American Son
John Mellencamp Lyrics

Stuck inside a jigsaw
Feeling trapped and overwhelmed by the confusing and chaotic nature of the Midwestern modern midtown.

Of the Midwestern modern midtown
Refers to the urban area of the Midwest that embodies a modern and bustling cityscape.

Feeling like a trophy
Feeling objectified and devalued, like an inanimate object that is passed around and displayed for the satisfaction of others.

That the old man's been passing around
Suggests that the artist's value is determined by his father's approval and validation, as if he is a possession to be shown off.

Just another suit back
The artist feels like he is just another person with an ordinary job and education.

From a old time college degree
The singer has obtained a degree from a traditional, old-fashioned college.

And when I walked by I heard 'em
The singer overhears people admiring and praising him.

Saying that he was something to see
People are commenting on the artist's appearance and success, further objectifying him.

Well, now don't you know that I'm the American Son?
The artist is proud of his heritage and identity as an American, although it is tied to his father's expectations and desires.

Living out the old man's fantasy of being number one
The artist feels pressure to live up to his father's expectations of success and become the best in his field.

Daddy used to tell me, "Son, you'll never kiss ass"
The singer's father instilled in him a sense of pride and self-respect, warning him not to compromise his integrity by being too subservient.

I'm the last of the American Son and it's such a, such a gasp
The artist feels that he is one of the few remaining examples of a true American Son, but this identity is beginning to fade away.

It's like a shot of silicon
Being surrounded by superficiality and materialism feels like a numbing injection of artificial substance.

The way the conversation grew
The conversation became increasingly shallow and one-dimensional, focusing on the singer's superficial qualities rather than his character or accomplishments.

And everybody was telling me something
The singer is bombarded with comments and opinions from others, but feels like they aren't really saying anything of substance.

That I already, already knew
The artist has already internalized the superficial messages that others are telling him, but is disillusioned by their unoriginality.

Well, I might be dumb but it didn't take that long
Even though the artist may not be the smartest person, he still recognizes emptiness and seeks a more authentic experience.

For me to get out of that room and bills
The singer realizes that materialism and superficiality only bring more obligations and expenses, and decides to leave that lifestyle behind.

And when I ran into the streets
The singer seeks freedom and spontaneity by leaving the confined space of the room and entering the outside world.

The crowd was yelling he's such a, such a gasp
The artist is now seen as exciting and intriguing by the people around him, who are drawn to his newfound authenticity.

You know that Eddy's in danger of
Eddy, perhaps a friend or acquaintance, is in danger of becoming too self-absorbed and conceited.

Of a self indulgent fool
Eddy is risking becoming someone who is only interested in satisfying his own desires and ego, without regard for others.

To mesmerize himself into thinking
Eddy is deluding himself into believing that his superficial qualities and possessions make him better than others.

That he is just to cool for school
Eddy thinks he is above the traditional rules and norms of society, and that he doesn't need to follow them.

Well, you know that it's fun to carry a gun
Having power and control over others can be enjoyable and exhilarating.

And shoot down what you never could be
The singer may be using his newfound authenticity to criticize and bring down those who are still entrapped in superficiality.

And when the dealer calls and has got you by the balls
The singer is referencing a drug dealer, who has power over him due to addiction or financial obligations.

You tell him that ya, you tell that ya had it from me
The artist is perhaps trying to shift blame or responsibility onto someone else.