Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “I Am Not” by Told Slant
The indie-folk song ‘I Am Not’ by the band Told Slant is a melodic ode to self-acceptance and refusing to conform to societal expectations of what one should be. The song is centered around the idea that one has nothing to hide and that they are not afraid to face themselves and all those around them, and the open-mindedness and sense of self-confidence that this brings.
The song starts with the lyrics“you know that I am not the one they’ll make me out to be, I won’t provide no company for conformity”, referring to how, despite what others might expect or say, the singer will not conform to be who they are supposed to be. The narrator is clearly pushing back against societal pressure of ‘fitting in’, and at the same time fighting against any fear that they have of not living up to someone else’s standards.
The second verse then addresses doubts that one might have with lyrics like “I won’t sacrifice a single ounce of what makes me me,” and it serves as a reminder to the listener that one should never feel guilty for who they truly are. The singer is strong in their convictions and emphasizes that they will not be guilted for being themselves, no matter what circumstances they may find themselves in.
The bridge of the song encapsulates the song’s message, “I understand now, that who I am is plenty enough for me” and allows the singer to feel content in their identity. This is also echoed in the chorus, when the singer proclaims “I am not afraid of being alone”. By saying this, the narrator is not only declaring their independence from securing approval from others, but is also liberated from a fear of being judged.
The theme of ‘I Am Not’ is a powerful and beautiful one. The singer has rediscovered their sense of self-worth and is unashamedly declaring their acceptance of themselves, despite the external pressures that they feel. By continuing to be brave and principled in their beliefs and standing tall in their individuality, the narrator in this song has embraced who they truly are, and in doing so, have broken free from the chains of conformity.