From the year 2001 to 2004, Cyrus starred in the television show Doc. The show was about a country doctor who moved from Montana to New York City. In late 2005, he also began to co-star in the Disney Channel series, Hannah Montana, with daughter Miley Cyrus. The show has been on the air for three seasons.
The I'm American Songfacts reports that Billy Ray Cyrus’ twelfth studio album, I'm American is a collection of patriotic songs. It was initially scheduled to be released in November 2010, but after being pushed back numerous times, it finally came out on June 28, 2011.
The American Dream
Billy Ray Cyrus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To live happily ever after on a G.I. loan
The future was looking bright back in '62
'Neath the shadow of atomic bombs and the baby boom
You could take a walk downtown without being afraid
Hey who's the better center fielder, Mantle or Mays
There was chicken in every pot, even when times were lean
Every mother was supposed to look like Donna Reed
father knew what was best for you and me
Our lives were etched on eight millimeter frames
As we grew up in houses that all looked the same
But there was trouble on the other side of town
It was a time when people began to stand their ground
As the eyes of the world were opened by a man named King
Everybody wanted their share of the American dream
Dream on, children, dream on
Don't let anybody tell you the dream is gone
As long as there's a God above
Keep praying we never wake up
Keep on dreaming the American dream
Now there's medals on the wall I got back in '91
And a quarter-acre piece of Heaven
Where my kids can run
As I turn off the cable and put my babies to bed
I kiss 'em goodnight and I whisper under my breath
Dream on, children, dream on
Don't let anybody tell you the dream is gone
As long as there's a God above
Keep praying we never wake up
Keep on dreaming the American dream
The lyrics of Billy Ray Cyrus's "The American Dream" describe the blissful optimism and hope that existed in 1962 among a generation that believed that everyone had a fair shot at the American dream. The song is essentially a tribute to the post-World War II era when people were moving from the countryside into the cities, living in newly built homes, and starting their own families. Cyrus talks about how everyone appeared happy and contented during those years, with downtown areas safe for even a casual walk and every family having enough to eat. However, as the song progresses, Cyrus acknowledges that the perfect world he painted wasn't entirely accurate. Troubles were brewing in certain areas where residents were beginning to voice their concerns, and that's where Cyrus highlights the importance of people standing up for what they believe in.
The song name-drops classic American figures, such as Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays, and mentions the good old days of chicken dinners and eight-millimeter home movies. He muses about the perfection of the nuclear American family and the ease of social norms at the time. Still, he warns about the potential dangers when someone is denied their shot at the American dream. In the second half of the song, Cyrus talks about his present-day success, shown through his family, a comfortable living, and his military achievements. He reminds his children to keep dreaming and working for the American dream.
Line by Line Meaning
Well they moved away from the farms they did not own
They left the farm they were working on but didn't own in order to pursue their dreams elsewhere.
To live happily ever after on a G.I. loan
They used a G.I. loan to buy a home and start a new life.
The future was looking bright back in '62
In 1962, many people were optimistic about what the future held.
'Neath the shadow of atomic bombs and the baby boom
During this time, people were also aware of the threat of nuclear war and were experiencing a baby boom.
You could take a walk downtown without being afraid
The country was relatively safe, and people felt comfortable walking around their town without fear of danger.
Hey who's the better center fielder, Mantle or Mays
People enjoyed debating and discussing sports, which was a popular pastime.
There was chicken in every pot, even when times were lean
Even during tough times, people could still afford basic necessities like food.
We thought everybody had a shot at the American dream
People believed that anyone could achieve success if they worked hard enough, regardless of their background.
Every mother was supposed to look like Donna Reed
There was a traditional view of what a mother should look like and what her role in society was.
father knew what was best for you and me
Fathers were often seen as the head of the household and made important decisions for their family.
Our lives were etched on eight millimeter frames
Home movies were popular, and many families recorded important moments on eight millimeter film.
As we grew up in houses that all looked the same
Houses were often built in a similar style, and there was a lack of diversity in architecture.
But there was trouble on the other side of town
Not everyone was living the American dream, and some communities were struggling.
It was a time when people began to stand their ground
The civil rights movement was gaining momentum, and people were standing up for their rights.
As the eyes of the world were opened by a man named King
Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, and his activism drew worldwide attention.
Everybody wanted their share of the American dream
As people became more aware of the inequalities in society, they began to demand equal opportunities to achieve success.
Now there's medals on the wall I got back in '91
The artist has achieved success and has proof of it in the form of medals.
And a quarter-acre piece of Heaven
The singer has a home that they love and cherish.
Where my kids can run
The singer's children are able to enjoy their home and its surroundings.
As I turn off the cable and put my babies to bed
The artist recognizes the importance of unplugging and spending time with their family.
I kiss 'em goodnight and I whisper under my breath
The artist expresses their love for their children and their hope for their future.
Dream on, children, dream on
The artist encourages their children to continue dreaming and striving for success.
Don't let anybody tell you the dream is gone
The singer believes that the American dream is still possible to achieve, despite adversity.
As long as there's a God above
The artist has faith in a higher power to guide and help them.
Keep praying we never wake up
The singer hopes that they can continue to live the American dream and never lose it.
Keep on dreaming the American dream
The singer encourages everyone to keep working towards their goals and striving for success.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GARY STEFAN HARRISON, KEITH STEGALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind