On March 15th, ZAYN released his new song ‘What I Am’. Following up on his last album that came out in 2021, Zayn is planning on releasing a new album very soon titled Room Under the Stairs. In an interview with Rolling Stone, ZAYN stated: “I wanted each song to feel as if it was just me sitting beside you telling you how I feel, singing directly to you”, and that exact statement is very noticeable in this new single.
Starting off with strong lyrics such as “Am I crazy? / Am I foolish? / Am I stupid for playing these games with you?”, it becomes clear that he’s struggling with his feelings and asking questions to someone we assume is a past lover. With his recognizable, angelic voice he only emphasizes what he’s telling the listener.
In ‘What I Am’ it sounds like ZAYN is trying to escape a toxic relationship, while it also seems like he wants to stay in it or go back to. With lyrics like “I’ve had enough of running ‘round this board game”, it becomes clear that he is sick of the toxic cycle he and his lover are stuck in.
“Don’t take me for what I’m saying / Just take me for what I am” makes the song even more emotional than it already was. ZAYN makes himself very vulnerable in this song, which can only lead to more curiosity for what his other songs will bring.
Written by: Sem Van Poucke
Edited by: Nèri Cliteur
