I'm A Man

Album: I'm A Man (1955)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This classic blues song is filled with Diddley's swagger. He sings about his sexual prowess, literally spelling out that he is indeed a man. The song is famous for its riff, which was used by many blues and rock musicians, notably George Thorogood on "Bad to the Bone."
  • This was influenced by a 1951 Muddy Waters song called "She Moves Me." Later in 1955, Waters released "Mannish Boy," which was essentially a rewrite of this song.
  • Many British bands have covered this song, including The Who, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and The Yarbirds, who hit #17 in the US with their 1965 version. For The Yardbirds, whose hit version came when Clapton was in the band, it was a live favorite and helped establish them as one of Britain's top bands.

Comments: 5

  • Deethewriter from Saint Petersburg, Russia FederationBruce Springsteen: "The first time I met Warren Zevon, he came to New York. I saw him at a club in the City and my man recollection was he did a version of Muddy Waters "I'm A Man" and instead of spelling out M-A-N, he spelled out his own name, Warren – which was very funny. It was one of those classic things that told you everything you needed to know about him."
  • Adam from West Palm Beach, FlJeff Beck had replaced Clapton by the time The Yardbirds recorded the song...
  • Peter Griffin from Quahog, RiActually this isn't the Chicago song. The "I'm A Man" that Chicago covered was the Spencer Davis Group song.
  • Guy from Woodinville, WaIs this the Chicago song? Didn't realize Bo Diddley was the author. Great early Chicago song. Good guitar work.
  • Pat from Albuquerque, NmWhen Chicago was the "Chicago Transit Authority," they covered this song too.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?