American Dream
Stephen Jones Lyrics


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Wh? What? Wha? OK.

There comes two million people who've got the selfish gene
Now I've checked my blood for English-ness, it's clean.
I've got a big American boat knife running up my brain
Whatever bombs they strap on me, I'm getting on that plane

American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream

Got too many little pleasers
Walking round like Jesus, spreading religious diseases, in two dollar sneakers.
But that's what I want when I get off that plane
(that's what I want when I get off that plane)
That American knife tickling in my brain (tickling in my brain)

American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream

American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream
American dream American dream




American dream American dream
American dream American dream

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Stephen Jones's song American dream are reflective of the American mentality and the 'selfish gene' that drives people to fulfill their own desires. In the opening lines, Jones suggests that there are millions of people who possess this gene, but he claims that his blood is 'clean'. He then goes on to say that he has a metaphorical American boat knife running up his brain, which signifies his inclination towards the American way of life, even when faced with danger. The lyrics suggest that he is willing to get on a plane regardless of the potential danger, as he is driven by his desire to pursue the American dream.


Jones then goes on to critique the materialistic and religious nature of American culture. He refers to people as 'little pleasers' who walk around like Jesus, spreading religious diseases in two-dollar sneakers. This may be a reference to American televangelists who peddle their beliefs for personal gain. Jones claims that this is what he wants when he lands in America, indicating his interest in this aspect of American culture as well.


In summary, the song American dream is a commentary on the American mentality of pursuing personal desires and fulfillment. Jones reflects on the allure of American culture, even when it comes at a potentially dangerous cost. The song also critiques the materialistic and religious nature of American culture, which Jones finds appealing.


Line by Line Meaning

There comes two million people who've got the selfish gene
According to the singer, there are two million people who are selfish by nature


Now I've checked my blood for English-ness, it's clean.
The singer has tested his blood and confirmed that he does not have English ancestry


I've got a big American boat knife running up my brain
The singer feels a strong connection to America, symbolized by a knife that is constantly on his mind


Whatever bombs they strap on me, I'm getting on that plane
The singer is committed to going to America, even if it means facing danger or persecution


Got too many little pleasers
The singer believes there are too many people who are easily pleased or satisfied


Walking round like Jesus, spreading religious diseases, in two dollar sneakers.
The singer criticizes people who act as if they are spreading the word of God, but do so in a superficial or fake way


But that's what I want when I get off that plane (that's what I want when I get off that plane)
Despite his criticism of some aspects of America, the singer still desires to be there


That American knife tickling in my brain (tickling in my brain)
The idea of America is constantly on the singer's mind and it excites him


American dream American dream
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the central theme of the song: the American Dream




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GUY CHAMBERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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