Charts:
U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks- 18
UK Singles Chart - 60
Bleed American
Jimmy Eat World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not crazy 'cause I take the right pills every day
And rest, clean your conscience
Clear your thoughts with Speyside with your grain
Clean your conscience, clear your thoughts with Speyside
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Our lives, our coal
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Sign up, the picket line or the parade
Our lives
I'm not alone 'cause the TV's on, yeah
I'm not crazy 'cause I take the right pills every day
And rest, clean your conscience
Clear your thoughts with Speyside with your grain
Clean your conscience, clear your thoughts with Speyside
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Tune in and we can get the last call
Our lives, our coal
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our-our hearts, yeah, littering the topsoil
Sign up, the picket line or the parade
Our lives
Greed from my arm
Won't they give it a rest now?
(Give it a rest now)
Now, now, now
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Tune in and we can get the last call
Our lives, our coal
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Sign up, the picket line or the parade
Our lives, our coal
The lyrics to Jimmy Eat World's song "Bleed American" convey a sense of desperation and a need for escape from the daily grind. The opening lines "I'm not alone 'cause the TV's on, yeah, I'm not crazy 'cause I take the right pills every day" suggest that the singer feels isolated and may be dependent on medication to keep their thoughts in order. They go on to advise listeners to "clean your conscience, clear your thoughts with Speyside with your grain" - a reference to a type of whiskey made in Scotland that is known for its smooth and light taste. This could be interpreted as a call to escape reality and find solace in alcohol.
The second half of the song speaks to larger societal issues. The repeated phrases "salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt, our hearts littering the topsoil" create a vivid image of a world full of pollution and waste. The singer suggests that there are two paths that people can take in response to this: they can either "sign up, the picket line or the parade" - become politically active and fight for change - or they can simply tune out and "get the last call". The choice, it seems, is up to each individual.
Overall, "Bleed American" is a powerful commentary on the state of the world and the challenges that we all face. It encourages listeners to think deeply about their own lives and the role they can play in creating a better future for themselves and for others.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not alone 'cause the TV's on, yeah
The singer feels connected to the world through the television, and so they don't feel lonely.
I'm not crazy 'cause I take the right pills every day
Taking medication is helping the singer cope with their mental health, so they don't feel insane.
And rest, clean your conscience
Resting can help someone feel less guilty about past mistakes or moral dilemmas, giving them peace of mind.
Clear your thoughts with Speyside with your grain
The artist suggests that drinking a certain brand of whiskey can help someone forget their troubles and focus on the present.
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
A description of a hot, humid day, with the mix of physical elements creating an intense and memorable sensory experience for the artist and their companions.
Our hearts littering the topsoil
The stressful and demanding aspects of their lives are weighing heavily on them, leaving them feeling drained or hopeless.
Tune in and we can get the last call
By staying informed and aware of current events, we can make important decisions before time runs out and opportunities pass us by.
Our lives, our coal
The artist sees their own experiences and perspectives as a valuable resource, one that can fuel their passions and drive their ambitions.
Sign up, the picket line or the parade
People can either choose to take a stand against injustice through organized protests, or celebrate their beliefs by participating in festive gatherings and rituals of their choosing.
Greed from my arm
The artist compares the craving for success and wealth to a physical addiction, one that can be difficult to resist or overcome.
Won't they give it a rest now? (Give it a rest now) Now, now, now
The singer wishes that society as a whole could place less emphasis on the accumulation of money and power, and more on creating fulfilling and meaningful lives for everyone.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Christopher Adkins, Richard E Burch, Thomas Darrell Linton, Zachary Michel Lind
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tate Hammontree
I'm not alone 'cause the TV's on yeah
I'm not crazy 'cause I take the right pills everyday
And rest, clean your conscience
Clear your thoughts with Speyside with your grain
Clean your conscience, clear your thoughts with Speyside
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Tune in and we can get the last call
Our lives, our coal
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Sign up, the picket line or the parade
Our lives
I'm not alone 'cause the TV's on yeah
I'm not crazy 'cause I take the right pills everyday
And rest, clean your conscience,
Clear your thoughts with Speyside with your grain
Clean your conscience, clear your thoughts with Speyside
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Tune in and we can get the last call
Our lives, our coal
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our-our hearts, yeah, littering the topsoil
Sign up, the picket line or the parade
Our lives
Greed from my arm
Won't they give it a rest now?
(Give it a rest now, now, now, now)
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Tune in and we can get the last call
Salt, sweat, sugar on the asphalt
Our hearts littering the topsoil
Sign up, the picket line or the parade
K84
One of the first songs I downloaded using either Kazaa or Limewire. I think it took about 3 or 4 days.
Leo Getz
The old dial up internet
Kates Mah Gates
Kazaa!! I plum forgot about frickn Kazaa!
Goodn
B B
Good old AOL Dial Up. Those were the days.
Kyle Washington
Wonderful comment.
Musicismylife
Worth it.
Charles D.M.
This whole album reminds me of being 13 and driving to rugby practice every Sunday morning with my dad, my brother and my mate Scott. Fucking great album. This was about over 10 years ago but my dad and I went to see them live last year and they absolutely killed it, amazing.
venompogg
@Kayle Cotton those memories are old enough to buy a gun
Vivi D.G.
@Charles D.M. yay :)
Charles D.M.
@Vivi D.G. I'm still about! Moved to Australia from the UK but home visiting with my new born at the moment. Haven't been back in 4 years due to covid so will have to put this album on and have a listen with my dad and go for a beer with Scott!