Back in The U.S.A.
Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes Lyrics

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Oh well, oh well, I feel so good today
We touched ground on an international runway
Jet propelled back home, from over the seas to the U. S. A
New York, Los Angeles, oh, how I yearned for you
Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge
Let alone just to be at my home back in ol′ St. Lou
Did I miss the skyscrapers, did I miss the long freeway?
From the coast of California to the shores of Delaware Bay

You can bet your life I did, till I got back to the U. S. A
Where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day
Yeah, and a juke-box jumping with records like in the U.S.A
Well, I'm so glad I′m livin' in the U.S.A

Yes. I'm so glad I′m livin′ in the U.S.A
Anything you want, we got right here in the U.S.A

Overall Meaning

The song "Back in The U.S.A." is a joyful celebration of coming back to the United States after travelling overseas. The singer expresses their happiness and relief at returning to familiar places and faces, from the "skyscrapers" to the "hamburgers sizzling on an open grill." The lyrics are infused with a sense of patriotism and appreciation for the American way of life, from the small pleasures like jukeboxes and fast food to the bigger cultural touchstones like the music industry and the interstate highway system.

One interesting aspect of the song is how it captures a specific moment in time. It was written and recorded by Chuck Berry, one of the most important figures in early rock and roll, in 1959, during a period when the United States was experiencing rapid growth and change following World War II. The song reflects the exuberance and optimism of that era, as well as the sense of pride and confidence that many Americans felt in their country's progress.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh well, oh well, I feel so good today
I am feeling extremely happy and joyful today

We touched ground on an international runway
We have landed on a runway located in a foreign country

Jet propelled back home, from over the seas to the U. S. A
We have flown back home to the United States from a foreign country

New York, Los Angeles, oh, how I yearned for you
I have missed the cities of New York and Los Angeles and longed to return to them

Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge
I have also missed the cities of Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, and Baton Rouge

Let alone just to be at my home back in ol′ St. Lou
I have missed my home in St. Louis more than anything else

Did I miss the skyscrapers, did I miss the long freeway?
I wondered if I missed the tall buildings and long highways of America while I was away

From the coast of California to the shores of Delaware Bay
The entirety of America, from the California coastline to the Delaware Bay, is special to me

You can bet your life I did, till I got back to the U. S. A
I definitely missed America until I returned to it

Where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day
American cuisine, such as sizzling burgers on an open grill, is a favorite of mine

Yeah, and a juke-box jumping with records like in the U.S.A
I am enjoying the lively and upbeat music playing on the jukebox, just like in America

Well, I'm so glad I′m livin' in the U.S.A
I am extremely happy and grateful to be living in the United States

Yes. I'm so glad I′m livin′ in the U.S.A
Once again, I express how glad I am to be living in America

Anything you want, we got right here in the U.S.A
The United States has everything one could possibly want or need

Writer(s): Chuck Berry

Contributed by Emma J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Comments from YouTube:

@dennismccunney4462

3y↑11

I just love the huge smile on Albert's face. "I'm up here on stage playing a classic Chuck Berry song, and I'm trading licks with James Burton! It doesn't get better than this!" No, it doesn't. Rock on!