American music has a rich history when it comes to lyrics. From folk songs to rock anthems, American songwriters have captured the essence of the nation through their words. One of the earliest examples of American lyrical genius can be traced back to the folk music of the mid-19th century. These songs, often influenced by African-American spirituals, spoke of struggles, joys, and hopes of the people. The lyrics of these songs were simple yet profound, connecting with listeners on a deep emotional level. As American music evolved, so did its lyrics.
Here are the full lyrics to “This Is America,” as documented by lyrics website Genius:
While the mesmerizing single-take video shows a theatrical Gambino dancing and singing enthusiastically while violence of all kinds takes place all around him, the lyrics act as an indictment of the very medium they re in; music, after all, often serves as a respite and distraction from reality. I really love the lyrics of it and I think it expresses something that I ve been trying to express since I was 15 years old, this repressed pressed anger and feeling of confusion or trying to be put into a box as a girl.
As American music evolved, so did its lyrics. The blues, born out of African-American communities in the South, brought stories of heartbreak, pain, and resilience to the mainstream. Artists like Robert Johnson and B.
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘All-American Bitch’ Lyrics Capture the Frustration of Being a Girl
Olivia Rodrigo’s new album Guts begins with a killer opener: a track called “All-American Bitch.” The song is as punchy as the title suggests, though you wouldn’t be able to tell from the first few notes.
Rodrigo begins by sweetly serenading over gentle guitar strumming, describing an image of perfection: “I am light as a feather and as stiff as a board / I pay attention to things that most people ignore.” But when the drums hit in the chorus, almost like a tantrum, the guitars start shredding and Rodrigo brings on the angst: “I forgive and I forget / I know my age and I act like it.”
She does this throughout the song, playing nice in the verses and raging in the choruses, each time rebelling against the impossible expectations to which women and girls are held. (It’s not too far off from that Barbie monologue.) “I got class and integrity just like a goddamn Kennedy, I swear,” she says, tongue-in-cheek, in the second verse. “I’m sexy and I’m kind, I’m pretty when I cry,” she repeats as the song closes.
She also makes sure to mention how women are expected to suppress their anger, lest they be labeled as too emotional. “I don’t get angry when I’m pissed, I’m the eternal optimist / I scream inside to deal with it, like, ‘Ah,’” she sings in the bridge. All the while, the melody swings from sweet to sour (pardon the pun), angelic to chaotic. At times, Rodrigo’s vocals even sound Alanis and Avril-inspired.
“I really love the song ‘All American Bitch,’” Rodrigo said in a new interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1. “It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I really love the lyrics of it and I think it expresses something that I’ve been trying to express since I was 15 years old, this repressed pressed anger and feeling of confusion or trying to be put into a box as a girl. So yeah, I think that that’s one of my favorite songs on the record.”
She also said of the themes of the album as a whole: “In hindsight, I think that a lot of this album is about the confusion that comes with becoming a young adult and figuring out your place in this world and figuring out who you want to be and who you want to hang out with and all of that stuff. I think that that’s probably an experience that everyone has had in their life before, is just that rising from that disillusionment.”
Read the full lyrics below, courtesy of Genius.
[Verse 1]
I am light as a feather and as stiff as a board
I pay attention to things that most people ignore
And I’m alright with the movies that make jokes ‘bout senseless cruelty
That’s for sure
And I am built like a mother and a total machine
I feel for your every little issue, I know just what you mean
And I make light of the darkness
I’ve got sun in my motherfuckin’ pocket
Best believe, yeah, you know me
[Chorus]
I forgive and I forget
I know my age and I act like it
Got what you can’t resist
I’m a perfect all-American
[Verse 2]
I am light as a feather, I’m as fresh as the air
Coca-Cola bottles that I only use to curl my hair
I got class and integrity just like a goddamn Kennedy, I swear
With love to spare
[Chorus]
Forgive and I forget
I know my age and I act like it
Got what you can’t resist
I’m a perfect all-American bitch
[Bridge]
With perfect all-American lips
And perfect all-American hips
I know my place, I know my place and this is it
I don’t get angry when I’m pissed, I’m the eternal optimist
I scream inside to deal with it, like, “Ah”
Like, “Ah” (Let’s fucking go)
[Outro]
All the time, I’m grateful all the time
I’m sexy and I’m kind, I’m pretty when I cry
Oh, all the time, I’m grateful all the time (All the fucking time)
I’m sexy and I’m kind, I’m pretty when I cry
Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now.
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B. King poured their hearts out in the lyrics of their songs, capturing the raw emotions of their experiences. With the rise of rock and roll in the 1950s, American songwriters found a new platform to express themselves. Artists like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen used their lyrics to comment on social and political issues, challenging the status quo. Their words became anthems for a generation, inspiring change and sparking conversations. In the latter half of the 20th century, the world witnessed the emergence of hip hop, an art form that relied heavily on lyrics. American rappers like Tupac Shakur and Kendrick Lamar used their words to shed light on the realities of urban life, tackling subjects like racism, poverty, and inequality head-on. Their lyricism sparked a revolution in music and paved the way for future generations of artists. Today, American lyrics continue to captivate audiences worldwide. From country ballads to pop hits, songwriters continue to craft words that resonate with listeners. The themes may have evolved, but the essence of American lyricism remains: honest, heartfelt, and reflective of the human experience. In conclusion, American music is known for its powerful lyrics that capture the spirit of the nation. From folk songs to hip hop tracks, songwriters have used their words to tell stories, comment on social issues, and inspire change. Through their lyricism, American artists have left an indelible mark on the world of music..
Reviews for "American Lyrics: Celebrating Love, Loss, and Longing"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "American with Lyrics". The movie had a promising plot about an American struggling to find success in the music industry, but the execution was terrible. The storyline felt disjointed, and it was hard to connect with the characters. The musical numbers were mediocre, and the lyrics were uninspiring. Overall, it lacked the depth and creativity that I was expecting from a movie in this genre.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I found "American with Lyrics" to be a complete waste of time. The movie was filled with clichés and predictable plot twists. The acting was subpar, and the characters were one-dimensional. The songs were forgettable, and I couldn't help but cringe at the poorly written lyrics. It felt like a poorly made, low-budget film that tried to replicate the success of other musicals but fell flat. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this one.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "American with Lyrics" but was left disappointed. The movie lacked originality, and the storyline felt forced and contrived. The songs were forgettable, and there was a lack of chemistry between the lead actors. The pacing was off, and I found myself losing interest halfway through the film. Overall, it was a forgettable movie that failed to leave a lasting impression.
4. Michael - 1 star
"American with Lyrics" was a huge letdown. The plot was predictable and offered nothing new to the genre. The songs were forgettable, and the lyrics felt like they were written by someone who had never listened to a good song before. The characters were poorly developed, and I couldn't find myself rooting for anyone. Save your money and watch a better musical instead.
5. Jessica - 2 stars
I was not impressed with "American with Lyrics". The movie had potential, but the execution fell flat. The storyline felt disjointed and lacked depth. The musical numbers felt forced and didn't add much to the overall narrative. The acting was mediocre, and the characters were forgettable. I was hoping for a captivating and inspiring musical, but this film failed to deliver.