What I Am
Skinflicks
Defiance and Identity: The Anthem of Skinhead Culture
The song 'What I Am' by Skinflicks is a powerful declaration of identity and defiance. The lyrics express a strong sense of individuality and resistance against societal norms and political labels. The opening lines, 'They tell you what clothes to wear / They tell you how to cut yer hair,' highlight the pressure to conform to societal expectations. However, the band proudly asserts their identity as skinheads, a subculture known for its distinctive style and rebellious attitude, with the lines, 'But we show what we are - we're skins! / We pull on the boots & roll up the jeans.' This imagery emphasizes their commitment to their subculture and their refusal to be molded by external influences.
The chorus, 'I'm not a nazi - I'm not a red! / I've had enough of yer politics,' underscores the band's rejection of political extremism. By distancing themselves from both far-right and far-left ideologies, they emphasize their desire to be seen as individuals rather than being pigeonholed into political categories. The repetition of 'I'm not a nazi - I'm not a red!' serves as a powerful statement against the oversimplification of their identity. The declaration, 'For all I am is a - skinhead! / That's what I am - that's all I wanna be,' reinforces their commitment to their subculture and their desire to be recognized for who they are, rather than being judged based on political affiliations.
The final verse, 'Don't want no right-wing politics / And no red-star-hypocrites / I won't kneel down in front of you / Even though you want me to!' further emphasizes their rejection of political dogma and hypocrisy. The use of 'right-wing politics' and 'red-star-hypocrites' highlights their disdain for both ends of the political spectrum. The line 'I won't kneel down in front of you' is a powerful assertion of their independence and refusal to submit to societal pressures. Overall, 'What I Am' is a bold anthem of self-identity and defiance, celebrating the skinhead subculture's values of individuality and resistance against conformity.
