American Boy
Estelle ft. Kanye West Lyrics

This a number one champion sound (yeah)
This song is a winner and everyone agrees (yeah)

Yeah, Estelle, we 'bout to get down (get down)
I'm Estelle and we're ready to dance (get down)

Who the hottest in the world right now? (Huh)
Who's the coolest and most popular right now? (Huh)

Just touched down in London town (huh)
Just arrived in London, feeling fresh (huh)

Bet they give me a pound (uh)
Bet they'll give me some money (uh)

Tell 'em put the money in my hand right now (yes)
Directing someone to give her the money right away (yes)

Tell the promoter we need more seats
Communicating that more seats are needed to fill this popular show

We just sold out all the floor seats
Announcing the huge success of selling all the best seats for the show

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Expressing a desire to travel someday

Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A.
Specifying two US cities she'd like to visit

I really want to come kick it with you
Expressing interest in hanging out with someone

You'll be my American boy
Referring to the person she wants to hang out with, who is an American male

He said, "Hey, sister, it's really, really nice to meet ya"
Quoting the guy she's interested in, who greets her politely

I just met this 5-foot-7 guy who's just my type
Explaining why she's interested in this particular guy

Like the way he's speakin', his confidence is peakin'
Admiring his speaking style and confidence

Don't like his baggy jeans but I might like what's underneath them
Not liking his fashion choices, but still curious about him

And, no, I ain't been to MIA
Admitting that she's never been to Miami

I heard that Cali never rains and New York's wide awake
Sharing some things she's heard about two US cities

First let's see the West End, I'll show you to my bredrin
Suggesting a sightseeing destination in London and offering to introduce him to her friends

I'm liking this American boy, American boy
Reiterating her interest in the American guy

La-la-la-la-la-di-da
Nonsense syllables added for musical effect

Will you be my American boy?
Asking the guy if he'd like to hang out with her

Can we get away this weekend? Take me to Broadway
Proposing a weekend trip to New York City's famous Broadway theater district

Let's go shopping, maybe then we'll go to a café
Suggesting a shopping trip followed by a stop at a café

Let's go on the subway, take me to your hood
Suggesting they travel on public transportation to his neighborhood

I never been to Brooklyn and I'd like to see what's good
Expressing curiosity about Brooklyn, a famous NYC borough

Dressed in all your fancy clothes
Noticing his stylish clothing

Sneakers looking fresh to death, I'm loving those Shell Toes
Specifically complimenting his sneakers

Walking that walk, talk that slick talk
Observing his confident demeanor

I'm liking this American boy, American boy
Reiterating her attraction to him

Tell 'em wah gwan, blud!
Using Jamaican slang to say hello

Who killing them in the UK?
Asking who's doing well in the UK music scene

Everybody gonna say "You, K!"
Suggesting that everyone will say that Estelle is doing well in the UK

Reluctantly, 'cause most of this press don't fuck with me
Admitting that despite her success, many press sources don't support her

Estelle once said to me, "Cool down, down
Sharing some advice Estelle gave to her

Don't act a fool now, now"
Specifically, advising her not to act foolishly

I always act a fool, ow, ow
Admitting that she often does act foolishly

Ain't nothing new now, now
Noting that this isn't a new thing for her

He crazy, I know what you thinking (uh-huh)
Acknowledging that the guy she likes is a little eccentric

Ribena, I know what you're drinking
Playfully claiming to know what kind of drink he likes

Rap singer, chain blinger
Describing the stereotypical aesthetic of a rapper

Holler at the next chick soon as you're blinking
Suggesting that this type of guy is always ready to flirt with someone new

What's your persona about this Americana rhymer?
Asking him about his musical style/aesthetic

Am I shallow 'cause all my clothes designer?
Posing a rhetorical question about her own love of designer clothing

Uh, dressed smart like a London bloke (yes)
Describing the guy she likes as dressing stylishly

Before he speak his suit bespoke (woo)
Impressed by his attention to detail with his clothing

And you thought he was cute before
Reminding the listener that she's still talking about the same guy

Look at this pea coat, tell me he's broke (woo)
Suggesting that his stylish clothing is actually expensive and high-quality, not cheap

And I know you ain't into all that
Acknowledging that her crush doesn't necessarily share her love of fashion

I heard your lyrics, I feel your spirit
Appreciating his music and vibe

But I still talk that ca-a-ash
Not willing to change her own way of speaking

'Cause a lot of wags wanna hear it
Asserting that her fans want to hear this kind of language

And I'm feeling like Mike at his baddest
Comparing herself to Michael Jackson when he was feeling his most confident

Like The Pips at their gladdest
Referencing Gladys Knight and the Pips, a famous soul group known for their upbeat sound

And I know they love it
Confident in her fans' appreciation for her music

So to hell with all that rubbish
Dismissing criticism of her music or style

Would you be my love, my love?
Asking if the guy would be her romantic partner

Could you be mine?
Further asking if he'd like to be with her

La-la-la-la-la-di-da (la, la)
More nonsense syllables added for musical effect

Could you be my love (ooh), my love?
Repeating the question again

Would you be my American boy, American boy?
Asking specifically if he'd like to be her American boyfriend

Take me to Chicago, San Francisco Bay (I wanna see the Bay)
Adding two more US cities to her wishlist of places to visit

La-la-la-la-la-di-da (ooh-ooh)
One more round of nonsensical syllables

Will you be my American boy?
Finishing the song by asking the same question one more time