Lyrics – Chicago – I’m A Man

Originally written by Steve Winwood and Jimmy Miller for the Spencer Davis Group in 1967, “I’m a Man” found a second life when Chicago Transit Authority — later known simply as Chicago — reimagined it for their explosive 1969 debut album. The version of Chicago’s “I’m a Man” became a jam session staple during their early club gigs in the late ’60s.

 

 

[Instrumental Intro]

 

[Verse 1: Terry Kath]

Well my Daddy said I’m messy ’bout the whiskers on my chin
Never had no problems ’cause I’ve always paid the rent
I got no time for loving ’cause my time is all used up
I spend my time creating for some groovy kinds of love

 

[Chorus: All]

I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so
I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so

 

[Verse 2: Peter Cetera]

If I had my choice of matter, I’d rather be content
Being closer to the chatter, showing where your mind is at
While relating to each other, how strong your love could be
‘Cept for only sometimes groovy chicks you see

 

[Chorus: All]

I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so
I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so

 

[Verse 3: Robert Lamm]

I’ve got to keep my image, while I’m standing on the floor
If I drop upon my knees, it’s just to keep them on my nose
You think that I’m not human, and my heart is made of stone
But I’ve never had no problems, and my body’s pretty strong

 

[Chorus: All]

I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so
I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so

I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so
I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so

 

[Instrumental bridge]

 

[Verse 4: Peter Cetera]

If I had my choice of matter, I would rather be content
All engrossed in mental chatter, showin’ where your mind is at
While relating to each other, how good your love can be
Resisting only some times groovy chicks you see

 

[Chorus: All]

I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so
I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so

 

[Verse 5: Robert Lamm]

I’ve got to keep my image, while I’m standing on the floor
If I drop upon my knees, it’s just to keep them on my nose
You think that I’m not human, and my heart is made of stone
But I’ve never had no problems, and my body’s pretty strong

 

[Chorus: All]

I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so
Man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so
Man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so
Man, yes I am
And I can’t help but love you so

 

[Instrumental Outro]