Given recent goings on, it’s hard to believe that t.A.T.u. were once LGBT pin-ups. Between their outing as faux lesbians and band member Julia Volkova’s homophobic comments, the homoerotic “All The Things She Said” is a distant memory. But fear not. Lena Katina, the other half of the duo, is doing her best to revive the inclusive essence of the band’s early years. First by publicly condemning Julia’s unfortunate remarks, and now through the release of her comeback solo single “Who I Am”.
The track is an ode to all society’s outcasts. Whether they be gay, straight, bi, trans or questioning. Black or white. Male or female. Young or old. The lyrics achieve the rare feat of being both universal and deeply personal all at once, harking back to her former group’s other big hit, “Not Gonna Get Us”. The repetitive chorus enables the song to build into a rousing anthem, which Lena pulls off with aplomb.
“Who I Am” may not have the same lasting power as some of the 2003 Russian representatives’ biggest successes, but it sets Katina apart as one of the more artistically intriguing Eurovision alumni. We can’t wait to see what comes next!
Lena Katina “Who I Am” Official Video
Lena Katina “Who I Am” Lyrics
I can be weak
I can be powerful
My emotions taking ahold of me
Lock myself in
Get sentimental
Call it what you want
This is what you get
Live this moment, breathe the future
This is who I am am
Who I am
This is who I am am
Who I am
No more games or disbelieving
This is who I am am
Who I am
This is who I am am
Who I am
Stop to analyze your feelings
You can be sure
You should believe me
I have nothing to hide from you
I would never deceive you
If I wore a mask
You still can see me through
I will never turn into something I’m not
This is who I am am
Who I am
This is who I am am
Who I am
No more games or disbelieving
This is who I am am
Who I am
This is who I am am
Who I am
Stop to analyze your feelings
I know we need to compromise
We both need to sacrifice
Lower the guards, remove our defenses
There is nothing we can’t overcome
Now that all the doubts are done
Love set us free
This is who I am am
Who I am
This is who I am am
Who I am
This is who I am am
Who I am
This is who I am am
Who I am
No more games or disbelieving
This is who I am am
Who I am
This is who I am am
Who I am
Stop to analyze your feelings
Photo: Lena Katina via Facebook
love it!!