Who I Am

"Who I Am" is a powerful declaration of self-identity and a rejection of conformity. At its core, the song explores the tension between societal expectations and personal authenticity. The lyrics serve as an inner monologue turned outward, addressing the pressure to fit into a specific mold or follow a pre-determined path.

The central theme is the celebration of imperfection and individuality. By stating, "I'll make my own mistakes till I'm wrong in all the right ways," the artists reframe failure not as something to be feared, but as an essential part of the human experience and personal growth. It suggests that success defined by others is hollow, while a life lived authentically—even with its stumbles—is the only one worth living.

Musically and lyrically, the song also touches on the feeling of being an outsider ("I do not fit into the crowd"). However, instead of painting this as a negative experience, it is presented as a source of strength and clarity. The realization that "this is who I am" brings a sense of peace and resolution, transforming the anxiety of not fitting in into the joy of standing out.

The narrative begins with a firm rejection of external control. The protagonist addresses an unseen authority or society at large, refusing to adhere to arbitrary rules set by others. There is a clear declaration of independence: they will not be broken or molded into someone else's ideal. Instead, they choose to embrace their own path, acknowledging that they will make mistakes, but these mistakes are their own to own and learn from. The lyrics suggest a process of trial and error that is necessary for authentic growth, striving to be "wrong in all the right ways."

As the story progresses, the protagonist advises their detractors to save their sympathy and tears. There is no regret or sadness in their choice to be different; rather, there is a sense of purpose. They refuse to mimic the behavior of the crowd, asserting that their current state is simply their natural being. The imagery shifts to a dreamer's perspective, with a "head in the clouds," symbolizing high aspirations and a detachment from the mundane or conformist "crowd" on the ground. This detachment is not portrayed as isolation, but as a moment of clarity where everything finally makes sense—this unique identity is exactly who they are meant to be.

The resolve strengthens in the continuing verses, reiterating the refusal to play by rigged rules. The narrative voice finds comfort in the realization that fitting in was never the goal. The song concludes with a reaffirmation of this identity, celebrating the freedom found in self-acceptance and the peace that comes with finally understanding one's own nature amidst a world that tries to enforce uniformity.

Released on January 4, 2024, "Who I Am" marks a significant collaboration between Norwegian producer Alan Walker, Indonesian singer-songwriter Putri Ariani, and Norwegian artist Peder Elias. The song holds special significance for Walker as it was released near the 10-year anniversary of his breakthrough hit, "Fade," symbolizing a decade of his artistic journey.

The track's melody samples "Karius og Baktus," a famous Norwegian children's film and play music composed by Christian Hartmann. This nostalgic sample provides a whimsical yet marching foundation for the song. The collaboration came about organically; Walker was inspired by Putri Ariani after seeing her cover his song "Not You" and witnessing her success on America's Got Talent. He felt her voice and story of resilience perfectly matched the song's theme. Peder Elias, a fellow Norwegian with a rising pop profile, added a complementary vocal texture.

The official music video and a special "Restrung" performance video were filmed in the breathtaking mountains of Åndalsnes, Norway. The production faced challenges, including intense winter winds that nearly disrupted the shoot, yet the harsh environment ultimately contributed to the video's epic and resilient atmosphere.

The song primarily follows an AABB or ABAB rhyme scheme in the verses, keeping the structure simple and accessible, which is typical for anthemic pop music. For example, "rules / you" creates a slant rhyme, while "tears / me" (followed by "them / am") relies on assonance and near-rhymes to maintain flow without feeling rigid.

Rhythmically, the vocal delivery is syncopated against the steady, marching beat of the instrumental. The meter is consistent, driving the listener forward. The pacing of the lyrics—short, punchy phrases in the verses building to longer, sustained notes in the chorus—mirrors the emotional journey from frustration with constraints to the relief of release and acceptance.

Musical Techniques:
The production is quintessentially Alan Walker, characterized by a downtempo but driving electronic beat (approx. 109 BPM) and atmospheric synthesizers. The track creates a "galloping" rhythm that mimics a march, instilling a sense of forward momentum and determination. The use of orchestral elements, particularly in the "Restrung" version, adds a cinematic quality that elevates the pop track to an anthem. The contrast between Putri Ariani's soulful, powerful range and Peder Elias's smooth, clear pop vocals creates a dynamic vocal texture.

Literary/Lyrical Techniques:
The lyrics employ repetition and parallelism (e.g., "Don't say this, don't say that") to mimic the nagging nature of external criticism. Antithesis is used in the line "wrong in all the right ways," juxtaposing "wrong" and "right" to redefine success. The chorus relies on a strong, declarative hook ("This is who I am") that serves as the emotional anchor of the song.

"Who I Am" quickly resonated with a global audience, particularly in Indonesia due to Putri Ariani's involvement, helping to bridge Western EDM with Southeast Asian pop markets. The song's message of self-acceptance struck a chord with the "Walker" fanbase (Alan Walker's community), who often value themes of unity and individuality.

The song also revived interest in the classic Norwegian melody Karius og Baktus, introducing a piece of Norwegian cultural heritage to an international Gen Z audience. Its viral success on platforms like TikTok contributed to the trend of using "sad-banger" anthems for motivational content. The "Restrung" version further showcased the song's versatility, moving it from dance floors to more acoustic, emotionally resonant spaces.

The lyrics utilize several key metaphors to convey the message of freedom and non-conformity:

• "Head in the clouds": deeply traditional imagery for a dreamer or someone detached from reality. Here, it is reclaimed as a positive symbol of having higher aspirations and a perspective that transcends the limited view of the "crowd."
• "Playing by the rules": represents the societal norms and expectations that stifle creativity and individuality. Breaking these rules is symbolized not as rebellion for its own sake, but as a necessary act of self-preservation.
• "Save all your tears": a metaphor for misplaced pity. The protagonist rejects the idea that being different is a tragedy, asserting that no sympathy is needed for someone who is living their truth.
• The Sample (Karius og Baktus): While not a lyrical metaphor, the musical interpolation of a march from a story about two tooth trolls (who are anti-heroes/troublemakers) subtly underscores the theme of being a "misfit" or an outsider within a structured system.

The phrase "Who I Am" is the central motif, repeated throughout the chorus and outro. It acts as a mantra of self-affirmation. Another significant recurring line is "Don't say this, don't say that," which mimics the noise of societal pressure. The musical motif from the Karius og Baktus sample is instrumental (literally) in establishing the track's identity; its repetitive, flute-like melody is instantly engaging and evokes a sense of playful but determined marching.