American Dream
3rd Alley Lyrics


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(Words and Music by: Z. Walters)

How do you define the American dream
burritos and tacos or just plain beans
the bottom line is you can't touch that
a beeper, and a cell phone, and a belt loop answer machine
to many other people there's a checklist
they got their blonde girlfriend nice car and that and this
but I'm quite chill with a good back scratcher
kickin back with food, folks, fun and laughter

oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
how do you define the American dream

well you can't, who wrote the book of love
people be telling me it's from up above
I don't buy it, done tried it
Michael Jackson tells me it's all about two hands and one glove
Then you got your house with the picket fence
Or on the reservation with a teepee tent
Or the big house on the hill with your surround sound tv
Watch out for me, cause

oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
how do you define the American dream

I'm the symbol of status, I drive a dodge stratus
I got my bose tweeters pumpin out tunes by gladys
Flannel wearin hicks I fear, they pick up their kids from school on their john deere
anyways back to the business man recruit
I got my Armani tie and my fancy ass suit




All of these things make me feel so peachie
Remember the days of z. cavarichi

Overall Meaning

The song "American Dream" by 3rd Alley is a reflection on the meaning of the American Dream, questioning if it is defined by material possessions or if it is more subjective. The first verse highlights the different interpretations of the American Dream, from the stereotypical burritos and tacos to the material checklist that includes having a blonde girlfriend and a nice car. However, the singer personally finds satisfaction in simpler things like a good back scratcher and camaraderie. The chorus poses the question of how to define the American Dream, implying that it is different for everyone.


The second verse touches on more American Dream stereotypes, such as the house with a picket fence, or living on a reservation with a teepee. The singer also mentions the big house on the hill with surround sound TV, which seems to represent the epitome of American success. The final lines of the verse suggest that the singer is not impressed by the material possessions of others and is content with his own status. He humorously lists his own symbols of status, such as his Dodge Stratus and Bose tweeters, but realizes that these things don't define the American Dream for everyone.


Overall, the song challenges the traditional definition of the American Dream and suggests that it may be more personal and subjective. The singer values simple pleasures and finds fulfillment in camaraderie rather than material possessions.


Line by Line Meaning

How do you define the American dream
What does the American dream mean to you?


burritos and tacos or just plain beans
Is the American dream about material possessions or simple pleasures?


the bottom line is you can't touch that
Ultimately, the American dream is intangible and beyond physical reach.


a beeper, and a cell phone, and a belt loop answer machine
Modern technology has become ingrained in our idea of the American dream.


to many other people there's a checklist
Some people have a specific set of criteria that defines the American dream for them.


they got their blonde girlfriend nice car and that and this
For some, the American dream is all about having the perfect partner and material possessions.


but I'm quite chill with a good back scratcher
Personally, the singer is content with simple pleasures like having a good back scratcher.


kickin back with food, folks, fun and laughter
Spending time with loved ones and enjoying life's simple pleasures is the singer's idea of the American dream.


oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
A repeated interjection that adds emphasis and emotional depth to the song's message.


well you can't, who wrote the book of love
The concept of the American dream can't be fully defined, much like love itself.


people be telling me it's from up above
Some people believe that the American dream is divinely inspired.


I don't buy it, done tried it
The singer has personal experience that leads them to reject the idea that the American dream is divinely inspired.


Michael Jackson tells me it's all about two hands and one glove
The singer cites Michael Jackson's iconic look as an example of how the American dream has become a cultural touchstone.


Then you got your house with the picket fence
Owning a home with a white picket fence is a classic symbol of the American dream.


Or on the reservation with a teepee tent
The American dream can mean different things to different people, including Native Americans living on reservations.


Or the big house on the hill with your surround sound tv
Having a luxurious home with high-tech amenities is another variation of the American dream.


Watch out for me, cause
The singer is about to share their own version of the American dream.


I'm the symbol of status, I drive a dodge stratus
For some people, owning a certain type of car is a symbol of success and achieving the American dream.


I got my bose tweeters pumpin out tunes by gladys
Having high-quality sound equipment is another luxury associated with the American dream.


Flannel wearin hicks I fear, they pick up their kids from school on their john deere
The singer acknowledges that there are stereotypes associated with different versions of the American dream, including rural families with modest lifestyles.


anyways back to the business man recruit
Returning to the perspective of someone who strives for professional success and material wealth.


I got my Armani tie and my fancy ass suit
The singer is highlighting the material possessions that are associated with achieving the American dream in a corporate context.


All of these things make me feel so peachie
For the singer, owning these items is a source of personal satisfaction and fulfillment.


Remember the days of z. cavarichi
A nostalgic reference to a brand of pants that were popular in the 1980s, underscoring the idea that the American dream is a changing, evolving concept over time.




Contributed by Aubrey G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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