Soft Power - I Am Lyrics

2019 Off-Broadway
Soft Power the Musical - I Am Lyrics


The song is written by David Henry Hwang & Jeanine Tesori.

DHH:
I am
I am a fake
Not Chinese, not American
Half and half doesn't always equal one

(spoken)
I'm the worst of both worlds

XUE XING: (spoken)
David, you're more Chinese than you think

DHH:
How can you say that?

XUE XING:
At McDonald's,
When you tried to grab the check?
That's Chinese

DHH:
It is?
All my life I've wondered
why no one ever tries to grab it back

XUE XING:
See? You've been trying to gain face

DHH:
I learned that from my father
Grab the check, pay the bill
Don't shame your assistant
when he can't keep up the pace
Let him keep his dignity,
Maintain his place
I guess that's face

XUE XING:
Yes, that's face

DHH: (spoken)
But I'm American too!

(sung)
I learned how to tell a story
One with soul and emotion
And filled with my devotion
To a dream I believed in
A dream we gave the world
That was my art

XUE XING:
I guess that's heart

DHH:
Yes, that's heart
Xing, you've helped me see
I don't have to play a role
I'm not two halves, I'm whole
Enough just as I am
It's something to be proud of
I guess that's love

XUE XING:
I guess that's love

DHH:
I am
I am Chinese
I am
I am American
I have both, face and heart
The world needs both
I am both

(spoken)
Tonight, democracy has broken my heart
I think, I think I'm gonna faint now

XUE XING: (spoken)
No no no no, stay with me
David? David?

(sung)
I am, I am afraid
Sadness isn't useful
Emotions mustn't guide you
Feelings always pass, they always

XUE XING:
What is this, "America?"
Why do I cry for America?



Other Songs: Soft Power the Musical Lyrics
I Am lyrics Soft Power the Musical


Soft Power the Musical Lyrics

Dutiful
Welcome to America
Fuxing Park
I'm With Her
It Just Takes Time
Election Night
I Am
Song of the Campaign
Happy Enough
Good Guy with A Gun
The New Silk Road
Democracy
Democracy (reprise)