Godsmack

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I am your spoken truth
I am the lies in you
I'm gonna make you shine in everything you do
I am your lighted way
And I'm your darkest day
I'm here to help you see you can rely on me

[Pre-Chorus]
Just consider me your friend
I am until the end
Can I guarantee you life?
I don't think I can

[Chorus]
This isn't the life for me
This isn't the way I wanna be
And let me tell you
Death will come when I'm good and ready

[Verse 2]
I am your peace of mind
Confusing all your time
I'm running through your veins
I am your pain
I thought by now you'd know
I'll never let you go
It's time you recognize I am the devil's eyes
[Pre-Chorus]
Just consider me your friend
I am until the end
Can I guarantee you life?
I don't think I can

[Chorus]
This isn't the life for me
This isn't the way I wanna be
And let me tell you
Death will come when I'm good and ready
This isn't the life for me
This isn't the way I wanna be
And let me tell you
Death will come when I'm good and ready
(Death will come when I'm good and goddamn ready)

[Bridge]
Take me by my hand
And let me show you what I am
I'm taking control again
Now I know I can
Take you back to where it all began
'Cause I am

[Chorus]
This isn't the life for me
This isn't the way I wanna be
And let me tell you
Death will come when I'm good and ready
This isn't the life for me
This isn't the way I wanna be
And let me tell you
Death will come when I'm good and ready

When it comes to hard rock anthems that ignite passion and resonate with audiences, "I Am" by Godsmack is a true powerhouse in the genre. With its unapologetic guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and captivating vocals, this track is a prime example of the band's signature sound and their ability to deliver adrenaline-fueled performances. Released as a single from their third studio album "Awake" in 2000, "I Am" quickly garnered attention and established itself as a fan favorite.

From the moment the first chord strikes, "I Am" grabs hold of your senses and refuses to let go. The roaring guitars, courtesy of Tony Rombola, set the tone for an exhilarating musical journey. The verses provide a perfect balance of raw power and melodic hooks, showcasing the band's ability to create catchy yet intense compositions. As the chorus hits, Sully Erna's distinctive vocals soar above the instrumentation, delivering the song's empowering lyrics with conviction and emotion.

Lyrically, "I Am" delves into themes of personal strength and self-empowerment. The lyrics invite listeners to embrace their individuality, encouraging them to stand tall and unapologetically be themselves. The words resonate deeply, inspiring a sense of defiance and determination. Godsmack’s ability to convey such powerful messages through their music has always been a defining aspect of their style, and "I Am" is a shining example of this.

The track's production also deserves recognition. The dynamic mixing and mastering work together seamlessly, ensuring that every instrument cut through the mix and blend harmoniously. The punchy drums, provided by Shannon Larkin, carry a weight that accentuates the driving force of the song, propelling it forward with unrelenting energy. The bass, handled by Robbie Merrill, adds a thick layer of intensity, anchoring the track and providing a solid foundation.

One of the standout aspects of "I Am" is its ability to capture the energy of a live performance within a recorded studio track. Godsmack's live shows are renowned for their explosive nature, with the band delivering their music with raw intensity and captivating stage presence. "I Am" manages to harness that live energy and transmit it through the speakers, creating an experience that feels alive, even when enjoyed in the comfort of one's own home.

Since its release, "I Am" has become a staple in Godsmack's live setlist, and for good reason. The song's infectious energy, combined with its empowering lyrics, makes it an anthem that resonates deeply with audiences. Whether it's at a sold-out arena or an intimate club venue, the opening chords of "I Am" never fail to ignite a fervent response from fans.

In a genre known for its high levels of both perplexity and burstiness, "I Am" stands out as a standout track that exemplifies the essence of hard rock. With its unwavering intensity, catchy melodies, and empowering message, it is a song that demands attention and leaves a lasting impact on listeners. Godsmack's ability to create music that reaches the core of human emotions is showcased brilliantly in "I Am," proving once again why they are revered as one of the most influential and beloved bands in the hard rock scene.

About I Am

"I Am" is a highly impactful and energetic hard rock anthem by the renowned band Godsmack. Originally released as a single in 2000, this empowering track quickly became a fan favorite, solidifying Godsmack's position in the realm of hard rock music. The song’s compelling combination of relentless guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and heartfelt vocals captivates audiences, making it an unforgettable experience both in the studio and during live performances.

With its powerful opening chords and intense musical arrangement, “I Am” grabs the listener's attention from the first second and never lets go. The song showcases the band's ability to craft melodic hooks within their heavy sound, providing a perfect balance between raw power and catchy compositions. Sully Erna's commanding vocals soar above the instrumentation, delivering the empowering lyrics with passion and sincerity.

Thematically, “I Am” explores the importance of embracing one's true identity and standing up for oneself. The lyrics encourage listeners to reject conformity and instead celebrate their individuality, serving as a rallying cry for personal strength and self-empowerment. Godsmack's ability to capture such potent messages within their music has been a defining characteristic of their style, and “I Am” is a shining example of their lyrical prowess.

The production of "I Am" is nothing short of exceptional. The track boasts a dynamic mixing and mastering that ensures all instruments have their rightful place in the mix while still working together harmoniously. Shannon Larkin's powerful drumming provides a driving force that propels the song forward, while Robbie Merrill's bass delivers a thick layer of intensity, anchoring the track and giving it a solid foundation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of “I Am” is its ability to capture the energy of a live performance within the confines of a studio recording. Godsmack is renowned for their explosive live shows, and this track manages to harness that liveliness and transmit it to the listeners. The result is an electrifying experience that connects with the audience on a visceral level, creating the feeling of being right there in the midst of a live concert.

Since its release, “I Am” has remained a staple in Godsmack's live setlists, eliciting a rousing response from fans worldwide. The song's infectious energy and empowering lyrics have made it an anthem that resonates deeply with audiences, allowing them to find solace and strength in its message. The enduring popularity of “I Am” is a testament to the band's ability to create music that not only entertains but also uplifts and inspires.

In a genre known for its captivating perplexity and explosive burstiness, Godsmack’s "I Am" stands as a shining example of a track that embodies both these qualities while maintaining a high level of specificity and context. Its unwavering intensity, memorable melodies, and impactful message make it a standout in the world of hard rock music. With "I Am," Godsmack has once again proven their prowess as one of the most influential and beloved bands in the genre, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of their listeners.

• Release Date: April 8, 2003
• Artist: Godsmack