Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “I’m Real” by Told Slant
“I’m Real” by Told Slant is a song about hard truths and self-acceptance. Lead vocalist Felix Walworth sings of how our nature — our inner selves — cannot be defined or understood by others. He speaks of having a “permeable identity,” implying that our true selves can never be seen by others, and are always evolving throughout our lives. He goes further to say that life is filled with struggles and that our beliefs and behaviors are constantly changing in order to cope.
The chorus is a powerful testament to self-acceptance. Walworth sings: “Stay true to yourself, and don’t be easily swayed/If you feel ashamed, or you’ve been betrayed/You just need to look inside of yourself/And find the strength to be real.” This moment of self-reflection serves as a reminder that our identity can be found within ourselves, and that we must remain authentic no matter what. He further signifies his point with the line, “the truth behind the mask is the one you can’t explain away,” signifying that inner truth is something that cannot be denied, or explained away.
The song finishes out by emphasizing the importance of being honest with oneself. Walworth endearingly sings, “Fill up the world with your energy/And light the fire that’s in you/Hold on to what you learned if you believe it/If you know it, and you feel it too/That is real, so don’t give in/And stay true to yourself, ’cause you’re a real one.” This powerful message serves as a motivating reminder that our truest self is always within reach, and that it’s our own truth and feelings that make us “real.”
As such, “I’m Real” is a powerful and moving anthem expressing the struggles that come with life, and the importance of staying honest with ourselves. Despite the obstacles, it is this truth – the one we know and feel – that makes us “real”, and enables us to find strength and resilience.