FAWM: "All That I Am"

All That I Am

2 days 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

@fecknom 18h

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 1d

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 1d

Space heater only adds to the vibe 😌 lovely track

@theodamus 1d

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 1d

Lovely heartfelt lyrics and vibe- happy FAWM!

@troubadette 1d

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

@bethdesombre 1d

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 1d

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

@thelowestbitter 1d

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 1d

This is so sweet, thanks, friend!

@nwhosings 1d

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 1d

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 1d

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 1d

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

@jinx 2d

Ooh, this is really lovely. Understated power.

@leah0k 2d

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 2d

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

@jlampson 2d

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!