American Refugee
Anvil Lyrics


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Searching for a place to hide
Running from those you've defied
Forsaking the land of the free
Leaving American policy

Trying to make a change
Hoping to rearrange
Planning a strategy
Going to be a refugee

Status of a free man
U.S. government banned
Anywhere is a place to be
You've just got to be free

[Chorus]
American refugee
American refugee
American refugee
American refugee

Searching for a place to hide
Running from those you've defied
Forsaking the land of the free
Leaving American policy

Got to be free





[Chorus: x2]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Anvil's song American Refugee portrays a person who is on the run from those they have defied and are searching for a place to hide. They have forsaken their home country, the land of the free, and left behind American policy. The singer is trying to make a change and hoping to rearrange things to create a better future. They are planning a strategy and are determined to become a refugee to find freedom.


There is a sense of oppression that is conveyed through the lyrics, where the person has lost their status as a free man due to the U.S government banning them. The singer is willing to go anywhere to obtain freedom, no matter where it may take them. The repetition of the phrase 'American refugee' in the chorus emphasizes the idea of someone who was once a proud American citizen but has now become an outcast seeking asylum.


The song paints a picture of someone who feels abandoned by their country and is forced to leave it behind to obtain freedom. It's a powerful commentary on the state of affairs in America and the struggle individuals face when they do not feel represented by their government. Hence, the lyrics of American Refugee convey a message of hope, courage, and desperation.


Line by Line Meaning

Searching for a place to hide
Looking for a place to seek shelter


Running from those you've defied
Escaping from those you have stood against


Forsaking the land of the free
Abandoning the country known as a symbol of freedom


Leaving American policy
Departing from the country's political ideologies


Trying to make a change
Striving to bring about a difference


Hoping to rearrange
Having the expectation of reorganizing the system


Planning a strategy
Developing a plan of action


Going to be a refugee
Becoming a person who flees from their native country


Status of a free man
Being seen as someone who is entitled to liberty and rights


U.S. government banned
Prohibited by the government of the United States


Anywhere is a place to be
Anywhere can serve as a dwelling place


You've just got to be free
All you need is to have freedom


American refugee
A person who leaves the U.S. due to a difference in ideologies


American refugee
A person who leaves the U.S. due to a difference in ideologies


American refugee
A person who leaves the U.S. due to a difference in ideologies


American refugee
A person who leaves the U.S. due to a difference in ideologies




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Glenn Gyorffy, Robb Reiner, Steven Kudlow

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Maor Greenberg

Just finished watching the doc about you guys and was deeply moved! 
1. You guys rock!
2. I don't remember when was the last time I actually clapped and cheered for a hero in a movie (fictional or not) and for their success as I did while I watched "The story of Anvil". Right on guys!
3. I'm from Israel so... Shalom! (Lip and robb your'e Hebrew brothers, right ;) ) 
4. Is there a site where I can legally pay download your music?
To order a physical CD copy from Canada is a bit expensive for me.

Cheers! Keepl it Metal! (on metal) \m/(^_^)\m/

Zenor T

i love anvil ..

Andy Steele

Fucking Awesome!!! /,,/

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