North American Scum
LCD Soundsystem Lyrics

Oh oh oh
Introduction to the song

Oh I don't know, I don't know, oh, where to begin
Uncertain about the starting point of the song and its meaning

We are North Americans
Proudly stating their identity as North Americans

And for those of you who still think we're from England
Addressing a common misconception about North American identity

We're not, no
Clarifying that they are not from England

We build our planes and our trains till we think we might die
Emphasizing the hard work and determination of North Americans

Far from North America
Acknowledging that the song is being performed elsewhere

Where the buildings are old and you might have lots of mimes
Describing the unfamiliar surroundings of the non-North American location

Aha, oh, oh
Expressing a reaction to the unfamiliar location

I hate the feelin' when you're looking at me that way
Feeling uncomfortable when being judged for being North American

'Cause we're North Americans
Explaining the reason behind being judged

But if we act all shy, it'll make it okay
Proposing a solution to avoid judgment

Makes it go away
Confirming that the solution works

When we're North American
Clarifying that the following lines relate to being North American

But in the end we make the same mistakes all over again
Admitting that North Americans make mistakes repeatedly

Come on North Americans
Encouraging other North Americans to join in the song

We are North American scum
Accepting the derogatory term for North Americans

We're from North America
Reiterating the origin of the North Americans

And all the kids all the kids that want to make the scene
Referring to young people who want to be part of the cultural scene

Here in North America
Pointing at the location where the aspiration occurs

When our young kids get to read it in your magazines
Referring to the media coverage of the cultural scene and its impact on young people

We don't have those
Acknowledging the lack of equivalent media coverage in North America

So where's the love where's the love where's the
Asking for the love that seems to be missing

Love where's the love where's the love tonight?
Reiterating the desire for love/acceptance

But there's no love man there's no love and the kids are uptight
Acknowledging that the love/acceptance is absent and young people are anxious

So throw a party till the cops come in and bust it up
Proposing a solution to enjoy despite the lack of love/acceptance

Let's go North Americans
Encouraging others to have fun despite the situation

Oh you were planning it I didn't mean to interrupt
Apologizing for interrupting someone's plan to have fun

Sorry
Expressing an apology

I did it once and my parents got pretty upset
Recalling a past experience of getting in trouble for having fun

Freaked out in North America
Explaining the location of the experience

But then I said the more I do it the better it gets
Learning from the experience and realizing the benefits of having fun

Let's rock North America
Encouraging rock and roll fun in North America

New York's the greatest if you get someone to pay the rent
Praising New York City and the importance of finding affordable rent

Wahoo North America
Expressing excitement about North America

And it's the furthest you can live from the government un huh huh
Suggesting that North America is a place of freedom from the government's influence

Some proud American Christians might disagree
Acknowledging that some may hold a different belief about the government and religion in North America

Here in North America
Reiterating that the song is about North America

But New York's the only place we're keepin' them off the street
Describing New York City as a place of refuge for the homeless and distressed

Boo boo now we can't have parties like in Spain where they go all night
Expressing disappointment that parties cannot last all night in North America like in Spain

Shut down in North America
Explaining the reason behind the shorter party hours in North America

Or like Berlin where they go another night, alright, un huh un huh
Claiming that parties last longer in Berlin than in North America

You see I love this place that I have grown to know
Expressing love for North America

Alright, North America
Reiterating the love for North America

And yeah, I know you wouldn't touch us with a ten-foot pole
Acknowledging that non-North Americans may not want to associate with North Americans

'Cause we're North Americans
Explaining the reason for the possible rejection from non-North Americans

We are North American scum
Reiterating the derogatory term for North Americans

We are North Americans
Accepting and acknowledging their identity as North Americans

We are North American scum
Repeating the derogatory term for North Americans

We love North America
Expressing love for North America

Take me back to the states man
Requesting to be returned to the United States

North American scum
Repeating the derogatory term for North Americans

Where we can be all we want if we really
Describing the freedom of expression and lifestyle in North America

North American
Reiterating the North American identity

Where the DJ gigs are as fun
Explaining the enthusiastic and fun nightlife of North America

Here in North American scum
Reiterating the derogatory term for North Americans but still praising the place

Don't blame the Canadians
Requesting not to hold Canadians responsible for North American actions or stereotypes

Let go North America
Encouraging North Americans to let go of negative stereotypes and embrace their homeland