Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: punk
Song Meaning of “Who” by David Byrne
‘Who’ by David Byrne contemplates the idea of identity and how it can become difficult to remember and maintain who exactly we are in the midst of a constantly shifting world. The opening lyrics state, “Who am I that I can say such a thing?” The singer is questioning his own identity and musing on how he could possibly be special enough to have his own unique idea in this world of many voices.
The chorus follows with “Who am I that I can talk about love?” Again, the singer is questioning his own identity and his right to speak on such a complex topic as love. Throughout the song, he paints pictures of the various comparisons that can be made between different people to further emphasize the difficulty in finding one’s own identity.
The lyrics “Who am I that I can still believe what I dream?” and “Who am I that I can reach out and touch what I feel?” point to his inner struggle to figure out who he is and how he fits in the world. In the end, the song concludes with the message that although it is difficult to remain true to oneself in a world that constantly shifts, it is still possible to hold onto your identity.