MC5 had a promising beginning that earned them a January 1969 cover appearance in Rolling Stone magazine and a story written by Eric Ehrmann before their debut album was released. They developed a reputation for energetic and polemical live performances, one of which was recorded as their 1969 debut album Kick Out the Jams. Their initial run was short-lived, though. In 1972, just three years after their debut record, the band came to an end. Often cited as one of the most important American hard rock groups of that era, their three albums are regarded by many as classics.
Tyner died of a heart attack in late 1991 at the age of 46. Smith also died of a heart attack, in 1994 at the age of 45. The remaining three members of the band reformed in 2003 with The Dictators' singer Handsome Dick Manitoba as its new vocalist, and this reformed line-up occasionally performed live over the next nine years until Davis died of liver failure in February 2012 at the age of 68.
In 2022, Kramer announced that a tour would take place that spring, and that a new MC5 studio album with producer Bob Ezrin would also be released later that year with original MC5 drummer Dennis Thompson playing on two tracks. In 2023, Kramer announced that the album would be released in the spring of 2024. Kramer died in February 2024, leaving Thompson as the only surviving original member of the band.
Back In The U.S.A.
MC5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We touched ground on an international runway
Jet propelled back home, from over the seas to the U. S. A.
New York, Los Angeles, oh, how I yearned for you
Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge
Let alone just to be at my home back in ol' St. Lou.
From the coast of California to the shores of Delaware Bay
You can bet your life I did, till I got back to the U. S. A.
Looking hard for a drive-in, searching for a corner cafe
Where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day
Yeah, and a juke-box jumping with records like in the U.S.A.
Well, I'm so glad I'm livin' in the U.S.A.
Yes. I'm so glad I'm livin' in the U.S.A.
Anything you want, we got right here in the U.S.A.
The lyrics of MC5's song "Back In The U.S.A." express a sense of relief, joy, and nostalgic longing as the singer returns to the United States after being away. The opening line "Oh well, oh well, I feel so good today" suggests a mood of optimism and excitement. The line "We touched ground on an international runway" suggests that the singer has been abroad for some time, perhaps traveling or living in another country. The use of the phrase "jet propelled back home" emphasizes the speed and excitement of the return journey.
The second stanza of the song expresses the singer's yearning for specific cities in the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge, and St. Louis. The contrast between the city names and the singer's desire to simply "be at my home back in ol' St. Lou" emphasizes the idea that home is where the heart is, no matter how much one may enjoy traveling or exploring new places.
The final stanza of the song focuses on the American culture and lifestyle that the singer enjoys, including drive-ins, cafes, hamburgers on the grill, and jukeboxes. The repeated refrain "Well, I'm so glad I'm livin' in the U.S.A." underscores the singer's feelings of contentment and gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that are available in America.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh well, oh well, I feel so good today,
I am thrilled to be back home in the USA.
We touched ground on an international runway
We arrived on an airplane on a runway used for international flights.
Jet propelled back home, from over the seas to the U. S. A.
We were propelled by a jet engine back to the USA after traveling overseas.
New York, Los Angeles, oh, how I yearned for you
I was missing major US cities like New York and Los Angeles and wanted to return.
Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge
I missed other diverse US cities like Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, and Baton Rouge.
Let alone just to be at my home back in ol' St. Lou.
I missed my hometown of St. Louis in particular.
Did I miss the skyscrapers, did I miss the long freeway?
I wondered if I missed the tall buildings and lengthy highways in the US.
From the coast of California to the shores of Delaware Bay
I missed the entire US coastline, from California to Delaware.
You can bet your life I did, till I got back to the U. S. A.
I definitely missed everything about the US until I returned home.
Looking hard for a drive-in, searching for a corner cafe
I was eager to find a classic American drive-in and a cozy corner cafe.
Where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day
I wanted to go to a place where burgers are cooked on a grill and served all day and night.
Yeah, and a juke-box jumping with records like in the U.S.A.
I was excited to hear an old jukebox with classic American records inside it.
Well, I'm so glad I'm livin' in the U.S.A.
I am grateful to be living in the US.
Yes. I'm so glad I'm livin' in the U.S.A.
I am exceptionally glad to be living in the US.
Anything you want, we got right here in the U.S.A.
America has everything a person could want or need in terms of resources and opportunities.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
Written by: CHUCK BERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rosa Iglarsh
Uh-huh, whoa, yeah,
Uh-huh, whoa, yeah,
Uh-huh, whoa, yeah,
Whoa, yeah, whoa, yeah!
Well, well, well, I feel so good today,
We just touched ground on an international runway,
Jet-propelled back home from overseas to the USA.
New York, Los Angeles, oh, how I yearn for you,
Detroit, Chicago, jumpin' through the Baton Rouge,
How I longed just to be back in Chuck Berry's home, St. Lou!
[Guitar solo]
Did I miss the skyscrapers, did I miss the long freeways,
From the coast of California to the shores of the Delaware bay?
Well, you can bet your life I did 'til I got back in the USA!
Uh-huh, whoa, yeah,
Uh-huh, whoa, yeah,
Uh-huh, whoa, yeah,
Whoa, yeah, whoa, yeah!
Looking hard for a drive-in, searching for a corner café,
Where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day.
Yes, jukebox jumpin' with records back in the USA.
I'm so glad I'm livin' in the USA,
I'm so glad I'm livin' in the USA.
Anything you want, they got it right here in the USA.
I'm so glad I'm livin' in the USA,
I'm so glad I'm livin' in the USA.
Anything you want, they got it right here in the USA.
Chris Guarnieri
Probably the all-time best cover of this classic. Incredible! Listen to that rhythm and those Berry licks! MC5 were pure, unadulterated rock ‘n roll!
Scarabaeus1
The MC5 is the ESSENCE of Rock n' Roll!
Tom Engel
Deeeeetroits OWN -the Mighty MC-5 Glad I got to hear’em dozens of times
AllBobsAllTheTime
You generally can't go wrong covering a Chuck Berry classic!!!!
blackcargo
You just have to love it, Rob Tyner and the boys kicked out the jam !"
inquiry7
MFerS!!!!!!!
billylebraillard
j'aime !! j'adore les MC5 !! I love !!
1978domy
totalmente adelantados ,si que eran y son muy buenos estos muchachos
Tony M
every 4th of July I blast it out. screaming guitars!!
inquiry7
As Rob said to Sonic and Wayne...."Play The ROCK Chords!!!"