"I Am Great" Song
"I've never lost in battle or game; I'm simply the best by far
When swords are crossed, 'tis always the same -- one blow and au revoir!"—Lancelot, "C'est Moi", Camelot
Other musical characters might sing about the conflicts inherent in their position, or the obstacles in their path, or the things they know are missing from their drab, wretched lives.
The "I Am Great" Song is sung by someone who can't sing an "I Want" Song, because there's nothing left for them to want. Their accomplishments, popularity, and undisputed mastery of their field leave absolutely no need for daily affirmations—but they have them anyway, in musical form. Singing one of these songs feels better than it probably should.
Since protagonists have to face conflict, and people love to watch the mighty fall, the hero almost never sings this song. However, it is not always a Villain Song, and the singer can be legitimately great—if songs were Greek heroes, this one would be Achilles.
Can be used as a negative-space version of This Loser Is You.
Subtrope, naturally, of the "I Am" Song. Works best sung by a Large Ham.
See also Bragging Theme Tune, Boastful Rap.
- Miles Gloriosus' song in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum:
Miles: I, in war the most admired, in wit the most inspired, in love the most desired, in dress the best displayed, I am a parade!
- The page quote! Lancelot's song is nothing but this.
- "Perfect Isn't Easy", in Oliver and Company.
- "Pretty is nice, but still, it's just pretty. Perfect, my dear.... is MEEEEEEEEE!"
- Harry Potter sings in the Potter Puppet Pals video "The Vortex" about being the king of the school, and defeating Voldemort as a baby. It has a melancholy end, though, as Harry remembers he also lost his parents as a baby, and had to move to an abusive foster home.
- Frank Sinatra's legacy is typified by "My Way", which is sung from the perspective of an old man as his life draws to a close. The theme of the song is personal integrity; Alas, it has become synonymous with Sinatra's legendary abrasiveness and "take it or leave it" attitude (Ironically, even he thought the ego-stroking lyrics too much). Sid Vicious did a much-acclaimed punk cover of the song.
- In the Broadway version of Beauty and The Beast, Gaston sings a song, "Me", about how Belle has no choice but to be madly in love with him, because of how perfect he is in every way. (Gaston's eponymous song in the original isn't just sung by him, but those parts he does sing would qualify as this, too.)
- Don McLean's song "Everybody Loves Me, Baby" is in the voice of a military dictator with wealth, territory, popular acclaim, and no (remaining) rivals, though it is sung to the one person who doesn't seem to be impressed.