American Dream
Pete Kilpatrick Band Lyrics


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She was a spinning glass heart with a crack running down her side
For her falling in love was never enough to bridge divide
Build a fire so big that it burns us all
Light a fire so big that it burns my soul

He was an old chimney billowing smoke into the sky
And all the birds in the trees would catch his disease and die
Build a fire so big that it burns us all
Light a fire so big that it burns my soul

I feel your fear it follows me to the corner of the room
Does anybody hear the words I say as I fall down
You were dancing across the floor without burning bounds
Now you can't find your way home
Does anybody hear the words I say as I fall down

He was a steel bullet train vowing never again to cross state lines
Until she blew up the hills with her dynamite it burned his eyes
She was a river boat queen an American dream for sure
Silver steeple of hope that kept the city alive through the war

Build a fire so big that it burns us all
Light a fire so big that it burns my soul

I feel your fear it follows me to the corner of the room
Does anybody hear the words I say as I fall down
You were dancing across the floor without burning bounds
Now you can't find your way home
Does anybody hear the words I say as I fall down
We're all falling down, no our feet never touched the ground
We're all falling down, no our feet never made a sound




We're all falling down, no our feet never touched the ground
We're all falling down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pete Kilpatrick Band's song American Dream seem to be referencing the downfall of a relationship or perhaps even the American Dream itself. The first two stanzas describe two characters, a girl with a "spinning glass heart" and a crack in her side, and a man who is like an "old chimney billowing smoke into the sky." Both of these characters seem to symbolize brokenness or damage in some way that prevents them from truly connecting with others. The lyrics go on to talk about building a fire that's so big, it burns everyone and everything - perhaps a metaphor for the destructive power of conflicts in relationships or society.


The third and fourth stanzas describe more characters, including a woman who is a "river boat queen" who embodies the American Dream, and a man who is like a "steel bullet train" who has sworn not to cross state lines again. The lyrics suggest that these characters are drawn together despite their differences, but their explosive passion ultimately leads to destruction. The refrain "Build a fire so big that it burns us all/Light a fire so big that it burns my soul" seems to speak to the idea that sometimes we are drawn to things that we know are ultimately harmful, whether in relationships or in society.


Overall, the lyrics of American Dream seem to be exploring themes of brokenness, destructive passion, and the idea that sometimes we are drawn to things that ultimately lead to our downfall. The refrain "Does anybody hear the words I say as I fall down" suggests a feeling of isolation or powerlessness, as if the characters are unable to communicate or connect with others as they try to navigate the complex and often destructive landscape of human relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

She was a spinning glass heart with a crack running down her side
She was fragile and delicate, yet flawed with a crack that symbolized her inability to fully love and be loved.


For her falling in love was never enough to bridge divide
Despite experiencing love, it was unable to fix the divide she felt in herself and the relationship.


Build a fire so big that it burns us all
Create a situation or feeling that is all-consuming and intense, one that affects everyone involved.


Light a fire so big that it burns my soul
Let the experience or emotion be so powerful that it consumes the artist's soul.


He was an old chimney billowing smoke into the sky
He was a man who emitted a lot of smoke, representing his struggles and issues in life.


And all the birds in the trees would catch his disease and die
His problems and issues in life affected those around him, causing them harm and struggle.


I feel your fear it follows me to the corner of the room
The singer can sense and feel the fear of another person, and how it lingers in the air.


Does anybody hear the words I say as I fall down
As the artist falls down, they wonder if anyone is listening or paying attention to their struggles and words.


You were dancing across the floor without burning bounds
In the past, the person was carefree and uncontained, able to dance without any worry or fear.


Now you can't find your way home
Now, the person is lost and unable to find their sense of direction in life.


He was a steel bullet train vowing never again to cross state lines
He was a man who was determined never to leave his comfort zone and venture into new territory or experiences.


Until she blew up the hills with her dynamite it burned his eyes
He met a woman who showed him how to break down his walls and experience new things, even if it was painful at first.


She was a river boat queen an American dream for sure
She was a woman who symbolized the American dream, with her beauty and allure representing the possibilities and potential in life.


Silver steeple of hope that kept the city alive through the war
Her presence was like a beacon of hope for the city, especially during times of war and struggle.


We're all falling down, no our feet never touched the ground
Despite feeling like we are falling and failing, we were never truly standing on solid ground in the first place.


We're all falling down, no our feet never made a sound
Our failures and struggles in life go unnoticed and unheard by others, as if we were never there to begin with.


We're all falling down, no our feet never touched the ground
We are constantly struggling and falling, never staying in one place for long and always searching for something more.


We're all falling down
Despite our best efforts and intentions, we are all struggling and falling in our own unique ways.




Writer(s): Pete Kilpatrick Band

Contributed by Austin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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