The song "What I Claim" by Upchurch is a reflection of the artist's identity and roots. Upchurch, who is known for his country-rap style, acknowledges that he may not have the best singing voice or conventional looks, but he takes pride in being authentic and true to himself. He describes himself as someone who doesn't rely on a predetermined image or fashion advice from designers. Instead, he prefers shopping at Tractor Supply and wearing the same type of clothing. This represents his down-to-earth nature and rejection of the need to conform to societal expectations. The lyrics mention Upchurch's claim to fame, which is primarily centered around his personal experiences and storytelling. He reveals that marijuana and his thoughts written down turned into songs have become his way of expressing himself. This suggests that his music is a genuine reflection of his life and emotions. Despite achieving success at a young age, with a tour bus and millions of streams, Upchurch emphasizes that he still feels grounded and connected to his roots. He sees himself as being immersed in the metaphorical "muddy water," symbolizing his upbringing and background. Upchurch proudly claims the rednecks, referring to hardworking and proud individuals from rural areas or mountains. He embraces rebel flags, which may hold different connotations for different individuals. For some, it represents Southern heritage, while for others, it may symbolize resistance against societal norms. He also acknowledges and celebrates every good ol' boy with homemade tattoos, suggesting that he appreciates those who take pride in their individuality and self-expression. Upchurch believes that his appeal lies not in his appearance or vocal ability, but in his ability to effectively convey his message. The lyrics highlight Upchurch's rebellious nature and reference legendary musician Johnny Cash. He relates to Cash's rebellious spirit and describes himself feeling like Cash when he is angry or driving his muscle cars at high speeds, carefree even if danger lurks nearby. He values his music more than money and sees it as something deeply ingrained in his identity. Music for him is like the blood flowing in his veins, and the American flag displayed on his porch represents his patriotism. Upchurch mentions Nashville, emphasizing his connection to the city and its country music heritage. He takes pride in being associated with his hometown, including the area code 615, and mentions that people will identify him with his love for rednecks and his rebel nature. The song concludes with the hope that, in the future, a rebellious child will discover Upchurch's music and find inspiration in his story. This embodies the idea that Upchurch's music will resonate with those who share a similar mindset, celebrating their redneck identity and encouraging them to be proud of who they are. Overall, "What I Claim" is a song that showcases Upchurch's pride in his roots, his rejection of societal norms, and his authenticity as an artist.
