18 people need to watch which button their pressing, they missed the Like! I've loved Mr Barrowman for a long time just for the fact he lives as he is and doesn't feel the need to change. Inspiring.
Such a pity that the original singer is such a homophobe. Double pity is that she is a black person who suffered from discrimination, not for for what she did, but for what she was. She knew better, still... So sad.
@Rao16026 - He's been a leading man in the musical theatre world in the West End - UK primarily for over twenty years, but also on Broadway. He's not just "Captain Jack" in Torchwood, this guy is a multi-talented entertainer.
This song can relate to anybody who's ever felt different or out of place. A lot of people try to attach it purely to sexuality but truly this is just a lovely song about loving yourself, and deciding that nobody is going to change who you are, no matter what you are. Beautiful
It's a gay anthem written by a gay author to be in a show exclusively about homosexuality. Its attachment to sexuality is put there by the author, not attached later by the audience.
My favorite performance of this song. John sang it for me and all of us, who have lived with the shame that was poured on us from truly ignorant people. No more ignorance, no more!
I had the golden opportunity to lead the band in Finland in this musical. Every night tears in my eyes when this came. Marvelous, even without feathers!
I am what I am I am my own special creation So come take a look Give me the hook or the ovation It's my world that I want to have a little pride in My world, and it's not a place I have to hide in Life's not worth a damn 'Till you can say "Hey World, I am what I am." I am what I am I don't want praise, I dont want pity I bang my own drum Some think it's noise I think its pretty And so what, if I love each sparkle and each bangle Why not try to see things from a different angle Your life is a sham 'Till you can shout out loud I am what I am I am what I am And what I am needs no excuses I deal my own deck Sometimes the aces, sometimes the deuces There's one life, and there's no return and no deposit; One life, so it's time to open up your closet Life's not worth a damn 'Till you can say "Hey world, I am what I am."
I just stumbled on these John Barrowman performamces. He is fabulous in Spring Time For Hitler. I met him and we spoke briefly at a Starbucks in Earls Court years ago. A real stunner.
I've seen this video a number of time over the past few years and used it to teach me how to sing it properly. I performed it at a stage musicals concert run by a new community theatre company a few weeks ago. I am fully straight but a couple of my gay friends in the audience said that I had them believing I was on their side.
I could watch this on repeat far too many times. He has sung this endlessly and I've seen him do it live but for me this is his (and for my money THE) definitive version. I love the uncomfortable, shameful beginning full of repression and intensity that builds into anger before finally exploding into joyous showmanship at the end. Simply perfect.
I need to listen to this every day...it never fails to lift me up, and makes me want to stand up and LIVE my life. Thank you JB, for this incredible rendition.
I've met him as well, and he was a complete sweetheart. People have bad days. Most people aren't expected to sign a bunch of things and take photos with fans even on their bad days.
Oh My Gosh, how can one person have so much talent??? John barrowman is awesome, he is the true JB, not justin bieber! I love how he really mean every word he says!!!
WE were soo fortunate last fall to catch John in LONDON performing at The Victoria in La Cage. It was amazing as he is. John Barrowman - beautiful voice - beautiful person inside and out!
This I consider the most touching and humane performance of this song. This made my heart ache, celebrate and embrace my own personal life. Thank You very much Mr John Barrowman!!!!!
there is no bubble to burst, dear Bob, Mr Barrowman just happens the have an awesome voice and he really can do that, have you never seen him perform before?
I think that this is the best version of the song. I like the other versions of John Barrowman but I think that this is his best performance of the song because it realy feels like he's alive
this year,he was in la cage aux folles for about 3 weeks,i saw him in his second preforemance,it was one of the best things i have ever seen or heard,(and i have seen around 13 west end shows) this is only a fraction of how good it was live
Oh, my God. I could practically /taste/ the emotion spilling from him in this one. I much prefer this performance to the one from The Sound of Musicals.
I love this song and all that it stands for, of course that is John Barrowman all over. He is a great guy and, not that i am saying that it is a bad thing, even if he is gay he is a jolly hot fella. I wish I could meet him, he sounds like a wonderful man. I have moved to a new country, and I want to know how he dealt with it, if he was old enough to remember. In conclusion, John Barrowman is amazing and he legacy shall live forever.
This is very good, John does this very well. But anyone who truly loves this song needs to here Anthony Warlow's version. This song is on his 'Centre Stage' album. Anthony Warlow has an amazing tone, and beautiful expression, I give him 5 gold stars. Be sure to check him out, he is truly worth it, and I assure you, anyone who appriciates voices and music, will fall head over heels with Mr. Warlow.
I must say this is a different version of John barrowman singing it to what i have seen before, and he is much better at it in this one than his other. I originally thought he was no good at it but after seeing him sing it this time, he was great!!!
I saw him do this live onstage playing Albin in La Cage in London back in 2009. By far one of the greatest theatre performances I've seen and just unbelievably chilling from the sheer perfection.
I've watched the other videos in which he sings this, and this is by far the best, the most heartfelt, and I think that's partly because when he drops that note at 1:13, he just goes on even more passionately. It shows the kind of person he is, he messed up, so he's going to go on and make it the best it can possibly be.
he's phenomenal. he blows me away. he is the definition of perfection. He sang this in concert and i saw him in Nottingham... i nearly passed out- the combination of his beauty, his voice, the emotion he puts in, and the song could have made me cry. Made me go all gooey!! x
I am recovering from a nervous breakdown. This song means everything to me
I hope you feel better soon❤
18 people need to watch which button their pressing, they missed the Like! I've loved Mr Barrowman for a long time just for the fact he lives as he is and doesn't feel the need to change. Inspiring.
John is a very good guy. He gave me such a good strong hug at a con. It's sad-- he is a good guy!
Wow. That's how this song should be sung, with all the anger, the power and the verve!
i agree
हम
Such a pity that the original singer is such a homophobe.
Double pity is that she is a black person who suffered from discrimination, not for for what she did, but for what she was.
She knew better, still... So sad.
This man really knows how to sing, he gets into the song and understands it.
I absolutely LOVE your version of this wonderful song! I wish it would be available on spotify..
He is so right: "There's just one life, and there's no return and no deposit".
Best version ever John!! Love it…
I would say he is what he is and all that I could want in a man.
This song brings tears to my eyes. Wish everyone felt this way. Just be yourself regardless of what you are
me, too
Sung by a man who walks the walk and talks the talk. Bravo John, you sing for us all!!!
P.S. This is a stunning arrangement of this song.
@Rao16026 - He's been a leading man in the musical theatre world in the West End - UK primarily for over twenty years, but also on Broadway. He's not just "Captain Jack" in Torchwood, this guy is a multi-talented entertainer.
This song can relate to anybody who's ever felt different or out of place. A lot of people try to attach it purely to sexuality but truly this is just a lovely song about loving yourself, and deciding that nobody is going to change who you are, no matter what you are. Beautiful
True. I totally agree with you.
"Trying to attach to Sexuality" ignores that it is explicitly what the song is about
It's a gay anthem written by a gay author to be in a show exclusively about homosexuality. Its attachment to sexuality is put there by the author, not attached later by the audience.
beautifully put hinkel
Obviously you're unaware that the song is about a homosexual man singing I Am What I Am. It's about his sexual orientation. It's about DRAG.
the best thing Ive seen on y-tube. more please.
Best version I've heard him do of this. Long live the captain!
My favorite performance of this song. John sang it for me and all of us, who have lived with the shame that was poured on us from truly ignorant people. No more ignorance, no more!
I had the golden opportunity to lead the band in Finland in this musical. Every night tears in my eyes when this came. Marvelous, even without feathers!
In every note there's a masterclass.
And here I am, smiling and smiling...feeling so good about my life...thank you, AGAIN, John for bringing this good mood to my life!
The most talented man, he can do it all.
Words to live by in this day and age
In my opinion, this is the BEST ever version of this song
If there was ever a PERFECT performance of this song, this one is it. STUNNING!
I am what I am
I am my own special creation
So come take a look
Give me the hook or the ovation
It's my world that I want to have a little pride in
My world, and it's not a place I have to hide in
Life's not worth a damn
'Till you can say
"Hey World, I am what I am."
I am what I am
I don't want praise, I dont want pity
I bang my own drum
Some think it's noise I think its pretty
And so what, if I love each sparkle and each bangle
Why not try to see things from a different angle
Your life is a sham
'Till you can shout out loud
I am what I am
I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the aces, sometimes the deuces
There's one life, and there's no return and no deposit;
One life, so it's time to open up your closet
Life's not worth a damn
'Till you can say
"Hey world, I am what I am."
John, you are my sunshine.
Great performance, of anthem song. One life. No return. No deposit.
I started crying because he's so perfect....
I just stumbled on these John Barrowman performamces. He is fabulous in Spring Time For Hitler. I met him and we spoke briefly at a Starbucks in Earls Court years ago. A real stunner.
He's so amazing!!! Scott's a lucky freakin man!
Okay. I'm real and honest enough to proudly admit: this guy took this song to be Powerful. It wasn't about He/She S*it. Bravo.BRAVO
I have a deep undying love for this man.
Holy shit the man has a fabulous voice and he can really project!
I've watched several versions of this song, pero dito ako sa isang 'to naiyak. 😢🇵🇭
I've seen this video a number of time over the past few years and used it to teach me how to sing it properly.
I performed it at a stage musicals concert run by a new community theatre company a few weeks ago.
I am fully straight but a couple of my gay friends in the audience said that I had them believing I was on their side.
I love John singing...but this has got to be one of his VERY best!! Love this. He sings it with such authenticity.
I could watch this on repeat far too many times. He has sung this endlessly and I've seen him do it live but for me this is his (and for my money THE) definitive version. I love the uncomfortable, shameful beginning full of repression and intensity that builds into anger before finally exploding into joyous showmanship at the end. Simply perfect.
This is a good protest song, especially when sung with passion.
I need to listen to this every day...it never fails to lift me up, and makes me want to stand up and LIVE my life. Thank you JB, for this incredible rendition.
I've met him as well, and he was a complete sweetheart. People have bad days. Most people aren't expected to sign a bunch of things and take photos with fans even on their bad days.
This may mean a lot to people, me myself as well; but undeniably the orchestra and John Barrowman's performance are absolutely golden!
John really knocked it out of the park!
The emotive power is so vocally thrilling to hear, listen & admire
Just so beautifully magnificent. I love John Barrowman. Tyler Lord Hamilton
of all the great performers who have done this song
somehow i find his version the most pleasurable
i don't know why
Oh My Gosh, how can one person have so much talent???
John barrowman is awesome, he is the true JB, not justin bieber!
I love how he really mean every word he says!!!
fabulous
I always love to hear John Barrowman sing, he always gives a wonderful performance. I really wish one day I would see him live.
John's amazing in person. I met him last year at a Fan Con.( He plays Captain Jack on Doctor Who.)
I love when he lets himself get in to it, full voice, full body.
So spectacular to watch.
His singing certainly knocked my socks off!!
WE were soo fortunate last fall to catch John in LONDON performing at The Victoria in La Cage. It was amazing as he is. John Barrowman - beautiful voice - beautiful person inside and out!
I love John Barrowman, can't get enough of him - love him in every role he has played and hope he has a very, very long and successful career.
I'm crying. How does this man even exist? I THOUGHT EVERYONE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE FLAWS.
This I consider the most touching and humane performance of this song. This made my heart ache, celebrate and embrace my own personal life. Thank You very much Mr John Barrowman!!!!!
I love your rendition, John. Brilliant stuff...
GOD BLESS JOHN BARROWMAN!!!!!!
Knowing I am on the same Team as Barrowman, how could I NOT be proud?? Thank you, John, for that.
Saw him in la cage last week
He really is a one man show! Love him =)
Love you John.Standing ovation,always!
He sings this song fantastically just like every single song he sings
If there was ever a notion to be celebrate, it’s that you are what you are 🌟😁
He's just awesome. Wow can he sing.
Fabulous!
Great singer!! great song!! luv him!!
Is from La Cage Aux Folles
there is no bubble to burst, dear Bob, Mr Barrowman just happens the have an awesome voice and he really can do that, have you never seen him perform before?
Gosh! His voice! I'm so glad that there are so many awesome out actors and singers!
You Are What You Are - and it's Perfection, John.
I think that this is the best version of the song. I like the other versions of John Barrowman but I think that this is his best performance of the song because it realy feels like he's alive
This guy is my favorite person!
He's thee ulitmaate guuy!! He's a wonderful person, actor nd a greaat singer!! I wiish i couuld meet hiim!!
That ... that left me breathless.
John this is my song. You do it justice! Thank you for the hug! ❤️
cuz of you, i cant stop watchin it :L whenever feel down, i play it and it boosts me right up :P but on an unrelated note...... COME BACK I MISS YOU!
One of the greatest torch songs ever written!!
John Barrowman is a really talented artist! And i do love this song! Thanks for this beautiful moment!
This is the best version
Literal goose bumps.
My absolute favorite rendition. Such a powerful performance.
this year,he was in la cage aux folles
for about 3 weeks,i saw him in his second
preforemance,it was one of the best things i have ever seen or heard,(and i have seen around 13 west end shows)
this is only a fraction of how good it was live
John is absolutely awesome as always. Fantastic singer, actor and friend
Oh, my God. I could practically /taste/ the emotion spilling from him in this one. I much prefer this performance to the one from The Sound of Musicals.
I saw this live last night, at La Cage Aux Folles
it was absolutely fantastic!
I love this song and all that it stands for, of course that is John Barrowman all over. He is a great guy and, not that i am saying that it is a bad thing, even if he is gay he is a jolly hot fella.
I wish I could meet him, he sounds like a wonderful man. I have moved to a new country, and I want to know how he dealt with it, if he was old enough to remember.
In conclusion, John Barrowman is amazing and he legacy shall live forever.
Omg I totally love Jonathan Barrowman
Beautiful and thank you!
This is very good, John does this very well. But anyone who truly loves this song needs to here Anthony Warlow's version.
This song is on his 'Centre Stage' album.
Anthony Warlow has an amazing tone, and beautiful expression, I give him 5 gold stars.
Be sure to check him out, he is truly worth it, and I assure you, anyone who appriciates voices and music, will fall head over heels with Mr. Warlow.
once more, John. sublime. angelic. so glad you are here on earth to bring these songs your individual excellence.
wonderful, masterful, beautiful!
he has such a distinctive voice but in a good way! his voice is great
I must say this is a different version of John barrowman singing it to what i have seen before, and he is much better at it in this one than his other. I originally thought he was no good at it but after seeing him sing it this time, he was great!!!
Standing ovation here. Thank you for shharing.
Best ever version, John B.
i was gonna say!! wow!!!
Hes gorgeous for a start, and hes got the voice to match! Hes brilliant!
talent ! hes got it allright.good on him.
I saw him do this live onstage playing Albin in La Cage in London back in 2009. By far one of the greatest theatre performances I've seen and just unbelievably chilling from the sheer perfection.
I've watched the other videos in which he sings this, and this is by far the best, the most heartfelt, and I think that's partly because when he drops that note at 1:13, he just goes on even more passionately. It shows the kind of person he is, he messed up, so he's going to go on and make it the best it can possibly be.
He puts so much emotion into his voice! I love him!!!
Definitely the worlds most perfect example of a man. Love him
Powerful & compelling!! This guy is a STAR!!
his voice is so beautiful
this is REAL talent
he deserves the recognition
he's phenomenal. he blows me away. he is the definition of perfection. He sang this in concert and i saw him in Nottingham... i nearly passed out- the combination of his beauty, his voice, the emotion he puts in, and the song could have made me cry. Made me go all gooey!! x
cant stop watching! hes amazing!
Heard him sing this live last night in Brighton. Can never get enough of John and his beautiful voice