No.６　I Am What I Am

Lyrics / Composer: Jerry Herman

“La Cage aux Folles” 1983

Feelings for the song

The original is Jean Poiret’s stage play “Mr. Lady Mr. Madam”,

which received the Tony Award in 1984.

Like my favorite Gay’s movie “Torch Song Trilogy”

It ’s painful, but it ’s heartwarming.

On the other hand, this “La Cage au Fall” is

a play style that makes you laugh all the time.

Probably this is the reason for receiving it in Japan

As proof of that, as the role of Zaza

Known as Masachika Ichimura in Japan,

Before him it was Masaomi Kondo

Who is famous actor, not singer.

So it looks like a comedy, not a musical.

Beside that,

I got to know this song in

“Best Musical -4 Knights”

Kojiro Oka sings in a sexy way.

This poem is better than the musical version.

For those who are listening

The possibilities of being pleased expand.

In order to express feelings,

Subtle changes in tempo.

The piano teacher always plays together perfectly.

Thanks her again

Lyrics

I am what I am

I don’t want praise I don’t want pity

I bang my own drum

Some think it’s noise I think it’s pretty

And so what if I love each sparkle and each bangle

Why not see things from a different angle

Your life is a shame

Till you can shout out loud

‘I am what I am’

I am what I am

And what I am needs no excuses

I deal my own deck

Sometimes the aces sometimes the deuces

It’s one life and there’s no return and no deposit

One life so it’s time to open up your closet

Life’s not worth a dam till you can say

‘Hey, world, I am what I am’