It is the second track of Lana Del Rey's third EP, Paradise.
American
Lana Del Rey Lyrics
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Get down, get your crystal method on
You were like tall, tan driving 'round the city
Flirting with the girls like,"You're so pretty"
"Springsteen is the king, don't you think?"
I was like, "Hell yeah, that guy can sing"
Like ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-whoa
You make me crazy, you make me wild
Just like a baby, spin me 'round like a child
Your skin so golden brown
Be young, be dope, be proud
Like an American
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ohh
Like an American
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ohh
Drive fast, I can almost taste it now
L.A., I don't even have to fake it now
You're like so sick, everybody said it
You're way ahead of the trend, ge-get it
Elvis is the best, hell yes
Honey, put on that party dress
Like ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-whoa
You make me crazy, you make me wild
Just like a baby, spin me 'round like a child
Your skin so golden brown
Be young, be dope, be proud
Like an American
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ohh
Like an American
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ohh
Everybody wants to go fast but they can't compare
I don't really want the rest, only you can take me there
I don't even know what I'm saying but I'm praying for you
You make me crazy, you make me wild
Just like a baby, spin me 'round like a child
Your skin so golden brown
Be young, be dope, be proud
Like an American
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ohh
Like an American
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ohh
Like an American
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ohh
Like an American
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ohh
Like an American
In "American," Lana Del Rey sings about her admiration for the American culture and the ideal of the American dream. The song's lyrics describe a carefree lifestyle of driving fast and parties while listening to Springsteen and Elvis. The opening lines of "play house, put my favorite record on" allude to the comfort and familiarity of creating a home, while the reference to The Crystal Method's electronic music suggests a modern twist on American musical traditions.
Throughout the song, Lana Del Rey's admiration for her lover is clear, with lines such as "You make me crazy, you make me wild, just like a baby, spin me 'round like a child." The song's key message seems to be about cherishing the beauty and excitement of youthful freedom, which mirrors the ideal of the American Dream. Lana Del Rey highlights this by repeating the chorus of "be young, be dope, be proud, like an American."
In summary, "American" is a celebration of American culture, music, and idealism, framed through the lens of a youthful romantic relationship. The lyrics paint a whimsical picture of a carefree American lifestyle that embodies the mindset of the American Dream.
Line by Line Meaning
Play house, put my favorite record on
Let's pretend we are children and play together while listening to my all-time favorite music.
Get down, get your crystal method on
Let's dance and enjoy each other's company while partying with drugs.
You were like dark tan driving round the city
You had a tan complexion and were driving around the city showing off your style.
Flirting with the girls like you're so pretty
You were flirting with other girls, and you thought you were good-looking and charming.
Springsteen is the king don't you think
Springsteen is the best musician, and you think he deserves to be named the king of music.
I was like, hell yeah that guy can sing
I agree with you that Springsteen is a talented singer, and I am thrilled that you appreciate his music too.
Like ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, whoa
This is an expression of excitement or delight, which is a common way to react when something amazing occurs.
You make me crazy, you make me wild
Being with you is making me feel like I am losing control and acting out of character.
Just like a baby, spin me 'round like a child
You are treating me like I am a child, and I am enjoying the attention and care you are giving me.
Your skin so golden brown
Your skin color is perfectly bronze and flawless with a warm tone of brown.
Be young, be dope be proud
This is an inspirational message telling everyone to be your age, be experimental, and feel happy about it.
Like an American
This refers to the American way of life, with all the luxuries and freedom that come with it.
Drive fast, I can almost taste it now
I want you to drive fast, and we can almost begin to experience the thrill and excitement of it.
LA, I don't even have to fake it now
I don't need to pretend around you anymore, even in LA where people can be superficial and judgmental.
You're like so sick, everybody said it
You are so ill, and everyone is recognizing how cool and impressive you are.
You're way ahead of the trend ge-get it
You are way more fashionable and ahead of the trend, and I am telling you to get it or understand it.
Elvis is the best, hell yes
I believe Elvis is the ultimate performer, and I am agreeing with your statement wholeheartedly.
Honey put on that party dress
I want you to dress up in a fun and cute party dress, honey.
Everybody wants to go fast but they can't compare
Everyone wants the excitement of living fast, but they cannot be compared to us as we are living our lives to the fullest.
I don't really want the rest, only you can take me there
I don't care about anyone else, and only being with you can take me to the ultimate experience of life.
I don't even know what I'm saying but I'm praying for you
I don't know what I'm talking about, but I am wishing and hoping the best for you.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, like an American
This is a continuation of the message from earlier, describing the fantastic lifestyle and experience of being an American.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Rick Nowels, Elizabeth Grant, Emile Haynie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Cochran
on West Coast
Amazing how the film maker lifted the filming of this video directly from the Chet Baker documentary Let's Get Lost - black & white hanging at the beach and cruising in the backs of convertables
ciggywater
on National Anthem
such a goddess
Abygail Fernandez Smith
on West Coast
ganda
Inside Bilderberg
on Cruel World
Love this song.
Romatizzalid Bozin Veda Loca
on West Coast
barcelona akhawa
Dawit Dawit
on Ultraviolence
nice
Dawit Dawit
on West Coast
best