I'M A MAN
Steve Winwood Lyrics


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Well, my pad is very messy
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'
All that groovy kind of stuff

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

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

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'm movin
Yes I'm movin
Don't you know that I'm movin
Yes I'm movin
Don't you know that I'm a man




Yes I'm movin
(Don't you know that I'm a man)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Steve Winwood's song "I'm A Man" paint a pictorial representation of a man who is deeply passionate about music. He is messy, with whiskers on his chin, and loves to make music. The writer seems to be a loner who doesn't have time for other activities, especially love. The theme of the song reflects that the central character is unable to resist his feelings of love, even though he has no time for love. The lyrics read, "But I'm a man, yes I am, And I can't help but love you so."


The persona in the song seems to have a strong attachment to his music and fellow musicians, as he would "rather be with cats.” He aligns with individuals who are likewise engrossed in mental chatter and are moved by a shared passion for music. The message from the song suggests that the artist is not interested in getting involved with "groovy chicks," indicating the persona's preference for keeping love at bay.


In conclusion, the lyrics of "I'm A Man" reveal the writer's strong attachment to music and his reluctance to get involved in a romantic relationship. As he only wants to concentrate on creating music and aligning with people who are interested in the same thing, it paints a picture of a man who is music's very essence.


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 haven't shaved and have grown some facial hair.


And I'm all hung up on music
I'm obsessed with and focused on music.


And I always play to win
I'm always striving to be the best in my musical endeavors.


I ain't got no time for lovin'
I don't have time for romantic relationships.


'Cause my time is all used up
I'm busy with my music and can't devote time to a relationship.


Just to sit around creatin'
I spend my time creating music.


All that groovy kind of stuff
I create music that's cool and trendy.


But I'm a man, yes I am
Despite my focus on music, I'm still a man.


And I can't help
I can't control.


But love you so
My feelings for you are real and strong.


Well, if I had my choice of matter
If I could choose my ideal situation.


I would rather be with cats
I prefer being with other cool people.


All engrossed in mental chatter
Talking and thinking deeply about interesting topics.


Movin' where our minds are at
Going wherever our thoughts take us.


And relatin' to each other
Connecting with each other.


Just how strong our wills can be
Sharing our determination and drive.


I'm resisting all involvement
I'm avoiding romantic relationships.


With each groovy chick we see
With any cool girl we come across.


Well, I'm a man, yes I am
Even though I resist relationships, I'm still a man.


And I can't help
I can't control.


But love you so
I feel strongly for you.


I got to keep my image
I need to maintain my reputation.


While suspended from a throne
While in a position of power and influence.


That looks out upon a kingdom
That oversees a large group of people.


Full of people all unknown
Who I may not really know or care about.


Who imagine I'm not human
Who may see me as an image or persona, instead of a real person.


And my heart is made of stone
Who believe I'm cold and unfeeling.


I never had no problems
I've never had any major issues or difficulties.


And my toilet's trimmed with chrome
I have a luxurious and stylish lifestyle.


And I can't help
I can't control.


But love you so, no no
But I still have strong feelings for you.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jimmy Miller, Steve Winwood

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Atom-56

Back-in 66, Bet Steve didn’t think, that in 54 years time, he would be sat at his Hammond organ singing this song and sounding just as good.👍

@TheSandlot1969

His voice has never failed him have you heard and I'm sure you have if you're a fan

@TheSandlot1969

Don't know the name of the song of the top of my head but he was 15 years old and he sounded like he was an old jazz dude in a smoky nightclub awesome I'm sure he has it

@Atom-56

@@TheSandlot1969. Keep On Running……..Gimme Some Lovin ……..

@nezihesal6915

@@TheSandlot1969I’m a man from his time in Spencer Davies Group in the 60ties.

@nezihesal6915

@@TheSandlot1969I’m a Man fm his times in Spencer Davies Group in the 60ties.

@Downrite100

What a man! Still sounding just as good as he did 50 years ago. Steve has got to be one of the best musicians ever. Thanks for posting.

@cindyblankfield1961

Still feel the high that I did when I first heard this song 🎵

@fnln1108

multi-instrumentalist of the highest cadre with outstanding pipes to boot!

@DaEnemy

What a performance. This track has been introduced to me back in 1985 by my Dad who died last year. I still remember the times we had together when we were listening to this one. Thanks so much for this version, Mr. Winwood, respect is yours!

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