During the 70s, while still in his teens, Mitchell began playing with local bands in the city of Sarnia. After evolving through a few name changes with essentially the same band, Mitchell and a group titled "Zooom" headed off for Toronto, Ontario. The band eventually dissolved, with Mitchell travelling over to the Greek islands.
Upon his return to Canada, he formed the band Max Webster, which managed to finally break through commercially. Besides playing the group, Mitchell and wrote most of the band's songs with fellow Sarnia native and lyricist, Pye Dubois (Paul Woods). Max Webster toured extensively and built a string of hits. Mitchell's solo career began after his departure from Max Webster, with session work and a succession of solo albums.
In early 1985, the song "Go For Soda" from the Akimbo Alogo album became an international hit and perhaps remains his best known song outside of his native Canada.
In 2004, Mitchell entered the radio broadcasting industry, becoming afternoon drive time host on Toronto classic rock radio station Q107.
As of 2005, Mitchell, still does the afternoon drive time on Q107, and is working on a new double CD set for a Spring 2006 release.
In December of 2005, Mitchell had proposed to the Q107 listeners that they write a Christmas song together. The resulting song is entitled "A Christmas Smile". At the end of the song, Mitchell advises his fans not to drink and drive, but to "go for a soda" instead.
America
Kim Mitchell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Beatin' rhythm on the drumskin of my heart
In America
Felt like a child in the arms of America
Felt the crowd, heard the voices of billion breathing
In America
Fast lane life here and I don't mind
But I really want to see those stars at night
Hold on America, ain't it the truth
Hold on these golden miles are through
Everything here can get a little bit hazy
Take more money than you can can make
Can't fall for that big ticket to take you away
All the glitter and gold in America
All the greed, all the hurt, all the glory to home
In America
So everybody thanks God in America
Heard he's gonna forget about the rest of the world
Take up in a America
'Cause it's a big party on the edge of life, another way to deny
Seems like I've travelled such a long long way
But I'd really love to stay but I've just gotta see those stars at night
Hold on America, ain't it the truth
Hold on these golden miles are through
Everything here can get a little bit hazy
Take more money than you can make
So don't fall for that big ticket to take you away
Happiness they say is down this long and lonesome road
Half way there I realized the whole story was not told
In America, in America
I really want to see those stars at night
Really just wanted to see
Really wanna see those stars at night
Hold on America, ain't it the truth
Hold on these golden miles are through
Hold on America, ain't it the truth
Hold on these golden miles are through
Yeah yeah yeah
Kim Mitchell’s “America” is a song that is both about reflecting on the beauty and the struggles of the United States. The first stanza describes the singer’s encounter with a person in the middle of America who beat the rhythm on the drumskin of his heart. This encounter led him to feel like a child in the arms of America, feeling the crowd and hearing the voices of billion breathings. The second stanza moves on to explore the effects of money and the fast-paced nature of the country, where the soft hearts of people are in the backseat of a shiny red Cadillac. The singer wants to see the stars at night, but the hazy mentality and focus on making more money can prevent people from experiencing the beauty within the country. The final stanza alludes to the idea that happiness is down this long and lonesome road, but halfway through it, the story is not completely told. The song ends with the singer reiterating his desire to see the stars at night.
One interesting fact about the song “America” is that it was released in 1985 as part of Kim Mitchell’s album Shakin' Like a Human Being. Another interesting fact is that the song featured backing vocals by Lawrence Gowan, a Scottish-Canadian musician who is currently on the vocals and keyboard for Styx. The song also features the talents of drummer Paul DeLong and bassist Peter Fredette. Additionally, the song was a commercial success, reaching no. 4 on the RPM Top Singles chart and spending a total of 17 weeks on the chart.
Another fascinating fact about “America” is that it received mixed reviews from music critics. Some critics praised Mitchell’s songwriting and musicianship, while others felt that the lyrics were too vague and tried too hard to be anthemic. Despite these reviews, the song has remained a popular classic rock hit and has been covered by various bands and musicians. “America” has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including the 2012 drama “Red Hook Summer.”
Chords (as played on acoustic guitar) - D – A – G – D (verses), G – D – A – G (chorus)
Line by Line Meaning
Saw a face in the middle of America
The singer saw a person who embodied the heart and soul of America.
Beatin' rhythm on the drumskin of my heart
The person he saw seemed to awaken something deep within him that he felt in his heart.
Felt like a child in the arms of America
Being in America made the singer feel safe and cared for like a child in a parent's embrace.
Felt the crowd, heard the voices of billion breathing
The artist felt the palpable energy of the crowd around him, representing the many unique individuals who make up America.
Where's the soft hearts in the back seat of the Cadillac shiny and red
The artist longs for genuine kindness and empathy, which he associates with a less glamorous and flashy lifestyle.
Fast lane life here and I don't mind
The singer is enjoying the fast-paced lifestyle of America despite its potential dangers.
But I really want to see those stars at night
Despite his enjoyment of America, the singer still longs for simple and natural pleasures like stargazing.
Hold on America, ain't it the truth
The artist recognizes that America can be overwhelming and confusing, and needs to be grounded in reality.
Hold on these golden miles are through
The artist acknowledges that his journey through America is coming to an end, and he must savor it while he can.
Everything here can get a little bit hazy
The artist recognizes that the glitter and excitement of America can obscure what's truly important.
Take more money than you can can make
The singer warns against the temptation to pursue wealth at any cost, as it may ultimately prove unsustainable.
Can't fall for that big ticket to take you away
The artist advises against placing too much value on material possessions or a flashy lifestyle, as they may only serve as distractions.
All the glitter and gold in America
The material wealth and excess of America that can be attractive to people.
All the greed, all the hurt, all the glory to home
The singer acknowledges that America is not without its flaws, and that its glory is often built on the backs of others.
So everybody thanks God in America
The singer observes that many Americans are quick to thank God for their blessings, but may neglect to consider those who are less fortunate.
Heard he's gonna forget about the rest of the world
The artist expresses a concern that America may become isolated or indifferent to the struggles of others around the globe.
'Cause it's a big party on the edge of life, another way to deny
The artist suspects that the vibrant and celebratory nature of the American lifestyle can be used to distract from or ignore serious issues.
Seems like I've travelled such a long long way
The singer reflects on how far he has come in his journey through America and how much he has experienced.
But I'd really love to stay but I've just gotta see those stars at night
The singer wishes he could stay in America longer, yet still feels drawn to the simple pleasures of life outside of the city.
Happiness they say is down this long and lonesome road
The artist recognizes that true happiness may come from a more difficult and lonely path.
Half way there I realized the whole story was not told
The artist has gained new perspective and insight during his journey and understands that there is always more to discover.
Contributed by Ava B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@wadejones9613
Kim is so underrated ! The guys a wealth of Canadian talent !
@dominic2014
I remember listening to this on the radio when I was 12 and it won the weekly votes contest in PEI, Canada. I dug the groove, still do
@alrightstudios2145
This is one of Mitchell's best tracks
@KWACanada
One of the best middle fingers for our neighbours to the south.
@finalstagemetal
Kim's best album he ever wrote, that sadly few people actually bought.
@drunkrumjack
Hold on America, ain't it the truth
Hold on these golden miles are through
Everything here can get a little bit hazy
Take more money than you can can make
Can't fall for that big ticket to take you away
All the glitter and gold in America
All the greed, all the hurt, all the glory to home
In America
So everybody thanks God in America
Heard he's gonna forget about the rest of the world
Take up in a America
Hold on America, ain't it the truth
@nowookiee
@PrettyWylde And now you remember, it's full of awesome.
@veryclever007
Whatever became of the amazing video they did for this song?
@mylo2112ify
I know. I can't find it either.
@zogloft7735
Bitterness because he didn't make it in America