"I'm the Man" is a fast paced rocker, described by AllMusic critic Tom Maginnis as "a [taut] ball of nervy new wave pop, tumbling straight ahead at breakneck speeds, while Jackson plays the role of media-savvy flimflam man, willing to promote any latest fad for a buck, like the shady street vendor of trinkets he portrays on the front cover." He also said that the song "follows squarely in the footprints of "Got the Time" and "Throw It Away" from Look Sharp!".

Critic Mike DeGagne of AllMusic said that "the frantic "I'm the Man" showcases Jackson at his most frenzied, as a freight train's worth of lyrics pile haphazardly into one another alongside a wonderfully hysteric rhythm. Not only does the track show off Jackson's free-range ability, but his sense of humor arises once again, following in the footsteps of Look Sharp!'s 'Is She Really Going Out With Him.'"

"I'm the Man" was released as the lead single from I'm the Man in 1979, backed with the Chuck Berry track, "Come On." The song, despite hitting #23 in Canada, did not find much chart success, failing to chart in both America and Britain. Its follow-up, "It's Different for Girls," was more successful, becoming a top 10 hit for Jackson.

Despite not being a commercial hit, the song has appeared on multiple compilation albums, including Stepping Out: The Very Best of Joe Jackson and This Is It! (The A&M Years 1979–1989). It appeared in live form on the album Live 1980/86.

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