Introduction:
“I Am… I Said,” released by Neil Diamond in 1971, is a deeply personal song born from a period of introspection and therapy. Diamond wrote the song over the course of four challenging months, grappling with complex emotions about identity and displacement. The song reflects Diamond’s struggle between his roots in New York City and his then-current life in Los Angeles, where he felt isolated despite his success. The lyrics convey a yearning for connection and authenticity, as he questions his sense of belonging between these two contrasting cities.
The process of creating “I Am… I Said” was, according to Diamond, one of the most difficult of his career due to the intricate rhyme structure and the weight of his emotions. This song was not only an artistic endeavor but also a therapeutic one, reflecting his need to understand and express his personal aspirations and struggles. Despite the difficulty, the single was a commercial success, reaching number four on both the U.S. and UK charts.
The track was featured on his album Stones, opening with a full version and closing with a reprise, adding emphasis to the song’s powerful message. A live version on his 1972 Hot August Night album offers a more stripped-down, intimate take, capturing Diamond’s raw emotion and making the song a hallmark of his career.