As I Am

Dream Theater · Live At Budokan [2004]

Don't tell me what's in

Tell me how to write, don't tell me how to win this fight

Isn't your life

It isn't your right to take the only thing that's mine

Proven over time

It's over your head

Don't try to read between the lines

Are clearly defined

Never lose sight of something you believe in



Takin' in the view from the outside

Feeling like the underdog

Watching through the window I'm on the outside

Living like the underdog



I've been trying to justify you

In the end I will just defy you



To those who understand

I extend my hand

To the doubtful I demand

Take me as I am

Not under your command

I know where I stand

I won't change to fit your plan

Take me as I am

As I am



Still running uphill

Swimming against the current I wish I weren't so fucked

Feels like I'm stuck

Lost in a sea of mediocrity, slow down

You're thinking too much

Where is your soul? You cannot touch the way I play

Or tell me what to say

You're in the way of all that I believe in



Takin' in the view from the outside

Feeling like the underdog

Watching through the window I'm on the outside

Living like the underdog



I've been wasting my breath on you

Open minds will descend upon you



To those who understand

I extend my hand

To the doubtful I demand

Take me as I am

Not under your command

I know where I stand

I won't change to fit your plan

Take me as I am



To those who understand

I extend my hand

To the doubtful I demand

Take me as I am

Not under your command

I know where I stand

I won't change to fit your plan

Take me as I am

As I am, yeah

As I am