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North American Scum
LCD Soundsystem Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh oh oh
Oh I don't know, I don't know, oh, where to begin
We are North Americans
And for those of you who still think we're from England
We're not, no
We build our planes and our trains till we think we might die
Far from North America
Where the buildings are old and you might have lots of mimes
Aha, oh, oh
I hate the feelin' when you're looking at me that way
'Cause we're North Americans
But if we act all shy, it'll make it okay
Makes it go away

Oh I don't know, I don't know, oh, where to begin
When we're North American
But in the end we make the same mistakes all over again
Come on North Americans

We are North American scum
We're from North America

And all the kids all the kids that want to make the scene
Here in North America
When our young kids get to read it in your magazines
We don't have those
So where's the love where's the love where's the
Love where's the love where's the love tonight?
But there's no love man there's no love and the kids are uptight
So throw a party till the cops come in and bust it up
Let's go North Americans
Oh you were planning it I didn't mean to interrupt
Sorry
I did it once and my parents got pretty upset
Freaked out in North America
But then I said the more I do it the better it gets

Let's rock North America

We are North American scum
We're from North America
We are North American scum
We are North American

New York's the greatest if you get someone to pay the rent
Wahoo North America
And it's the furthest you can live from the government un huh huh
Some proud American Christians might disagree
Here in North America
But New York's the only place we're keepin' them off the street
Boo boo now we can't have parties like in Spain where they go all night
Shut down in North America
Or like Berlin where they go another night, alright, un huh un huh

You see I love this place that I have grown to know
Alright, North America
And yeah, I know you wouldn't touch us with a ten-foot pole
'Cause we're North Americans

We are North American scum
We are North Americans
We are North American scum
We love North America

Take me back to the states man
North American scum
Where we can be all we want if we really
North American
Where the DJ gigs are as fun
Here in North American scum
Don't blame the Canadians
Let go North America

Overall Meaning

The song "North American Scum" by LCD Soundsystem is an upbeat satire about American culture, poking fun at various aspects of American identity. The song is about how Americans view themselves and how they are viewed by others, particularly in Europe. The song begins with the singer acknowledging that he doesn't know where to begin because America is such a vast and complex place. He then declares that he and his compatriots are "North Americans," not from England as some might assume. The lyrics go on to touch on various American stereotypes, such as the emphasis on technology and the sense of entitlement that Americans can exhibit.


The song also speaks to the absence of cultural appreciation in America. The singer laments that there is no respect for the arts here and that other countries have it better. He notes that kids in America want to "make the scene," but we don't have thriving creative outlets like other parts of the world. The song suggests that Americans are more concerned with parties, material possessions, and their own egos than with anything of real value.


Ultimately, the song is a fun and irreverent take on American culture, poking fun at the way we see ourselves and the way others see us. It's about self-awareness and self-deprecation, acknowledging the flaws in our culture and embracing them with a sense of humor.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh oh oh
Introduction to the song


Oh I don't know, I don't know, oh, where to begin
Uncertain about the starting point of the song and its meaning


We are North Americans
Proudly stating their identity as North Americans


And for those of you who still think we're from England
Addressing a common misconception about North American identity


We're not, no
Clarifying that they are not from England


We build our planes and our trains till we think we might die
Emphasizing the hard work and determination of North Americans


Far from North America
Acknowledging that the song is being performed elsewhere


Where the buildings are old and you might have lots of mimes
Describing the unfamiliar surroundings of the non-North American location


Aha, oh, oh
Expressing a reaction to the unfamiliar location


I hate the feelin' when you're looking at me that way
Feeling uncomfortable when being judged for being North American


'Cause we're North Americans
Explaining the reason behind being judged


But if we act all shy, it'll make it okay
Proposing a solution to avoid judgment


Makes it go away
Confirming that the solution works


When we're North American
Clarifying that the following lines relate to being North American


But in the end we make the same mistakes all over again
Admitting that North Americans make mistakes repeatedly


Come on North Americans
Encouraging other North Americans to join in the song


We are North American scum
Accepting the derogatory term for North Americans


We're from North America
Reiterating the origin of the North Americans


And all the kids all the kids that want to make the scene
Referring to young people who want to be part of the cultural scene


Here in North America
Pointing at the location where the aspiration occurs


When our young kids get to read it in your magazines
Referring to the media coverage of the cultural scene and its impact on young people


We don't have those
Acknowledging the lack of equivalent media coverage in North America


So where's the love where's the love where's the
Asking for the love that seems to be missing


Love where's the love where's the love tonight?
Reiterating the desire for love/acceptance


But there's no love man there's no love and the kids are uptight
Acknowledging that the love/acceptance is absent and young people are anxious


So throw a party till the cops come in and bust it up
Proposing a solution to enjoy despite the lack of love/acceptance


Let's go North Americans
Encouraging others to have fun despite the situation


Oh you were planning it I didn't mean to interrupt
Apologizing for interrupting someone's plan to have fun


Sorry
Expressing an apology


I did it once and my parents got pretty upset
Recalling a past experience of getting in trouble for having fun


Freaked out in North America
Explaining the location of the experience


But then I said the more I do it the better it gets
Learning from the experience and realizing the benefits of having fun


Let's rock North America
Encouraging rock and roll fun in North America


New York's the greatest if you get someone to pay the rent
Praising New York City and the importance of finding affordable rent


Wahoo North America
Expressing excitement about North America


And it's the furthest you can live from the government un huh huh
Suggesting that North America is a place of freedom from the government's influence


Some proud American Christians might disagree
Acknowledging that some may hold a different belief about the government and religion in North America


Here in North America
Reiterating that the song is about North America


But New York's the only place we're keepin' them off the street
Describing New York City as a place of refuge for the homeless and distressed


Boo boo now we can't have parties like in Spain where they go all night
Expressing disappointment that parties cannot last all night in North America like in Spain


Shut down in North America
Explaining the reason behind the shorter party hours in North America


Or like Berlin where they go another night, alright, un huh un huh
Claiming that parties last longer in Berlin than in North America


You see I love this place that I have grown to know
Expressing love for North America


Alright, North America
Reiterating the love for North America


And yeah, I know you wouldn't touch us with a ten-foot pole
Acknowledging that non-North Americans may not want to associate with North Americans


'Cause we're North Americans
Explaining the reason for the possible rejection from non-North Americans


We are North American scum
Reiterating the derogatory term for North Americans


We are North Americans
Accepting and acknowledging their identity as North Americans


We are North American scum
Repeating the derogatory term for North Americans


We love North America
Expressing love for North America


Take me back to the states man
Requesting to be returned to the United States


North American scum
Repeating the derogatory term for North Americans


Where we can be all we want if we really
Describing the freedom of expression and lifestyle in North America


North American
Reiterating the North American identity


Where the DJ gigs are as fun
Explaining the enthusiastic and fun nightlife of North America


Here in North American scum
Reiterating the derogatory term for North Americans but still praising the place


Don't blame the Canadians
Requesting not to hold Canadians responsible for North American actions or stereotypes


Let go North America
Encouraging North Americans to let go of negative stereotypes and embrace their homeland




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Jeremiah Murphy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Jonathan-xb3ts

"and for those of you who still think we're from England, we're like......no"

@neillongley59

Meanwhile..... the tune is! RIP Pete Shelley

@santaisaphatbixxx2988

America is england still

@lydia._.nicole

I still feel like he's just hiding the fact that he's British. he looks so British. it's crazy.

@doodooswaggy3825

It's "we're not, no"

@bradlloyd6261

Lol

8 More Replies...

@hoobastankus9513

“You have to call me Dragon”

@thisbambibites

One of the greatest American bands of the decade. This was a classic album.

@starquant

Ahem... North Americans thank you.

@bear1245

Mate has tickets to their uk gig soon 😃🤘🏻

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