America
Agent Orange Lyrics


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I'm so bored of education
I'm so bored of you
It's such a frustration situation
And I don't know what to do
I really wish they'd let me be
To work things out my way
America's been good to me
But I laugh when people say:

All the kids salute the flag
Uncle Sam wants you
Come on, boys, let's hear it for the
Red, white, and blue

I'm so bored of television
TV dinner on a TV tray
Join the Pepsi generation
That's the American way
Fight for your country
Fight for survival
Fight for the fear of war
Sometimes, I wonder who makes the rules
And I wonder who they're making them for

All the kids salute the flag
Uncle Sam wants you




Come on, boys, let's hear it for the
Red, white, and blue

Overall Meaning

In the song "America" by Agent Orange, the singer expresses their boredom and frustration with education and American society. They wish to have the freedom to work things out on their own terms and are critical of the patriotism and blind allegiance to the government that they see around them. The singer scoffs at the idea of the American dream, as symbolized by the TV dinner on a TV tray and the Pepsi generation, which they see as empty and meaningless.


The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "All the kids salute the flag, Uncle Sam wants you, Come on, boys, let's hear it for the Red, white, and blue" is a satirical take on the propaganda and recruitment messages that were prevalent during the Vietnam War era in America. The singer questions who is really making the rules and why, highlighting the hypocrisy and irrationality of the political and social systems in place.


This song reflects the disillusionment and rebellion of the punk rock movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s, where bands rejected mainstream culture and chose instead to speak out against societal norms and government oppression.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm so bored of education
I'm tired and uninterested in the current educational system


I'm so bored of you
I'm feeling indifferent and uninterested towards the person I'm talking to


It's such a frustration situation
The current situation is causing me significant stress and annoyance


And I don't know what to do
I feel helpless and unsure of how to address the situation


I really wish they'd let me be
I desire the freedom to make my own choices and follow my own path


To work things out my way
I need independence to resolve problems in a manner that suits me best


America's been good to me
In general, I've experienced success and prosperity living in America


But I laugh when people say:
Despite my positive experiences, I find it amusing when others praise America


All the kids salute the flag
Young people demonstrate their loyalty to America by honoring the national flag


Uncle Sam wants you
The US government is asking citizens to help with national efforts, such as enlistment in the military


Come on, boys, let's hear it for the
Let's celebrate and show support for


Red, white, and blue
The colors of the American flag, symbolizing the country's values and principles


I'm so bored of television
Television programming is unappealing and uninteresting to me


TV dinner on a TV tray
A pre-packaged meal is being consumed while watching television


Join the Pepsi generation
Participating in popular culture trends, such as drinking Pepsi, is part of the American lifestyle


That's the American way
These cultural norms are expected and representative of American identity


Fight for your country
Defend America from its enemies and support its values and goals


Fight for survival
Strive to overcome obstacles and preserve one's prosperity and well-being


Fight for the fear of war
Be prepared to defend against potential threats and maintain peace through strength


Sometimes, I wonder who makes the rules
I'm curious as to who has the power to decide important matters


And I wonder who they're making them for
I question whom the rules and decisions are meant to benefit




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

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