The lyrics are about her Silvas' boyfriend's feelings. She wanted to write a song from a male point of view as she was used to writing songs from a female perspective, and wanted the song to be recorded by a male vocalist.
The song entered the UK Official Download Chart on 12 April 2006 due to individual album tracks being available to download. It then entered the UK Singles Chart on 23 April at number 47 based on download sales alone. The following week it had moved up to number 11, after the physical release had become available. It is Young's first single to fail to reach the top 5 in the UK.
"Who Am I" was shortlisted for the Popjustice £20 Music Prize in 2006.
Who Am I?
Will Young Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know how I feel
You almost make me doubt I feel at all
It's not as though I always listen
But there's just so much I don't hear
Maybe I'll never be what you want
I know that all you're asking for
But I don't find it easy to give
Maybe I get a little selfish sometimes
Why shouldn't I?
I used to say I love you
But would it make a difference this time?
[Chorus]
And who am I to tell you that I would never let you down
That no-one else could love you half as much as I do now?
And who am I to tell you I'll always catch you when you fall?
Well I, I wouldn't be myself at all
I wouldn't be myself at all, at all
I always find a reason why I didn't put you first
It's not that complicated I know
I really hate it when you shake your head like this ain't gonna work
Maybe you'll never reap what you sow
[Chorus]
I didn't want to do what everybody does
And hide the truth to find we never knew a thing about love
'Cause this is real life, real love
And knowing what it comes down to
It just might be enough
[Chorus x 2]
In Will Young's song "Who Am I", he explores the complexities of a relationship where one partner loves more than the other. The lyrics highlight the struggle the singer faces in trying to give his partner the love that they desire, but also feeling like he cannot live up to their expectations. The opening lines suggest that their partner pushes them too hard, leading to confusion about their own feelings. The line "You almost make me doubt I feel at all" illustrates how the partner's demands have caused the singer to question their own emotions.
The chorus reveals the singer's uncertainty about being able to meet their partner's expectations, wondering "who am I to tell you" that he will never let them down or love them as much as they want. The use of the phrase "at all" highlights the singer's sense of inadequacy, as if he cannot meet any of their needs. He admits to being selfish at times and suggests that he has said "I love you" before, but wonders if it would make a difference if he said it again.
In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that he often finds a reason not to put his partner first, even though he knows it's not complicated. When the partner shakes their head, the singer wonders if they will ever see the benefits of their efforts. However, in the final lines of the song, the singer insists on being true to themselves and real love: "this is real life, real love, and knowing what it comes down to, it just might be enough." Ultimately, the song touches on the challenges of navigating a relationship and the importance of being true to oneself while also striving to meet the needs of one's partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes you know you push me so hard
Sometimes you make me feel pressured or stressed
I don't know how I feel
I'm unsure of my emotions or thoughts
You almost make me doubt I feel at all
Your behavior makes me question whether I have any emotions
It's not as though I always listen
I don't always pay attention
But there's just so much I don't hear
There are many things I miss or don't understand
Maybe I'll never be what you want
Perhaps I can't ever meet your expectations
I know that all you're asking for
I understand the minimum you're requesting
Is a little place in my heart
You want a spot in my emotions
But I don't find it easy to give
I struggle to provide that for you
Maybe I get a little selfish sometimes
At times, I put myself first
Why shouldn't I?
I have the right to take care of myself
I used to say I love you
I previously expressed my affection
But would it make a difference this time?
Perhaps my words won't have an effect
And who am I to tell you that I would never let you down
Who am I to make that promise?
That no-one else could love you half as much as I do now?
Is it fair for me to claim that no one loves you as much as I do?
And who am I to tell you I'll always catch you when you fall?
Do I have the ability to always be there for you?
Well I, I wouldn't be myself at all
If I made these promises, I wouldn't be true to myself
I wouldn't be myself at all, at all
I'd feel like I wasn't being authentic
I always find a reason why I didn't put you first
I tend to justify why I prioritize myself over you
It's not that complicated I know
It's not difficult to comprehend
I really hate it when you shake your head like this ain't gonna work
I dislike it when you express doubt or disagreement
Maybe you'll never reap what you sow
You might not get what you deserve
I didn't want to do what everybody does
I didn't want to follow the norm
And hide the truth to find we never knew a thing about love
I didn't want to pretend we knew what love was
'Cause this is real life, real love
This is authentic life and love
And knowing what it comes down to
Understanding what's really important
It just might be enough
It could be sufficient
Chorus
Refrain of the song
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LUCIE SILVAS, FRANCIS EG WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lukemasamvi
One of the best songs he ever did, the message in this song is even more clear after learning of his twin brother’s passing 😢😢😢😢😢
@hopebgood
👍
@paulwinn2142
To all Blue Peter fans young and old, love how Will Young brought memories to life even to the end of video inc bbc intro. Rip John Noaks loved those years.
@iancasey704
This is Will Youngs best song 🎵 ! Can't believe it's 17 years old now . There's just something about this song always enjoyable.
@hopebgood
I hear ya mate. 😊
@stuartcooper631
It just gets you
@sarahc3243
Another underrated artist IMO. Love Will Young and I’m listening here in 2022. Who is with me? ❤️
@amyclarke41
Me brilliant 😁 pop idol
@chrisstephens6194
Just heard an Interview with him on radio 2 and this is his favourite song, I'd forgotten about it but loved it.
@sarahc3243
@@chrisstephens6194 ah really. It’s my favourite of his too 🥰