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Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 4 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; AcatXIo, Агзам Гайсин, Nika Akin from Pixabay]Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 4  features songs by Chaka Khan, Joe Tex, Jordan Firstman, Juno Lev, Morgan Wallen, and Peder Elias.

The keyword is the pronoun, I, hence, Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 4. Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 4 follows up Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs (2021), Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 (2024), and Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 3 (2025). The criterion is simple: every song must feature some form of the pronoun, I, in the title.  There are lots of “I” songs.  This list is limited to 13.  Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 4  features songs by Chaka Khan, Joe Tex, Jordan Firstman, Juno Lev, Morgan Wallen (twice), and Peder Elias. So, without further ado, embrace the power of I! 


~ Table of Contents ~

1. Joe Tex, “I Gotcha” 2. Jordan Firstman, “I wanna see my friends dicks” 3. Chaka Khan, “I’m Every Woman” 4. Juno Lev, “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)”
5. Morgan Wallen, “I’m The Problem” 6. Peder Elias, “If I Got a Dollar” 7. Luther Vandross,  “If I Didn’t Know Better” 8. Heather Headley, “All The Man That I Need” – Whitney Houston cover
9. LUKAS OSCAR, “So Romantic U + I” 10. Morgan Wallen, “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” (Ft. Post Malone) 11. The Clash, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” 12. The O’Jays, “I Swear, I Love No One but You”
13. Carl Bean, “I Was Born This Way”      

 


1. Joe Tex, “I Gotcha”

Greatest Hits // Curb // 1991

Joe Tex, Greatest Hits [📷: Curb]“I gotcha / Uh-huh, uh / You thought I didn’t see you now, didn’t ya, uh.” Gifted but short-lived southern soul singer/songwriter Joe Tex (1935 – 1982) delivered an R&B bop for the ages with “I Gotcha”. Fun and energetic to the nth degree, Tex ‘gives his all.” “Uh-huh, uh / You tried to sneak by me now, didn’t ya?” he continues in the epic chorus, concluding, “Now give me what you promised me, give it here / Come on.” Tex penned the two-and-a-half-minute gem, which was originally intended for another southern soul legend, King Floyd (1945 – 2006). Buddy Killen produced it. “I Gotcha” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the RIAA.

There are many reasons why “I Gotcha” is the bop that it is. Joe Tex delivers assertive and playful lead vocals.  There is ample energy, personality, and spirit. In the bridge preceding the first verse, Tex has us all screaming, “Good God!” He is gritty when he sings, as well as the ‘rapped’ (spoken word) vocals. “You promised me the day that you quit your boyfriend / I’d be the next one to ease on in,” he sings memorably in the first verse, continuing, “You promised me it would be just us two, yeah / And I’d be the only man kissin’ on you, yeah.” Both verses are followed by a delightful bridge, which is followed by the potent chorus.  The best iteration of the chorus is the final one: “Good God, I gotcha, ha-ha-ha / Oh, I gotcha / Give it up, I gotcha / Give it on here, I gotcha.”  Beyond the songwriting and electrifying singing, “I Gotcha” is funky as hell. It has one of the most kick-ass bass lines that you’ll ever hear – it’ll change your life! Also, those exuberant, articulated horns are the sugar, honey, iced tea.  If you have never heard this scintillating, southern soul class, you are missing out!

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2. Jordan Firstman, “I wanna see my friends dicks”

Secrets // Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc. // 2025

Jordan Firstman, I wanna see my friends dicks [📷: Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc.]“I wanna see my friends’ dicks out at the bar / I wanna see my friends’ dicks, don’t care if it’s hard.” So, even if it’s flaccid, Jordan Firstman wants to see it. Noted. With a title like “I wanna see my friends dicks”, little needs to be analyzed or explained. “I wanna see my friends dicks” is the second track from the actor/comedian/musician’s 2025 debut album, Secrets. The two lines excerpted from the unforgettable chorus provide context, if it was needed, that is. Firstman and producer Blake Slatkin wrote this infectious, outlandish, and risqué pop joint. Beyond co-writing, Slatkin puts in work behind the boards. Is “I wanna see my friends dicks” gay? You bet your D it is!

Jordan Firstman, Secrets [📷: Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc.]Yes, “I wanna see my friends dicks” is a gay sex song.  There is no denying that! But take this NSFW gay pop single with a grain of salt 🧂. It is meant to be fun and carefree.  See verse two:

“So go to the bathroom and fluff it up

Whatever you need to do (Mhm)

I just think, I don’t know, it could be fun and cool

To see all seven inches 📏 of you 🍆 (That’s big).”

Well, well, well! Depending on who you are, you are either laughing your ass off or clutching your pearls 😜 😳! On the bridge, fittingly, Jordan lists, and in some cases, describes his friends’ penises.  “Dan’s uncut, Blake is thick / Girthy, hooded, short or long / Come on bro, show me that schlong.” Lawdy! The lyrics thrive off innuendo and, dick, duh! You won’t be able to get “I wanna see my friends dicks” out of your head. I sure can’t!

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3. Chaka Khan, “I’m Every Woman”

Chaka // Warner // 1978 

Chaka Khan, Chaka [📷: Warner]“I’m every woman, it’s all in me / Anything you want done, baby, I’ll do it naturally.” Ah, the empowerment, and you don’t have to be a woman to appreciate and embrace it! “I’m Every Woman” commences Chaka, the 1978 gold-certified debut album by the one-and-only Chaka Khan (1953 – ). Nikolas Ashford (1942 – 2011) and Valerie Simpson (1946 – ) penned a dynamic debut solo single for Khan, one of the greatest singers EVER. Arif Mardin produced it. Unsurprisingly, the song was nominated for the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female.  A success on the pop charts, “I’m Every Woman” peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.  As of October 7, 2024, “Woman” was certified gold.

So, what makes “I’m Every Woman” a masterpiece? It begins with Chaka Khan.  Her voice is high-flying – dynamic, expressive, nuanced, and sublime.  Those biting high notes give you chills.  The songwriting is fantastic, the expectation from a dynamic duo like Ashford & Simpson. Chaka lists all the great things women can do.  “I can cast a spell / With secrets you can’t tell,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Mix a special brew / Put fire inside of you.” Oh, snap! In the second verse, she can  “sense your needs,” but she’s got plenty of good old-fashioned love. Say that, Chaka! The bridge distinguishes itself in sound but maintains the empowered sensibilities: “And don’t bother to compare / ‘Cause I’ve got it.” Indeed!  Beyond the singing and songwriting, the musical accompaniment and production are terrific. The dance/disco/funk aesthetic is masterfully established from the get-go. The backdrop is colorful with a rich palette of sounds.  The rhythm section is locked in, anchored by a mean groove, sweet keys, a big, athletic bass line, and a sick rhythmic guitar.  The orchestra is lit, with elegant, rhythmic strings.  Beyond Khan’s lead vocals, the backing vocals deserve shout-outs, amplifying her sickening lead. “I’m Every Woman” is Chaka Khan at her best. The late, great Whitney Houston famously covered it!

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4. Juno Lev, “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)”

when they find your body // Milkboy // 2021

Juno Lev, when they find your body (EP)[📷: Milkboy]“I spent all of last night in god’s bed / Mom, please don’t get upset / ‘Cause now I’ll be immortalized / I’ll be immortalized.” Ooh-wee, Juno Lev (Jack Braun, who formerly performed as Jackfruit), I’m speechless 😶! Anytime spirituality is woven into music, it creates a compelling, thought-provoking listen.  “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)” is a prime example of a song with spiritual elements that easily catches the ears. The open-minded and progressive souls will eat this up, while those who are the most god-fearing will cry foul.  “I saw god in a Trader Joe’s / Buying organic blueberries / Prettiest man I’d ever seen.” Noted, Juno Lev. “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)” is the fourth track from their 2021 EP, when they find your body. Juno Lev produced this LGBTQ gem with the talented Zach Benson. 

After god kissed Juno Lev, with dried apricots in one hand, they assert, “I think my teeth are gonna rot.” The other experiences with god (Lev uses ‘god’ lowercased throughout) are questionable too, including “Lips sliding open in a prayer” (a blowjob), and stating that sex with him was “As close to heaven as I’ll get”.  Arguably the best line: “Second coming in a bathroom stall / But now god won’t return my calls, wrote him a love letter.” Holy shit! Beyond mixing queer sex and god, the music is heavenly on “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better).” The electronic sound palette (keys and pads) shine.  The drum programming and snaps that arrive during the second verse are sweet.  The snare drumming is a superb touch. Of course, Lev is the star, singing expressively and gorgeously.  They are authentic to the nth degree, even as the lyrics are playful… and blasphemous 🤭. Adding to the allure are tuneful melodies from the get-go.  Oh, and how about one final lyrical shout-out?  At the end, can I get an “Amen, ah men?” Perhaps the sex could’ve gone better on “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)”, but the song remains a surefire, queer-to-the-nth-degree bop! We Stan!

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~ Table of Contents ~

5. Morgan Wallen, “I’m The Problem”

I’m The Problem // Big Loud / Mercury / Republic // 2025

Morgan Wallen, I’m The Problem [📷: Big Loud / Mercury]“And how do you explain / Ever fallin’ in love with a guy like me in the first place,” Grammy-nominated country musician Morgan Wallen asks her in the first verse of “I’m The Problem”, the title track from his fourth studio album.  He adds, “Then turn around, say that I’m the worst thing?” My, my, my! Wallen, ERNEST, Grady Block, Jamie McLaughlin, and producer Charlie Handsome (Ryan Vojtesak) penned the problematic, three-minute song.  “I’m The Problem” is set in a minor key, fitting for a problem song from a problematic man like Wallen! His talent is undeniable, regardless. Singing beautifully, showing off his rich tone, Wallen asserts in the chorus, “I guess I’m the problem / And you’re Ms. ‘Never Do No Wrong’ / If I’m so awful / Then why’d you stick around this long?” Ooh-wee!  The verses and choruses are terrific.  The bridge brings contrast yet still fits the overall vibe. Beyond strong vocals and simple but effective songwriting, “I’m the Problem” benefits from tuneful melodies.  The country-tinged production is sweet with its fair share of thoughtful touches.  It doesn’t throw everything instrumentally at the listener at once, growing incrementally more robust in instrumentation and sound. All in all, “I’m The Problem” is another enjoyable, well-rounded Morgan Wallen song that plays well to his fan base.

~ Table of Contents ~

6. Peder Elias, “If I Got a Dollar”

“If I Got a Dollar” // Peder Elias / Sony Music Entertainment Norway AS // 2025

Peder Elias, If I Got a Dollar [📷: Peder Elias / Sony Music Entertainment Norway AS]“Crazy / How you’re back and forth with me lately,” Peder Elias (Peder Elias Eriksrud Kjørholt) sings in the first verse of “If I Got a Dollar”. He continues, “Up, down, like a trampoline baby / One day you’re so into me, next day falling out.” Love and relationships can be complicated to the nth degree.  Even so, the Norwegian singer, songwriter, and producer approaches “If I Got a Dollar” with enthusiasm. Go figure.  This major-key pop gem was penned by Elias, Ryan Bickley, and Freedo. Freedo also produced it. “Stop making a mess out of my mind / You know that you’re killing me with those hazel eyes,” Elias sings in the second verse, adding, “I need help, help running from you.” Oh, snap! Truthfully, once you are enticed by someone, even if they hurt you, it can be hard to let go, particularly when physical appearance and pleasure come into the picture. Accompanied by a stellar music backdrop, including rhythmic guitar, Peder ‘brings it’ with his warm vocals and lovely tone. He does a marvelous job of bringing the tuneful melodies to life, particularly the centerpiece, the chorus:

“If I got a dollar every time that you broke my heart

If I got a dollar for each fight that you took too far

I’d live in a penthouse, uptown, roll out fancy cars

If I got a dollar every time that you broke my heart

I’d bе a millionaire.”

Yep, that is where the money comes into the mix! During the bridge, his hypothetical richness is further explored, with clear separation from the verses and chorus, and some sweet falsetto. One other highlight from the fab “If I Got a Dollar” is the post-chorus, where the instrumental slaps. Despite his heartbreak, Peder Elias perks our ears up ‘something fierce’ in this pop bop.

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7. Luther Vandross,  “If I Didn’t Know Better”

Dance with My Father // Sony Music Entertainment // 2003

Luther Vandross, Dance With My Father [📷: Sony Music Entertainment]Dance with My Father is a significant album in the Luther Vandross discography.  It was the late Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter’s 13th and final studio album.  Before the album was released in 2003, Vandross suffered a severe stroke. In 2005, he passed away, at age 54 from complications of a stroke.  Dance with My Father begins with a super-smooth, adult contemporary R&B bop, “If I Didn’t Know Better” penned by Vandross, Reed Vertelney, and Ezekiel Lewis.  Vandross produced it.  “If I Didn’t Know Better” finds Luther Vandross at his best.  His vocals are silky smooth – simply angelic.  As he sings, it never sounds like Vandross breaks a sweat. The production is firmly planted in a grown folks’ brand of R&B but doesn’t sound out of touch with the contemporary R&B of the aughts either. In “If I Didn’t Know Better,” the girl, Luther’s friend, has a man. However, Vandross believes their friendship is more.  “I see the things that your man can’t see,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “And who is there for you and love you like no other  / Then you kiss and tell me that you love me like a brother.”  In the second verse, he admits his ‘read’ on the situation could be incorrect, but “I don’t rub up on my friends that way.” Ooh-wee! Besides his brilliant vocals, Luther is supported by sweet background vocals. The chorus is the centerpiece with Vandross expanding on their ‘relationship’:

“If I didn’t know better

I’d think that you were mine, you’re with me all the time

If I didn’t know better

I’d swear we’re more than friends, you’re touching me again

If I didn’t know better

I’d think we were in love

Girl, do you wanna tell me something?

Oh, oh, oh.” 

“If I Didn’t Know Better” is a fine non-single from Dance with My Father that deserves its flowers.

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8. Heather Headley, “All The Man That I Need” – Whitney Houston cover

Broadway My Way // in:ciite // 2018

Heather Headley, Broadway My Way [📷: in:ciite]“He fills me up, he gives me love / More love than I’ve ever seen.” “All The Man That I Need” is a timeless R&B classic popularized by Whitney Houston. Many other artists have covered this song, originally released by Linda Clifford.  In 2018, R&B/gospel singer and actress Heather Headley recorded her superb rendition of “All The Man That I Need”. It is the sixth track from her 2018 covers album, Broadway My Way.

Headley is supported by warm, adult contemporary production. Among the instrumentation are the rhythm section and strings. The tempo is slow and relaxed. As Headley sings, she is never in a hurry, keeping things cool, calm, and collected throughout.  She never forces things and sings with a gorgeous tone.  A key difference compared to the definitive version (Houston’s) is no background vocals.  The biggest moments lack the added depth of a choir, but Headley compensates with her pitch-perfect vocal riffs and runs.  One of her most impressive runs finds her ascending into her ripe upper register, signaling a mean-sounding electric guitar solo.  There is an awesome key change where Headley ‘goes to town’ with jazzy nuances. Covering Whitney Houston is an elephantine task, but Heather Headley makes “All The Man That I Need” hers and does a ‘bang up’ job.

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9. LUKAS OSCAR, “So Romantic U + I”

“So Romantic U + I” // LUKAS OSCAR // 2025

LUKAS OSCAR, So Romantic U + I [📷: LUKAS OSCAR]“You show up unannounced at night / That creepy hour between 3 and 5.” So, LUKAS OSCAR (Lukas Oscar Janisch), this nameless person arrives at an unholy hour? Hmm, I have so many questions.  There seems to be an ‘intimate encounter’ in “So Romantic U + I”. Oscar continues singing in the brief, sub-two-minute song, “Then you blind the room in sequins / Plastic pupils in your plastic eyes.” Intriguing, thought-provoking lyrics. Sequins are obnoxiously bright and eye-catching.  Are they so bright that they have created googly eyes (plastic pupils and plastic eyes)? The Gen-Z Filipino Austrian musician penned and produced this romantic indie pop joint.

“And it’s so romantic you and I

And that one guy that’s watching from outside

We’re one big family

One home…”

Again, the lyrics are thought-provoking. Later, OSCAR requests, “Cut the lights,” adding some odd, open-to-interpretation lyrics: “Mh mh cut the l1ghts c0ldled fe1n r1gh / G0t the l1ghts fu0 me c1t1 r1ght.” Say what, now?! It sounds sexual… Supporting this intimate experience with this nameless person is a great production. It features an awesome groove – a dusty, soulful hip-hop beat. Besides the beat, superb music cues include low-key synths and pads.  Also, ‘low-key’ is Oscar’s vocals.  They sound chill and laid-back.  He is expressive yet manages to sound both indulgent and nonchalant simultaneously.  The melodies are tuneful even when Lukas drops the less decipherable lyrics. “So Romantic U + I” feels sexy without being explicit or overt.

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10. Morgan Wallen, “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” (Ft. Post Malone)

I’m The Problem // Big Loud / Mercury / Republic // 2025

Morgan Wallen, I’m The Problem [📷: Big Loud / Mercury]“I’m a redneck / ‘Cause I drink beer, and I dip Skoal / Guess I’m a rambler / ‘Cause I can’t not be on the road.” Grammy-nominated country musician, Morgan Wallen collaborates with a familiar face on “I Ain’t Comin’ Back”: Post Malone (Austin Post). “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” is the 27th track (!) from Wallen’s 37-track (!) fourth studio album, I’m The Problem. The writers are familiar: Wallen, Malone, Louis Bell, HARDY, ERNEST, and Charlie HandsomeJoey Moi produced it. Wallen establishes who he is in the first verse, excerpted above. He concludes the verse with a bang: “And I’m the gambler / I’ll take the over on the underdog, huh.” He goes on to sing the pre-chorus (“Girl, half of this town has got a name for me…”), as well as the chorus.  It is in the chorus where Morgan asserts, “There’s a lot of reasons I ain’t Jesus, but the main one is that I ain’t comin’ back.” His vocals are robust and filled with southern twang. Post Malone contrasts in the second verse with his signature vibrato.  Playing into the unwanted theme, Post sings, “Go throw your pebbles / I’ll be somewhere gettin’ stoned.” Gettin’ stoned has a double meaning, of course! Post sings most of the chorus that follows, with Wallen handling the bridge (like the pre-chorus), and both musicians performing the final chorus. Ultimately, “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” is an enjoyable and respectable song, though not as catchy as their previous collaboration, “I Had Some Help”.

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11. The Clash, “Should I Stay or Should I Go”

Combat Rock // Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited // 1982

The Clash, Combat Rock [📷: Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited]“Should I stay, or should I go now?”  That is a key question for The Clash, an English rock band comprised of the late Joe Strummer (1952 – 2002), Mick Jones (1955 – ), Paul Simonon (1955 – ), and Topper Headon (1955 – ). Among the band’s most beloved songs is “Should I Stay or Should I Go”,  the third track on their 1982 multiplatinum, fifth studio album, Combat Rock.  In the chorus, Jones, who sings lead on this particular track, continues, “If I go, there will be trouble / And if I stay, it will be double / So come on and let me know.”  “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was written by Jones and Strummer. Notably, it peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, what makes “Should I Stay or Should I Go” kick ass and take names? It begins with heavy, hard-rocking guitar and bass riffs. The spirit of rock and roll is written all over it 🤘! It is anchored by a superb groove carried by Topper’s mean drumming. Headon provides a signature groove contrast with the double time feel during the chorus. The songwriting is infectious, with Jones bringing the memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies to life.  Matters of the heart drive the narrative.  “Darling, you got to let me know / Should I stay, or should I go?” Jones asks, continuing in the first verse, “If you say that you are mine / I’ll be here till the end of time.” In the second verse, he asserts, “It’s always tease, tease, tease / You’re happy when I’m on my knees.” The third includes Spanish! “This indecision’s bugging me (Esta indecisión me molesta) / If you don’t want me, set me free (Si no me quieres, librarme).” A rock classic, the brilliance and timelessness of “Should I Stay or Should I Go” speaks for itself.

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12. The O’Jays, “I Swear, I Love No One but You”

Message In The Music // Sony Music Entertainment // 1976

The O’Jays, Message In The Music [📷: Sony Music Entertainment]“Wood that’s wet will never burn… / Until you dry it / Baby, then you try it.” Hmm, thought-provoking, The O’Jays. So, what is the point? “Love is like that too / One won’t do, it’s gotta be me and you.” The Philly soul collective has matters of the heart on their mind.  That is something that Eddie Levert and Walter Williams Sr. have excelled at throughout The O’Jays’ illustrious career.  The love-oriented song at hand, “I Swear, I Love No One but You”, is the seventh track from their 1976 album, Message In The Music. This non-single was written by the late great Bunny Sigler (1941 – 2017).

 “I Swear, I Love No One but You” thrives off its slow, relaxed tempo, lush, soulful backdrop (the orchestra and rhythm section), and dynamic vocals.  The lead vocals (Levert) are top-notch, commanding, and oozing with soul. “Let me love you tenderly, tenderly, tenderly, tenderly,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “We need each other / Baby, I’m your lover.”  The background vocals are no slouch either, filling things out with decadent harmonies. The chorus is sublime: 

“‘Cause I swear I love no one but you

Honey, no one will do, oh

I swear I love no one but you

Honey, no one will ever do.” 

Beyond the chorus, another ‘award-winning’ moment is the ending.  The tempo increases, launching into a full-on disco.  It feels right! “I Swear, I Love No One but You” deserved much more love, all said and done.  Notably, it has been sampled by “Get Down Like That” by Ne-Yo,  “No One Will Do” by Mary J. Blige, and “My Name Is Leak Jones” by Lil Wayne. “Swear” is an underrated Philly soul classic. 

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13. Carl Bean, “I Was Born This Way”

“I Was Born This Way” // BMG Rights Management (US) LLC // 1977

Carl Bean, I Was Born This Way [📷: BMG Rights Management (US) LLC]“I’m walking through life / In nature’s disguise, yeah / You laugh at me / And you criticize me, yeah.” Sad 😢, but damn true, unfortunately. Why the bullying? “‘Cause I’m happy / Carefree and gay / Yes, I’m gay / It ain’t a fault it’s a fact.” Carl Bean (1944 – 2021) recorded a gay, disco anthem for the ages with  “I Was Born This Way”, released in 1977.  “I Was Born This Way” ‘turned the gay clubs up’ with its liberated lyrics, infectious groove, and those marvelous 1970s symphonic cues (horns 🎺 and strings 🎻). “I was born this way,” Bean sings proudly in the first verse, adding, “We’re all the way / Nature meant us to be.” The LGBTQ+ classic would inspire Gaga to record her beloved, powerful anthem, “Born This Way”.  “I Was Born This Way” was written by Chris Spierer and Bunny Jones.  It was first recorded by Valentino in 1975. Bean famously covered it in 1977.

A black musician recording a gay song in the 1970s was a big deal. Black gay musicians existed – they have always existed – but their sexuality was, more often than not, hidden.  In this case, Bean sang his truth, reemphasizing his identity in the chorus: happy, carefree, gay, and born this way.  In the second verse, he brings in a ‘higher power,’ God: “You’re calling me strange / ‘Cause you don’t understand / God’s role for me / In life’s overall plan.” What is interesting about this is how Bean would evolve.  He eventually became an archbishop.  Although openly gay, he founded a church for his community – the LGBTQ community. Sadly, it is not something associated with many churches, even well into the 2020s.  Despite the adversity, as “I Was Born This Way” continues, Bean touts the fact, “I really can be me,” “I want the world to know / I’m just ordinary folk,” and asserts, “I’m gonna carry on / One more time / I was born this way.” For Carl Bean, it took tremendous courage to ‘come out’ with “I Was Born This Way”.  This talented LGBTQ activist, singer, and pastor ‘paved the way’ for many to live their truth, particularly those who are brown and identify as LGBTQ.

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~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 4 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Big Loud, BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Curb, in:ciite, LUKAS OSCAR, Mercury, Milkboy, Openly Gay Productions, Peder Elias, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment Norway AS, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, UMG Recordings Inc., Warner; AcatXIo, Агзам Гайсин, Nika Akin from Pixabay]

 

Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.