America Won
Hymie's Basement Lyrics


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Why?:
America's a blinding place for nightlife.
The highlights: america's a binding place
And i might tangle you in your own fists
Like two hundred feet of blank tape in a tree.
And i might pound you,
Put it on you like a sweater
With the sleeve holes sewed shut
When you're trying to swim.
And i might treat you like a wall i walk by
With my headphones on and my eyes all gone.




Or polish you, shine your ego
Like windexing a mirror.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Hymie's Basement's song "America Won" are an interesting commentary on life in America, particularly when it comes to nightlife. The opening line, "America's a blinding place for nightlife," suggests that the country is full of dazzling, bright lights and exciting things to do after dark. However, the following lines add a darker, more complex layer to the picture. The phrase "the highlights" seems to suggest that there are both positive and negative aspects to American nightlife - perhaps the highs and lows are both equally binding. The next line, "And i might tangle you in your own fists," is a powerful, violent image that suggests that even though America can be exciting, it can also be dangerous and unpredictable.


The next few lines continue this theme of unpredictability and danger. The phrase "Like two hundred feet of blank tape in a tree" is an intriguingly vague image, but it seems to suggest something about being tied up or trapped. The line "And i might pound you" is a clear reference to physical violence or aggression, and the following lines add to the sense of danger: "Put it on you like a sweater / With the sleeve holes sewed shut / When you're trying to swim." This metaphor suggests drowning or suffocation, which could be a commentary on how easily one can become overwhelmed in the fast-paced, intense environment of American nightlife.


The last two lines of the song change course slightly, shifting from violence to detachment. The line "And i might treat you like a wall i walk by" suggests that the singer is emotionally disconnected from the people around them - that everyone is simply a part of the background scenery. The final line, "Or polish you, shine your ego / Like windexing a mirror," suggests that even though the singer may not feel connected to others, they're still willing to play a certain social role and boost others' egos. Overall, the lyrics of "America Won" offer a complex, sometimes contradictory portrayal of life in America and the ups and downs of its nightlife.


Line by Line Meaning

America's a blinding place for nightlife.
The nightlife scene in America is overwhelming and dazzling.


The highlights: america's a binding place
America is a place that ties people together through shared experiences and culture.


And i might tangle you in your own fists
I may provoke you to the point where you lash out at me with your own fists.


Like two hundred feet of blank tape in a tree.
My actions towards you may serve no real purpose, like an empty tape dangling in a tree.


And i might pound you,
I may physically harm you.


Put it on you like a sweater
I will impose my will on you like clothing.


With the sleeve holes sewed shut
You will be confined and unable to escape or act freely.


When you're trying to swim.
When you're struggling and vulnerable, I will make it even harder for you.


And i might treat you like a wall i walk by
I may completely ignore your existence like an inanimate object.


With my headphones on and my eyes all gone.
Completely absorbed in my own world, I am unaware of those around me.


Or polish you, shine your ego
I will flatter and compliment you excessively, inflating your sense of self-importance.


Like windexing a mirror.
Like making something shiny and clear, but ultimately superficial and lacking in substance.




Contributed by Brayden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Kelly Wurtz

I can't even go a day without listening to this song

rstuvwx y

this is on repeat here forever

Jakob van Klinken

I occasionally return to songs of this album, it's wonderful still after all these years :)

imntafckingsaint

this song makes me feel like I'm drunk even thought I'm not drinking at all

Tyler F

@Matthew Ensign same brother

Matthew Ensign

imntafckingsaint but I am drunk. I wish I didn't have to be. I must be privileged...

Emma Garofalo

One of my all-time favorite songs, ever.

Alexis Muñoz

what a song it's significant to me

Joe

0:47 Is that him gasping for air?? Fuck this song is the tits <333

Bars Sinister

this is the theme song to my 20s
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hello gb, the whole of this is for all my personal july.s
lv
i

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