FAWM: "All That I Am"

All That I Am

2 weeks ago by @alyxanderjames

All That I Am

alyxanderjames

00:00

Liner Notes

And we're off! Welcome to February, y'all. It's a wild time to be alive. I woke up this morning knowing I wanted to write something about showing up authentically, in my songwriting and in the rest of my life, as my first FAWM offering to the muses and as a way to process the day I'm headed into. Had a few false starts, but once I got going on this one, it just sort of fell onto the page and the guitar.

Vocals are a little quiet on this voice memo, because it is 7am and I'm not at all warmed up, and I have a space heater running in the background, but hopefully you get the idea.

#Folk #SingerSongwriter #AcousticOneTake #PersonWithGuitar #Guitar #FirstFruits #Short

Lyrics

I am who I am I'll bring all that I am Though you may not understand I am who I am I'll bring all that I am I'll show up as my spirit demands

Authenticity I will bring the whole of me Authenticity No one else I'll try to be

I am who I am I'll bring all that I am Complicated and messy and real I am who I am I'll bring all that I am Unafraid to speak out or to feel

Authenticity I will bring the whole of me Authenticity No one else I'll try to be

I am who I am I'll bring all that I am

Comments

@jeremykazoo 8h

The grounding of the lyric is echoed in the authenticity of the performance. Lovely exploration.

@bradbrubaker 1w

A simple letter to self, one that echoes loudly at the start of FAWM. Reminds me of the First Fruits Challenge (which didn't seem to be mentioned this year), only instead of in praise of some deity, it is in praise of this month and its artistic fruits.

@sheslin 1w

Beautiful fingerstyle playing and lovely, tender vocals. The melody is lovely and works so well with the guitar. This sounds appropriately heartfelt and authentic. I really like the message in your lyrics.

@danieldeshon 1w

Beautiful song right here. Dare I say it has authenticity? It does. Wonderful lyrics alongside a cool, lo-fi recording. Love it!

@honketterene 2w

Ooooooo... I like!! But I read/hear it up beat. Mind if I add kazoo a do it with my band?

@mtmelodie 2w

Sweet, simple and honest song, and agree as others have said that I'll take something raw and unpolished and touching over a overproduced frictionless song

@ryuu 2w

Honestly, in this day and age I'd rather have a slightly noisy voice memo of someone singing something heartfelt than something that has been polished until it has lost all memorable rough edges. This song feels like something to live by, even if showing up as our complete selves may be scary. Thank you.

@helenseviltwinMod 2w

This so beautiful in its quiet and honest simplicity.

@fecknom 2w

This is very you. <3 Since I'm listening to it at work, I couldn't even hear the space heater, because the fridges were singing with you.

@skylermf 2w

I actually kind of like the space heater, reminds me of old Mountain Goats stuff. I love the relaxed feel of this, kind of feels like morning affirmations as a song

@frey 2w

Space heater only adds to the vibe 😌 lovely track

@theodamus 2w

Such pretty guitar picking for a gentle true song - I honestly love a good old mechanical hiss/drone because i grew up on the Mountain goats hahah so the space heater adds to the folky hope punky indie vibes of your lyrics. Feels like it would close out a heavier cassette EP. Great way to start so happy to hear you!

@dkord 2w

Lovely heartfelt lyrics and vibe- happy FAWM!

@troubadette 2w

This is so lovely - beautiful lyrics, beautiful sentiment. Is it weird to say I'm actually digging the space heater? Happy FAWM!

@bethdesombre 2w

What an excellent first FAWM offering. I love the repeating "I am who I am/I'll bring all that I am" -- and knowing you in IRL, it's one of my favorite things about you. I like what you do melodically on the longer stanzas (verses?). Off to a great FAWM start.

@clioem 2w

Such a lovely sweet ballad! You've got a wonderful voice and musical ear.

@thelowestbitter 2w

This is a really lovely opener, and it's interesting to me you're writing about authenticity, as I always find your songs really sincere and authentic in a way I struggle with. This is no exception, it's quite bare bones both lyrically and musically in a way I really love - there's no more there than there needs to be, it's really to the point, understated while also saying everything it wants to say. Liked this a lot!

@alyxanderjames 2w

This is so sweet, thanks, friend!

@nwhosings 2w

I love this. You're so good at distilling down to the vulnerable, sincere tenderness that is so needed right now. So glad this was one of my first FAWM listens.

@wrenarcher 2w

I definitely got the idea. Quite meaningful for those of us who are shapeshifters.

Your fingerpicking is quite amazing. I've never been able to Travis pick. Not sure why I can't get my fingers to do that.

Wonderful song, Alyx.

@alyxanderjames 2w

Thanks, friend! I have exactly two picking patterns in my repertoire, a 4/4 and a 6/8 lol and I don’t know how I finally got my fingers to cooperate. It took a while.

@coolparadisoMod 2w

Don't get much more authentic than that! well done. nice playing and such a sensitive delivery! really nice first up song!

@jinx 2w

Ooh, this is really lovely. Understated power.

@leah0k 2w

Great opener! I love the fingerpicking it’s so consistent and warm. Glad you’re resolved to show up just as you are :) Bring it!

@rowleyjohnuk 2w

ooh nice I hear some slide guitar in there, and backing female vox on Authenticity, which I assume is the chorus.

@jlampson 2w

This is beautiful. First fruits abound, and a great reminder to take our whole selves with us without apology. The delicate treatment and whisper vocals are a part of you I'm so glad you shared this morning. Keep the heater going, and the songs flowing!