"Who I Am" is a song written by Brett James and Troy Verges, and recorded by American country music artist Jessica Andrews. It was released in November 2000 as the first single and title track from her album of the same name.
| "Who I Am" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Jessica Andrews | ||||
| from the album Who I Am | ||||
| B-side | "Helplessly, Hopelessly" | |||
| Released | November 20, 2000 | |||
| Recorded | 2000 | |||
| Genre | Country | |||
| Length | 4:15 | |||
| Label | DreamWorks Nashville | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Brett James, Troy Verges | |||
| Producer(s) | Byron Gallimore | |||
| Jessica Andrews singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Background
editIn a 2001 interview, Andrews explained that she recorded the song (which was written by Brett James and Troy Verges[1]) because she felt that its lyrics were especially fitting to her own life: "Everything is so true in that song, except that my grandmother's name is not Rosemary. It's about believing in yourself and being supported by those around you. No matter how many mistakes you make, your friends and family will be there for you."[2]
Content
editThe song is a mid tempo country song in which the narrator tells of how, no matter what her future, she will be satisfied with her life, because she is confident about herself, and she knows that her peers will still support her.
Use in media
editSections of this song are featured in the opening theme of TV police drama Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye.[3] It also appeared on an episode of Lizzie McGuire.
Critical reception
editRick Cohoon of Allmusic described the song favorably, saying that it "seems to echo Andrews’ self-confidence in moving forward to face the challenges of the music industry".[4]
Music video
editThe song's video, directed by filmmaker Jon Ragel, focuses mainly on Andrews singing in a flower field, on a swing, and beside a brick wall. Actual home footage of her childhood is interspersed throughout the video, and it ends with her waking up in bed and smiling, having dreamt the whole thing.
Cover versions
editCountry music artist Danielle Bradbery featured a cover of "Who I Am" on the deluxe version of her debut album Danielle Bradbery, having sung this song as a tribute to her family during the semi-finals of Season 4 of The Voice, which she eventually won.
Chart performance
editThe song had sold 361,000 copies in the US as of June 2013.[5]
| Chart (2000-2001) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[6] | 28 |
| US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[7] | 1 |
| US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[8] | 24 |
| US Latin Pop Airplay (Billboard)[9] | 20 |
Year-end charts
edit| Chart (2001) | Position |
|---|---|
| Canada Radio (Nielsen BDS)[10] | 88 |
| US Country Songs (Billboard)[11] | 8 |
References
edit- ^ Morris, Edward (2001-04-20). "She's No. 1 — That's Who Jessica Andrews Is". CMT. Archived from the original on February 8, 2009. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
- ^ Gray, Michael (26 February 2001). "Jessica Andrews: Who She Is Teen Singer Prepares for Stardom With Second Album, Billy Gilman Tour". CMT. Archived from the original on February 8, 2009. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- ^ "Exclusive Interview with Sue Thomas creator Dave Johnson". Parents Television Council. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
- ^ Cohoon, Rick. "Jessica Andrews — "Who I Am"". allmusic. Retrieved 2009-02-10.
- ^ Bjorke, Matt (2013-06-19). "Country Chart News - The Top 30 Digital Singles - June 19, 2013: Three Gold Singles, The Swon Brothers, Florida Georgia Line Dominate". Roughstock. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
- ^ "Jessica Andrews Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
- ^ "Jessica Andrews Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
- ^ "Jessica Andrews Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
- ^ "Jessica Andrews Chart History (Latin Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
- ^ "BDS CHART : Top 100 of 2001". Jam!. Archived from the original on July 26, 2002. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ "Best of 2001: Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2001. Retrieved August 14, 2012.