groovy chick we see
With every cool and attractive woman we meet.
Well, I'm a man, yes I am
I am a strong and capable person.
And I can't help
It is beyond my control.
But love you so
I have strong feelings of affection for you.
I got to keep my image
I am mindful of how I am perceived by others.
While suspended from a throne
In a position of power and influence.
That looks out upon a kingdom
Observing and overseeing a wide realm of people.
Full of people all unknown
Most of the people in my realm are strangers to me.
Who imagine I'm not human
Believing that I am not an ordinary person, but rather a deity or otherworldly being.
And my heart is made of stone
Thinking that I am unfeeling and emotionless.
I never had no problems
I have led a relatively easy and trouble-free life.
And my toilet's trimmed with chrome
My wealth and status is evident in even the smallest details of my life.
Yes I am (no, no, no)
Reiterating that I am a strong and powerful person.
I need you so bad(yeah)
Despite my strength and independence, I still have a strong emotional need for you.
Yes I do
Confirming my emotional attachment to you.
Yes I do
Reiterating my emotional attachment to you.
Yes I do
Affirming my emotional attachment to you.
Yes I do
Confirming my emotional attachment to you.
Yes I do
Reiterating my emotional attachment to you.
Yes I do
Affirming my emotional attachment to you.
Yes I do
Reiterating my emotional attachment to you.
Yes I do
Confirming my emotional attachment to you.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jimmy Miller, Steve Winwood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind