I Am Her

Shea Diamond's 'I Am Her' is a powerful anthem that speaks to the experience of being an outcast and finding strength in one's identity. The song opens with the repeated assertion, 'There's an outcast in everybody's life, and I am her,' immediately setting the tone for a narrative of self-acceptance and resilience. Diamond, a transgender woman, uses her personal journey to highlight the universal feeling of being marginalized or misunderstood. The lyrics suggest that everyone has a 'shadow' or 'dark cloud' in their life, and for many, that shadow is embodied by those who don't fit societal norms.

The song delves into the struggles and societal judgments faced by those who are different. Lines like 'All that glitters isn't gold' and 'I've got so many issues and problems that I go through' reflect the internal and external battles that come with being an outcast. Diamond's reference to James 2:10, 'a sin is a sin,' challenges the hypocrisy of societal judgments, emphasizing that everyone has flaws and no one is without sin. This biblical reference adds a layer of depth, suggesting that moral judgment should be approached with humility and understanding.

Despite the challenges, 'I Am Her' is ultimately a song of empowerment. Diamond declares her independence and self-worth with lines like 'I get along swell by my goddamn self' and 'It's obvious I'm proud of me.' The song's defiant tone is a call to embrace one's true self, regardless of societal expectations or prejudices. By the end of the song, Diamond's repeated affirmation, 'I am her,' transforms from a statement of marginalization to one of pride and strength, making 'I Am Her' a resonant anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outcast.