Diana Ross released “I’m Coming Out” in 1980 as a single from her album Diana. The track is a bold, upbeat disco-funk statement that speaks directly to personal freedom and identity. It’s catchy on the surface, but the song’s meaning runs deeper. Whether it’s about expressing your sexuality, stepping into your power, or reclaiming control over your life, this track captures a moment of transformation.
This article breaks down the lyrics in “I’m Coming Out” to see what’s really being said.
“I’m Coming Out” Lyrics Meaning: Line by Line
Chorus: Making a Statement
I’m comin’ out
I want the world to know
I got to let it show
This chorus is a public declaration that something inside is ready to be seen.
The line “I’m comin’ out” has long been tied to the LGBTQ+ community, meaning someone is ready to share their true sexual or gender identity.
But in a broader sense, it’s also about stepping into the light after hiding a part of yourself.
“Let it show” means there’s no more pretending. This is about honesty and visibility.
Verse 1: Stepping Into a New Life
There’s a new me comin’ out and I just had to live
And I wanna give, I’m completely positive
These lines introduce a rebirth. It’s not just about change, it’s about survival.
Saying “I just had to live” adds urgency. The word “positive” shows that this is a joyful, hopeful shift.
These lines could reflect Diana Ross breaking free from the control she felt at Motown, or they could just as easily describe anyone deciding to stop living under someone else’s rules.
I think this time around, I am gonna do it
Like you never knew it, oh, I’ll make it through
“This time around” hints that things didn’t go as planned before.
“Like you never knew it” suggests she’s ready to surprise people, maybe even prove them wrong.
There’s a sense of defiance here, a pushback against being underestimated or boxed in.
The time has come for me to break out of this shell
I have to shout that I am comin’ out
“Break out of this shell” paints a clear picture of someone who has been hiding or held back.
That shell could be fear, societal expectations, or even a toxic relationship.
The need to “shout” makes it clear that this isn’t quiet or passive. It’s loud, proud, and unstoppable.
Verse 2: Embracing Power and Identity
I’ve got to show the world all that I wanna be
And all my abilities, there’s so much more to me
These lines are saying “I’ve been holding back, but not anymore.”
There’s also a challenge here, saying, “Look closer, I’m not just what you see.”
It could be about creative freedom, sexual identity, or stepping into leadership.
For Diana Ross, it may have meant gaining independence from the music industry’s control.
Somehow I’ll have to make them just understand
I got it well in hand and oh how I have planned
Here, there’s a sense of confidence mixed with frustration. She’s saying people won’t get it right away, but they will eventually.
“I got it well in hand” shows control. She’s not lost, she’s prepared.
This could indicate years of being underestimated or overlooked.
I’m spreadin’ love, there is no need to fear
And I just feel so good, every time I hear
This part brings it full circle. It’s not just about self-discovery, it’s about sharing joy.
“Spreadin’ love” sounds simple, but it’s radical in a world that tries to silence people who live outside the norm.
Saying “no need to fear” flips the script: this moment isn’t dangerous, it’s powerful. It feels right.
“I’m Coming Out” Song Meaning: Breaking Free With Purpose
“I’m Coming Out” is about more than one thing. On the surface, it’s a celebration. But underneath the groove is a clear message about freedom and identity. The lyrics speak to the moment someone decides to stop hiding, whether that’s about sexuality, personality, career moves, or personal truth.
For many, especially in the LGBTQ+ community, the phrase “coming out” has deep roots. The song became a symbol of that journey, even though Diana Ross wasn’t coming out in the way the lyrics suggest. Still, it matched her own moment of change as she left Motown, stepped into independence, and claimed creative control. That makes it more than a song for one group. It speaks to anyone ready to break out of a mold.
There’s a push for joy here too. It’s not just about saying, “This is me.” It’s saying, “This is me, and I’m proud of it.” The song doesn’t beg for acceptance. It claims space.
Songs Like “I’m Coming Out”
If you connect with the message in “I’m Coming Out,” here are a few songs that carry similar energy and purpose:
1. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
“Born This Way” is a bold and unapologetic song about loving yourself exactly as you are. It shares the same focus on identity, pride, and taking up space.
2. “Express Yourself” by Madonna
“Express Yourself” encourages people, especially women, to stand up for what they want and not settle. The message lines up closely with the idea of stepping out from control and owning your voice.
3. “Freedom! ’90” by George Michael
“Freedom! ’90” is about breaking away from the pressures of fame and image. Like “I’m Coming Out,” it celebrates walking away from someone else’s expectations.
4. “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper
“True Colors” is about showing your real self to the world, no matter what others think. It captures the vulnerability and strength behind the idea of coming out.
5. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
“Unwritten” speaks to breaking free from past limits and creating your own story. The focus on personal growth and starting fresh makes it a perfect match thematically.
Related: “Unwritten” Song Meaning
Conclusion: A Song About Power, Identity, and Joy
“I’m Coming Out” is a bold statement wrapped in a catchy disco track. It’s about showing up in the world as your full self without fear, apology, or shame.
Whether you hear it as a coming-out moment, a personal turning point, or an artist’s declaration of independence, the song’s message is the same: you don’t need permission to be yourself.
You can listen to “I’m Coming Out” on Spotify and Amazon.
Be sure to check out more of our Song Interpretations!