As I Am

Album: Train Of Thought (2003)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • With lyrics written by Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci, this song is about a guy who affirms that he will not to change just because someone wants him to. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    J - Jackson, GA
  • This is the opening track on Train Of Thought, Dream Theater's seventh album. The song is one of the heavier ones in their catalog, influenced by metal bands like Pantera and Metallica.

Comments: 8

  • Ryan from River Vale, Njmost interesting fact about this song (IMHO), which I'm surprised no one's mentioned anywhere on the internet...

    The main riff (starting at 1:00) and the verses are written entirely in the C Locrian mode (C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C). The progression/cadence in each line effectively resolves to the C tonic each time before it repeats, and is strikingly convincing... while the prechorus features a shift to C Aeolian/natural minor (C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C).
  • Marcus from Jackson, MiDream Theater is dank, La Brie isn't the best but I actually think he suits the band. And they want him to sing like that. The BAND loves him I think thats the most important. And I actually love these lyrics and melody, but he has his highs and lows..

  • D from Melbourne, Australiato steveb from WA you are missing the genius behind dt and that is their creativity and ability when it comes to music. lyrics are not the forte of the group. listen to the music and in particular analyse the structure of their songs and it is soon noticable that dream theater are creatively the best musicians in the world. "As I Am" exemplifies this.
  • Jason from Boston, Mapetrucci tunes all the way down to C for this one
  • D from Melbourne, Australiato further what j in jackson has said, it is about a guy who wont change, but petrucci has written the lyrics in a deeper more symbolic way. the "guy" symbolises for the band and their musical ways. they have mainly stayed underground despite pressure from record labels to "sell out". the drummer mike portnoy said on the documentary dvd "Score" that "the label has to stay the f*** out of our music...no outside writers...we arent going to them for permission on what is a hit single. everybody get out our way, book the studio time and let us make our f***en record" well spoken rock on dt
  • Chris from Toowoomba, AlThis song is product of musical geniouses. John petrucci and mike portnoy are two of my all time favourite musicians. Its an amazingly tough riff and the solo is INCREDIBLE. From one guitarist to another, John, this song is immortal and will never be topped!!! did i mention i like the song...
  • Steveb from Spokane, WaThese guys are real smart and well trained but the creativity seems a bit lacking a lot of the time... the lyrics are often ultimate cliches, "Don't tell me how to win this fight", "don't try to read between the lines" "something you believe in" and the window metaphor with "i'm on the outside" its all stuff I've heard before repeated over and over again...

    Sorry folks, I just think its corny as all hell...
  • Devon from Westerville, Ohthis song is awesome the whole train of thought album rocks.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Tomlin

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Phone Booth Songs

Phone Booth SongsSong Writing

Phone booths are nearly extinct, but they provided storylines for some of the most profound songs of the pre-cell phone era.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Bryan Adams

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.