I Am What I Am
Village People Lyrics


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I am, I am, what I am, what I am, what I am, what I am, I'll be, I'll be
I am, I am, what I am, what I am, for the rights, for the rights, of man, hey

People have the right to be just who they are
People have the right to share all of their love
People have the right to share just what they give
The right to their free will.
I did not choose the way I am, I did not choose the way I am,
I said I am what I am, This is my fellow man
I did not choose the way I a-a-am, I did not choose the way I am,
I said I am what I a-a-am, Please try to understand,
I did not choose the way I a-a-am, I did not choose the way I am
I said I am what I a-a-am, I am just a man,
I was born into this wor-or-orld, Born into this world,
I said I am what I a-a-am, I am what I am, hey, alright

Say it, say it y'all
I am, I am, what I am, what I am, what I am, what I am, I'll be, hey, alright
I am, I am, what I am, what I am, for the rights, for the rights, of man, listen here

People have the right, regardless of their skin
People have the right to let God's love come in
People have the right to truly be your friend
To love is not a sin.

I did not choose the way I am, I did not choose the way I am,
I said I am what I am, This is my fellow man
I did not choose the way I a-a-am, I did not choose the way I am,
I said I am what I a-a-am, Please try to understand,
I did not choose the way I a-a-am, I did not choose the way I am
I said I am what I a-a-am, I am just a man,
I was born into this wor-or-orld, Born into this world,
I said I am what I a-a-am, I am what I am, hey

Everybody, everybody say it with me y'all
I am, I am, what I am, what I am, what I am, what I am, I'll be, hey, alright
I am, what I am, what I am, what I am, for the rights, for the rights, of man, yeah

People have the right to live with who they please
People have the right to live there happily
No one has the right to choose my love for me
I was born free.

I did not choose the way I am, I did not choose the way I am,
I said I am what I am, This is my fellow man
I did not choose the way I a-a-am, I did not choose the way I am,
I said I am what I a-a-am, Please try to understand,
I did not choose the way I a-a-am, I did not choose the way I am
I said I am what I a-a-am, I am just a man,
I was born into this wor-or-orld, Born into this world,
Oh, I am what I a-a-am, I am what I am, hey

I did not choose the way I am, I did not choose the way I am,
I said I am what I am, This is my fellow man
I did not choose the way I a-a-am, I did not choose the way I am,
I said I am what I a-a-am, Please try to understand,
I did not choose the way I a-a-am, I did not choose the way I am
I said I am what I a-a-am, I am just a man,




I did not choose the way I a-a-am, Born into this world,
Hey, I am what I a-a-am, I am what I am

Overall Meaning

The song "I Am What I Am" by Village People is a powerful anthem promoting self-acceptance and human rights. The lyrics emphasize that every person is unique and has the right to be who they are without fear of judgement or discrimination. The singer proclaims that they did not choose the way they are but rather were born into this world as they are, and they ask for understanding and acceptance.


The song's message is particularly relevant for the LGBTQ+ community, who have historically faced discrimination and persecution. The lyrics call for the recognition and protection of basic human rights, including the right to love who they choose and the right to live happily.


The repetitive nature of the chorus emphasizes the importance of the message and encourages listeners to join in the anthem of self-acceptance and human rights. Overall, "I Am What I Am" is a powerful call to action for equality and an inspirational message of self-love and acceptance.


Line by Line Meaning

I am, I am, what I am, what I am, what I am, what I am, I'll be, I'll be
I am who I am and I will continue to be true to myself


I am, I am, what I am, what I am, for the rights, for the rights, of man, hey
I am who I am and I fight for the rights of all people


People have the right to be just who they are
Everyone has the right to be themselves


People have the right to share all of their love
People have the right to express and share their love freely


People have the right to share just what they give
People have the right to give and share what they have


The right to their free will.
People have the right to make their own choices and decisions


I did not choose the way I am, I did not choose the way I am,
I did not choose my identity or who I am


I said I am what I am, This is my fellow man
I accept myself and those around me for who they are


Please try to understand,
I ask for empathy and understanding from others


I am just a man,
I am simply a human being


I was born into this world,
I did not have a choice in my birth or upbringing


Say it, say it y'all
Let's say it together


People have the right, regardless of their skin
Everyone deserves equal rights regardless of their race or ethnicity


People have the right to let God's love come in
People have the right to accept and express their faith without prejudice


People have the right to truly be your friend
Everyone has the right to meaningful friendships


To love is not a sin.
Loving someone is not a crime or a sin


Everybody, everybody say it with me y'all
Let's all say it together


People have the right to live with who they please
People should have the freedom to choose their partner


People have the right to live there happily
Everyone deserves the right to pursue happiness


No one has the right to choose my love for me
No one else has the right to dictate who I love or how I express my love


I was born free.
I was born with inherent freedom and should be able to exercise it


Born into this world,
I was brought into this world without a choice


Oh, I am what I a-a-am, I am what I am, hey
I am who I am and that's what makes me unique and worthy of respect




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GENE MCFADDEN, JOHN WHITEHEAD, VICTOR CARSTARPHEN, TECERO MULDREW, DAVID C. WELDON, DANTE MILLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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