I'm Afraid of Americans
David Bowie Lyrics
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Low techs at the wheel
No-one needs anyone
They don't even just pretend
Johnny's in America
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
Johnny's in America
Johnny wants a brain
Johnny wants to suck on a Coke
Johnny wants a woman
Johnny wants to think of a joke
Johnny's in America
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
Johnny's in America
Johnny looks up at the stars
Johnny combs his hair
And Johnny wants pussy in cars
Johnny's in America
Johnny's in America
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
God is an American
God is an American
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
Yeah, I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the words
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
Johnny's an American
Johnny's an American
Johnny's an American
Johnny's an American
Johnny's an American
David Bowie's song "I'm Afraid of Americans" is a commentary on the culture of the United States and the negative influence it can have on the rest of the world. The lyrics describe a character named Johnny who represents the average American, portrayed as low-tech and obsessed with trivial things like drinking Coca-Cola, having sex in cars, and wanting to be entertained with jokes. Bowie admits that he is afraid of Americans because of their obsession with themselves and their disregard for the rest of the world. He sees the US as a powerful force that controls and shapes the global culture, but at the same time, he fears it may lead the world towards a future of chaos and destruction. The line "God is an American" is a sarcastic comment on the idea of American exceptionalism, and the belief that the US is the chosen country that will save the world.
The song was released in 1997 and was a collaboration with Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor, who played guitar and contributed to the production. The original version was featured on the soundtrack of the film "Showgirls," but it was later remixed and included in Bowie's album "Earthling." The song was a commercial success, reaching number 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and it remains a fan favorite. Bowie often performed the song on his later tours, adding new lyrics and exploring different arrangements.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny's in America
The typical, low-tech American is at the wheel of the country, devoid of any interpersonal connection or concern.
I'm afraid of Americans
The singer fears the societal and cultural problems present in America that could be spreading throughout the world.
I'm afraid of the world
The singer is afraid of the idea of globalization that could put different cultures and traditions at risk of disappearing.
I'm afraid I can't help it
The artist is helpless in his fear of the global influence of American culture.
Johnny wants a brain
The song describes the ignorance of the typical American who is more interested in trivial pursuits than intellectual ones.
Johnny wants to suck on a Coke
The song portrays the unhealthy and consumerist tendencies of the American culture.
Johnny wants a woman
The song alludes to the objectification and sexualization of women in American society.
Johnny wants to think of a joke
The song points to the superficiality and inability of Americans to engage in deep or serious conversations.
Johnny looks up at the stars
The song simultaneously highlights America's technological achievements while suggesting that the culture is lacking in spirituality or higher purpose.
Johnny combs his hair
The song further describes the American obsession with superficial appearances and the need to project a certain image onto others.
Johnny wants pussy in cars
The song portrays the sexual desires and objectification of women through the character of Johnny.
God is an American
The song implies that America, the world's most powerful and influential nation, has replaced God in terms of authority and influence.
Yeah, I'm afraid of Americans
The singer reiterates their fear of the American culture and its wide-reaching global influence.
Johnny's an American
The song repeats its characterization of Johnny as the typical and mundane American who is more preoccupied with superficial concerns than deeper issues.
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Brian Peter George Eno, David Bowie, Brian Eno
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Belboz99
@Quinn Hegeman I'm not so sure... there indeed was a lot of VHS-recorded material, especially for TV shows and some music videos.
But back in those days, a very large portion was recorded onto 35mm movie film.
So while you might have some rando upload a 480p video, that likely came off a VHS recording someone made at home.
The original artists, as this is an official channel, have access to the original recordings.
Additionally, while yeah... there were technically 1080P videos of some of these lurking about YouTube, it was just another rando downloading the 480P one the first rando uploaded off VHS and upsampling it, maybe dubbing over the audio with something less akin to trash.
At no point was this stuff from the 90's or early 00's uploaded directly in 1080p off the original recordings by the original artists.
Here's an explanation on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkysCJBdGtw
@AbsenceOfLogic
All Trent Reznor wanted was an autograph & a selfie.
@alaididnalid7660
You're not getting out of this cab until I get your autograph, comprende?!
@NVNCVL
But sadly, he gave David pancreatic cancer. =....(
@justanotherguy469
@Erin Taylor Debie Downer.
@NVNCVL
@SirWoofsAlot it was a joooooke
@anonymous36247
In alanmoore's Watchmen a character uses the line God is an American and also someone gives someone cancer. Just saying.
@rars0n
Bowie and Reznor was the perfect, unlikely match-up that I never realized we even needed until it happened. So glad these guys got to collaborate for a time.
@teamur57
Saw today a video about Reznor and can't believe his love to David is so undescribable for me. I cried.
@Revolution1117
@@teamur57 Indeed. And Reznor also might not be around today had David not exposed him to a life of sobriety.
@melaa-tm7mt
david loves god me, god