"As Cool as I Am" is a song by American folk singer-songwriter Dar Williams. It is the opening track on her second studio album, Mortal City, released on January 23, 1996, by Razor & Tie. The song was released as a single in 1996 and was accompanied by a music video.
Musical Style and Production The song runs for 3 minutes and 35 seconds. It was produced by Steven Miller and features a range of instrumentation including harmonica (William Galison), guitar (Larry Campbell), bass (Mark Egan), didgeridoo (Art Baron), percussion (Sammy Merendino), and bongos (Roger Squitero). Background vocals were provided by Katryna Nields and Nerissa Nields.
Lyrical Themes The lyrics address themes of competition, fear, jealousy, and envy among women, particularly within the context of a romantic relationship. The narrator rejects a partner who encourages her to feel competitive with other women. The chorus repeatedly asserts, "I will not be afraid of women." In a 2010 interview with Songfacts, Williams explained the distinction between envy and jealousy, stating that the song is about refusing to allow oneself to feel competitive with women because "that is a black hole." She described the partner in the song as someone who encourages that competitive thinking, and concluded that such a person should be left behind.
Release and Reception The song was one of two singles released from Mortal City (alongside "The Christians and the Pagans"). It is considered one of Dar Williams' most popular songs.
