Back in The U.S.A.
Chuck Berry. Lyrics
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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
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.
Looking hard for a drive in, searching for a corner cafe
Where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day
Yeah, and a jukebox 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.
Chuck Berry's song "Back in the U.S.A." is a patriotic celebration of the United States that reflects the era of post-World War II prosperity and optimism in America. The lyrics portray a sense of relief and joy that comes with returning home to the many sights and sounds of the country. Berry sings about his travels to different cities in the US, specifically mentioning New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge, and his hometown, St. Louis. He is excited to be back and satisfied with everything that the United States has to offer, from skyscrapers to long freeways, drive-in restaurants, corner cafes, and an endless number of jukeboxes with popular records.
The song is also a reflection of the music scene in the 1950s with its rock and roll beat and catchy phrase "anything you want, we got right here in the U.S.A." These lyrics allowed people to dream of an America full of possibilities and opportunities, where anyone could achieve the American Dream. Berry touches on the idea of the American dream with his talk about a "drive-in, searching for a corner cafe," implying that everyone has a chance to achieve their dreams in America.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh well, oh well, I feel so good today
I am feeling ecstatic today.
We touched ground on an international runway
We have just landed on an airport runway that serves multiple countries.
Jet propelled back home, from over the seas to the U.S.A.
I traveled back home on a jet airplane that was powered by jet propulsion.
New York, Los Angeles, oh, how I yearned for you
I really missed the cities of New York and Los Angeles and was longing to be there.
Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge
I 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 missed being at my home in St. Louis, Missouri even more.
Did I miss the skyscrapers, did I miss the long freeway?
I wondered if I had missed seeing tall buildings and driving on lengthy highways.
From the coast of California to the shores of Delaware Bay
I traveled from the western coast of California to the eastern shores of Delaware Bay.
You can bet your life I did, till I got back to the U.S.A.
I certainly did miss those things until I returned back to the United States of America.
Looking hard for a drive in, searching for a corner cafe
I was actively seeking a drive-in restaurant or a cafe located at a street corner.
Where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day
I was looking for a place where hamburgers were cooked on an open grill all the time.
Yeah, and a jukebox jumping with records like in the U.S.A.
I wanted to find a jukebox that was playing lively music, just like the ones I used to hear in the U.S.A.
Well, I'm so glad I'm livin' in the U.S.A.
I am extremely happy to be living in the United States of America.
Yes, I'm so glad I'm livin' in the U.S.A.
I am absolutely certain that I am happy to be living in the United States of America.
Anything you want, we got right here in the U.S.A.
We have everything you can possibly ever need right here in the United States of America.
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: CHUCK BERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind