I Am an Outsider

{{Infobox song

| name = I Am an Outsider

| cover =

| alt =

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| type = Promotional single

| artist = Three Days Grace

| album = Outsider

| released = {{Start date|2018|02|16}}

| format =

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| genre = {{hlist|Alternative rock{{cite magazine|url=https://distortedsoundmag.com/album-review-outsider-three-days-grace/|title=Album Review: Outsider – Three Days Grace|author=Jack Press|magazine=Distorted Sound|date=March 8, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2024}}|hard rock{{cite magazine|url=https://salutemag.com/three-days-grace-outsider-review/|title=Review: Three Days Grace talk inner strength in 'Outsider'|magazine=Salute|author=Joshua Leep|date=March 9, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031753/https://salutemag.com/three-days-grace-outsider-review/|archivedate=March 13, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2024}}}}

| length = {{Duration|m=2|s=43}}

| label = RCA

| writer = {{hlist|Barry Stock|Neil Sanderson|Matt Walst|Brad Wlast|Gavin Brown|Johnny Andrews|Meghan Patrick}}

| producer = {{hlist|Howard Benson|Brown}}

}}

"I Am an Outsider" is a song by Canadian rock band Three Days Grace. It was released as a promotional single from their sixth studio album Outsider on February 16, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/listen-to-new-three-days-grace-song-i-am-an-outsider|title=Listen To New Three Days Grace Song 'I Am An Outsider'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 16, 2018|access-date=December 16, 2023}}

Composition and lyrics

"I Am an Outsider" was written by Barry Stock, Neil Sanderson, Matt Walst, Brad Wlast, Gavin Brown, Johnny Andrews and Meghan Patrick while production was handled by Howard Benson and Brown.{{cite web|url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Search?SearchForm.View_Count=&SearchForm.Main_Search=Title&SearchForm.Main_Search_Text=I+Am+an+Outsider&SearchForm.Sub_Search=Please+Select&SearchForm.Search_Type=all|title=I Am an Outsider|website=Broadcast Music, Inc.|access-date=January 3, 2024}} The song is about, "deciding that you don't want to be exposed to so many influences in your life and to people who have a negative influence on you."{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/three-days-grace-i-am-the-outsider-8099976/ |title=Three Days Grace Debuts 'I Am An Outsider' From Upcoming Album: Exclusive|website=Billboard |last=Graff |first=Gary |date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=March 27, 2022}} The group wrote the song as they have previously written songs about being the odd person out and being comfortable with that.

In an interview with Billboard, drummer Neil Sanderson stated:

{{quote|"You want to be able to take a great big step backwards and view all the chaos and absurdity from a distance – 'I don't want to believe the same way, the same things you to just to sort of conform to anything. I want to have my own set of thoughts and my own set of feelings.' We've always kind of felt like that, I think."{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/three-days-grace-i-am-the-outsider-song-outsider-album/|title=Three Days Grace Reveal Defiant New Song 'I Am the Outsider,' Unveil Album Track Listing|website=Loudwire|author=Chad Childers|date=February 16, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2024}}}}

The song has been described as one of the group's more aggressive tracks, blending in heavy synth work and electronic music.

Critical reception

Joshua Leep of Salute gave a positive review for the track stating, "It has raw, passionate vocals, driving guitar riffs, and a rhythm section that will flatten anyone to the floor." He also praised the songs lyrics that give a "message of strength and hope."

Chart performance

"I Am an Outsider" debuted at number 47 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. On the US Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart, the song peaked at number six.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/three-days-grace/chart-history/hrd/|title=Three Days Grace Chart History (Hard Rock Digital Song Sales)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 3, 2024}}