Drunk Chicken/America
U2 Lyrics

America
The singer addresses America, expressing that they have given everything to the country and now feel like they have nothing left.

America, two dollars and twenty-seven cents January 17, 1956
The singer recalls a specific date and amount of money, possibly representing a significant event in their life, but also pointing out the absurdity of how such details can be remembered while bigger issues go unresolved.

I can't stand my own mind
The singer expresses their personal struggle with their thoughts, possibly related to the overwhelming issues in their country.

America, when will we end the human war
The artist implores America to consider when they will finally be able to end wars and conflicts around the world, taking responsibility as a global leader.

Go fuck yourself with your atom bomb
The artist delivers a harsh and vulgar condemnation of America's use of deadly weapons, representing the destructive actions taken in the country's name.

I don't feel good, don't bother me
The singer expresses their current state of disconnection and dissatisfaction, possibly due to the overwhelming emotions caused by America's issues.

I won't write my poem till I'm in my right mind
The singer explains that they are not currently in the right state of mind to write a poem, potentially indicating a need for mental clarity before addressing America's problems.

America, when will you be angelic
The artist longs for America to embody angelic qualities such as kindness, empathy, and understanding, rather than perpetuating violence and harm.

When will you take off your clothes
The artist may be suggesting that America needs to strip away superficial layers or facades to reveal its true, flawed nature and address its systemic problems.

When will you look at yourself through the grave
The artist challenges America to confront its own mortality and consider the impact it will have on future generations, possibly urging accountability and responsibility for its actions.

When will you be worthy of your million Trotskyites
The singer questions whether America is deserving of the support and allegiance of individuals who share similar political beliefs (referencing followers of Leon Trotsky).

America, why are your libraries full of tears
The artist wonders why American culture, represented by its libraries, is so laden with sadness and despair, possibly pointing to deeper societal issues that need to be addressed.

America, when will you send your eggs to India
The singer may be referencing the fact that America has the means to help other countries but chooses not to, instead perpetuating its own greed and selfishness.

I'm sick of your insane demands
The singer expresses their frustration with the endless and often unreasonable expectations placed on individuals by American society or its leaders.

When can I go into the supermarket and buy what I need with my good looks
The singer sarcastically pokes fun at the commercialization of American consumer culture, suggesting that physical appearance should be enough to obtain what one needs, underscoring how shallow and materialistic the society has become.

America, after all, it is you and I who are perfect, not the next world
The artist acknowledges that neither they nor America are perfect, that both are flawed and part of the same world, and that making improvements is necessary, underscoring the idea that change starts from within.

Your machinery is too much for me
The artist may be feeling overwhelmed or out of place in the highly industrialized and mechanized American society, struggling to connect with the people or the place.

You made me want to be a saint
The singer may be suggesting that their experiences in America have made them feel like they need to take drastic actions or find some way to be extraordinary, possibly due to the consequences of living in such a complex or volatile environment.

There must be some other way to settle this argument
The singer expresses their frustration with the constant conflicts and divisions in America, suggesting that there must be a better way to achieve unity or resolution.

Burroughs is in Tangiers
The artist mentions writer William S. Burroughs, who lived in the Moroccan city of Tangier, possibly alluding to the idea that Burroughs left America to escape its issues (including censorship and drug laws) and find inspiration elsewhere.

I don't think he'll come back, it's sinister
The artist speculates on Burroughs' fate and suggests that his absence from America may be due to something ominous or dangerous.

Are you being sinister or is this some form of practical joke
The artist calls out the possibility that they are being deceived or manipulated somehow, either by America as a whole, or possibly by someone in a position of power.

I'm trying to come to the point
The singer indicates that they are attempting to get to the heart of the issue or convey their message clearly, even if it is difficult or uncomfortable to address.

I refuse to give up my obsession
The artist asserts their conviction and dedication to addressing what they perceive as America's problems, refusing to back down in the face of adversity or opposition.

America, stop pushing, I know what I'm doing
The singer implores America to stop interfering or imposing its will on them, asserting their independence and confidence in their own methods or ideas.

America, the plum blossoms are falling
The singer observes the natural beauty of the falling plum blossoms, juxtaposing the beauty of the world with the ugliness of human conflict and suffering.

I haven't read the newspapers for months
The singer may be trying to distance themselves from the constant news cycle and propaganda of American media, in an effort to gain clarity or perspective on the country's issues.

Everyday somebody goes on trial for murder
The artist highlights the pervasive nature of violence and crime in America, and the systemic failure or reluctance to adequately address it.