Meaning of "A Man I Know" by Charles Pasi

"A Man I Know" dives deep into the emotional struggle of the narrator, who grapples with their own identity and societal expectations. The opening lines suggest that the narrator has tried to hide something, possibly their true self, but they no longer want to hide. This could reflect the societal pressure to conform to traditional notions of masculinity, forcing individuals to suppress their true emotions and vulnerability.

The line "Yes I've been through hell, and I'm still ashamed of what I am" reveals the internal torment the narrator has experienced due to societal norms. The shame they feel may stem from not living up to the expectations of being a "man" or conforming to what society deems as acceptable.

The repeated statement "I try to wake up" implies a longing for self-acceptance and authenticity. The narrator feels like they have been losing themselves, desperately hoping to be someone else, perhaps someone who can conform better to societal expectations. This longing for acceptance is further highlighted in the line "And try to say I love you." It suggests that the narrator longs to express their true emotions and vulnerability, breaking free from the constraints of traditional masculinity.

The chorus emphasizes the conflict between the narrator's true self and the expectations imposed upon them. The repeated phrase "Where a man has got to be a man" reflects the rigid gender roles and expectations that dictate how someone should behave based on their gender. The narrator feels trapped in a time or place where they must conform to these societal pressures.

However, there is a glimmer of hope in the line "It's over now, I've got all the love to give." This signifies a turning point for the narrator, where they realize that they possess a deep well of love and are ready to share it. They acknowledge the need for someone who can reciprocate that love without deceiving them. It's a realization that they no longer want to compromise their true self for the sake of societal expectations.