It is the second track of Lana Del Rey's third EP, Paradise.
America
Lana Del Rey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All our friends said we would jive
Didn't work, so I left for Fresno
It was quite a scenic drive
Pulled over to watch the children in the park
We used to only worry for them after dark
I'm still looking for my own version of America
No bombs in the sky, only fireworks when you and I collide
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
I flew back to New York City
Missed that Hudson River line
Took a train up to Lake Placid
That's another place and time, where
I used to go to drive-ins and listen to the blues
So many things that I think twice about before I do now
I'm still looking for my own version of America
One without the gun, where the flag can freely fly
No bombs in the sky, only fireworks when you and I collide
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
In "America," Lana Del Rey reflects on her search for a perceived ideal version of America. The song depicts her journey through different cities and states, highlighting her experiences and contrasting them with her nostalgic visions. The opening lines mention a trip to San Francisco, where the anticipation of fitting in with friends quickly fades, leading her to leave for Fresno. This pursuit of belonging is symbolized by the scenic drive, observing the carefree and innocent children playing in the park. However, the reference to worrying about them after dark implies the underlying darkness that exists even in seemingly idyllic settings.
The chorus emphasizes Lana Del Rey's longing for the America she envisions, longing for a nation without firearms, where the flag can freely fly. She imagines a world without violence, bombs, and conflicts, where the only explosions are the fireworks created by the collision of her love with someone else. This dream represents her desires for safety, freedom, and a passionate love devoid of destruction. The repetition of "It's just a dream I had in mind" underscores the bittersweet nature of these aspirations, acknowledging that they may only exist in her imagination.
The second verse shifts the setting to New York City, where she laments missing the Hudson River line. Her decision to take the train back to Lake Placid, another place and time, suggests a longing for the past when she would go to drive-ins and immerse herself in the sounds of the blues. This nostalgia reflects a yearning for simpler and more genuine experiences, contrasting with the cautiousness she adopts in her present life.
Overall, "America" delves into Lana Del Rey's desire for an idealized version of America that resonates with her personal longing for love, security, and a return to simpler times. It explores the tension between reality and dreams, exposing the complexities and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of this envisioned America.
Line by Line Meaning
Took a trip to San Francisco
Embarked on a journey to the vibrant city of San Francisco.
All our friends said we would jive
Our acquaintances believed we would have a great time together.
Didn't work, so I left for Fresno
However, things didn't work out as planned, so I decided to depart for the city of Fresno.
It was quite a scenic drive
The journey from San Francisco to Fresno was filled with picturesque landscapes.
Pulled over to watch the children in the park
We made a stop to observe the innocent activities of the children in the park.
We used to only worry about them after dark
In the past, our concerns for the children were primarily centered around their safety during nighttime.
I'm still looking for my own version of America
I am still searching for a personal perception of what America represents to me.
One without the gun, where the flag can freely fly
An ideal America without weapon violence, where the flag can proudly flutter without fear.
No bombs in the sky, only fireworks when you and I collide
A vision of a nation free from aerial bombings, where the explosion of fireworks signifies the coming together of you and me.
It's just a dream I had in mind
However, this vision is merely a figment of my imagination.
I flew back to New York City
I took a flight back to the bustling metropolis of New York City.
Missed that Hudson River line
I regretted not being able to experience the beauty of the Hudson River route.
Took the train back to Lake Placid
Instead, I opted to take the train to the serene destination of Lake Placid.
That's another place and time, where
It represents a distinct location and era, where things were different.
I used to go to drive-ins and listen to the blues
During that period, I frequently visited drive-in theaters and enjoyed listening to blues music.
So many things that I think twice about before I do now
Nowadays, there are numerous actions and choices that I carefully consider before making decisions.
It's just a dream I had in mind
Just like before, this remains a mere dream that exists solely in my thoughts.
It's just a dream I had in mind
Again, reiterating that this dream is only a product of my imagination.
It's just a dream I had in mind
Once more emphasizing that the vision I hold is purely a figment of my mind.
It's just a dream I had in mind
Concluding that this dream is nothing more than an idea residing within my thoughts.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, Jack Michael Antonoff
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@damianq99
Lana Del Rey - Looking For America ❤️
Took a trip to San Francisco
All our friends said we would jive
Didn't work, so I left for Fresno
It was quite a scenic drive
Pulled over to watch the children in the park
We used to only worry about them after dark
I'm still looking for my own version of America
One without the gun, where the flag can freely fly
No bombs in the sky, only fireworks when you and I collide
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
I flew back to New York City
Missed that Hudson River line
Took the train back to Lake Placid
That's another place and time, where
I used to go to drive-ins and listen to the blues
So many things that I think twice about before I do now
I'm still looking for my own version of America
One without the gun, where the flag can freely fly
No bombs in the sky, only fireworks when you and I collide
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
@mariocastro3957
lyrics
[Verse 1]
Took a trip to San Francisco
All our friends said we would jive
Didn't work, so I left for Fresno
It was quite a scenic drive
Pulled over to watch the children in the park
We used to only worry for them after dark
[Chorus]
I’m still looking for my own version of America
One without the gun, where the flag can freely fly
No bombs in the sky, only fireworks when you and I collide
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
It’s just a dream I had in mind
[Verse 2]
I flew back to New York City
Missed that Hudson River line
Took a train up to Lake Placid
That's another place and time, where
I used to go to drive-ins and listen to the blues
So many things that I think twice about before I do, no
[Chorus]
I'm still looking for my own version of America
One without the gun, where the flag can freely fly
No bombs in the sky, only fireworks when you and I collide
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
It's just a dream I had in mind
@haydar6029
The fact that she wrote this song , Jack produced it , in one day , then they released it the next day
LEGENDS ONLY
@kicki769
Lana also produced this
@lukaj2883
@joesss seeshhh No one mentioned her as she has nothing to do with this. And for a reason.
@mateusribeiro9384
This song should have made it into NFR instead of Next Best American Record.
@engelchild9188
@joesss seeshhh Fuck Taylor sorry but she isn't even close to lana
@francesca7930
@joesss seeshhh Not on Lana's level sorry not sorry
@ayushasuwal8473
Lana Del Rey has such a beautiful voice and such a beautiful way to sing and such a beautiful song writing skill. Wins my heart every time.
@ATageH
Her voice is everything. Perfection.
@gowonenthusiast
When lana said: no bombs in the sky only fireworks when you and i collide. It's just a dream i had in mind. Bro i cried
@rosinamarie13
Same