American Kids
That Poppy Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I live under a rock with a blank light
I'm a dumb pop star in my own right
Start life at age 15, got ahead with fake ID's
If you're with me
Sold my soul to a man with a handshake
Lost control but I don't think it's too late
We're dying young on broadcast news
Forever 21 is cool if I make it
Girls, let's put on all of our clothes
I don't wanna be like american kids
I am not on drugs and I've never been
I don't care about your party, I belong to nobody
I don't wanna be like american kids
Drugs don't work like they did for my parents
I'm not down with the new hit
Cause today I just don't get american kids
Last time I told mom that "I love you"
Was the last time I ate food from the drive thru
It never happened like they say
I think my father may be gay but I don't know
So I burned all my shit in a bonfire
All my teen regrets were a tripwire
I should be everything you hate
I should be high and out in space but I'm static
Boys, aren't even boys anymore
I don't wanna be like american kids
I am not on drugs and I've never been
I don't care about your party, I belong to nobody
I don't wanna be like american kids
Drugs don't work like they did for my parents
I'm not down with the new hit
Cause today I just don't get american kids
Liberty isn't cheap and it ain't free
I'm a millennial blame it on me
American kids




American kids
American kids

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to That Poppy's song "American Kids" are a commentary on the state of youth culture in America. That Poppy starts the song by describing herself as living under a rock and as a "dumb pop star", implying a lack of awareness of the world around her. She then references starting her life at age 15 and getting ahead with fake IDs, indicating a desire for a fast track to success. The line "sold my soul to a man with a handshake" suggests that Poppy has made a deal with the devil in the form of the music industry, and though she's lost control she believes it's not too late to get it back. The chorus emphasizes Poppy's desire not to conform to the stereotypes of American youth culture, rejecting drugs and partying, and not wanting to be like "American kids".


The second verse includes more personal anecdotes, such as the fact that the last time Poppy told her mom she loved her was after eating fast food. She then wonders if her father may be gay, but doesn't know for sure, indicating there may be taboo topics in her family. The line "I should be high and out in space but I'm static" furthers the idea that Poppy feels trapped or stagnant in her current situation, despite the perceived glamour of her life. The final chorus repeats the sentiments of the first, reiterating her rejection of American youth culture and claiming responsibility on behalf of the millennial generation.


Overall, the lyrics of "American Kids" paint a picture of a disillusioned pop star, one who has seen through the facade of the industry and rejects the trappings of youth culture. It speaks to a desire to be different and to stand out, even if it means going against the norm.


Line by Line Meaning

I live under a rock with a blank light
I live in ignorance, shielded from the harsh realities of the world.


I'm a dumb pop star in my own right
Although I may be successful, I acknowledge that I lack intelligence and wisdom.


Start life at age 15, got ahead with fake ID's
I began my career at a young age and used deceitful means to advance myself.


If you're with me
I hope to have loyal fans who will accept me despite my flaws.


Sold my soul to a man with a handshake
I made a deal with someone who only cared about profit and not my well-being.


Lost control but I don't think it's too late
I have made mistakes, but I believe I can still turn my life around.


We're dying young on broadcast news
The media perpetuates negative stereotypes about young people and our lifestyles.


Forever 21 is cool if I make it
I feel pressure to maintain my youth and appearance to remain relevant in the industry.


Girls, let's put on all of our clothes
Women are expected to conform to societal standards of beauty and dress modestly.


I don't wanna be like american kids
I reject the stereotypical behaviors and values associated with young Americans.


I am not on drugs and I've never been
I do not partake in recreational drug use.


I don't care about your party, I belong to nobody
I prioritize my own well-being over socializing and fitting in with others.


Drugs don't work like they did for my parents
The effects of drugs have changed over time and do not have the same impact as they did in previous generations.


I'm not down with the new hit
I do not like the current trend or popular music styles.


Cause today I just don't get american kids
I do not understand the behaviors and values of mainstream American youth culture.


Last time I told mom that "I love you"
My communication with my family is limited and often takes place during brief interactions.


Was the last time I ate food from the drive thru
I rely on fast food due to convenience and lack of time for proper meals.


It never happened like they say
My experiences and upbringing didn't match the idealized version of American youth.


I think my father may be gay but I don't know
I am unsure about the sexuality of a family member and am open-minded about different sexual orientations.


So I burned all my shit in a bonfire
I got rid of items from my past that were associated with negativity and regret.


All my teen regrets were a tripwire
My past mistakes and regrets can easily trigger negative emotions and memories.


I should be everything you hate
Based on stereotypes and societal expectations, many people may view me as a shallow and unlikable person.


I should be high and out in space but I'm static
Despite societal pressure to engage in drug use, I am grounded and remain true to myself.


Boys, aren't even boys anymore
Males in society are expected to conform to traditional masculine ideals, but these expectations are shifting over time.


Liberty isn't cheap and it ain't free
Freedom and independence require effort and sacrifice to maintain and protect.


I'm a millennial blame it on me
I acknowledge the negative stereotypes associated with my generation and accept responsibility for my actions as a member of this group.


American kids
Referring to the stereotypical behaviors and values associated with young Americans.




Writer(s): Moriah Pereira, Corey Mixter, Tyler Glenn, Timothy Alan Pagnotta

Contributed by Lucas H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Diego Caetano

["American Kids" Lyrics by Poppy]

[Verse 1]
I live under a rock with a blacklight
I'm a dumb pop star in my own right
Started life at age 15, got ahead with fake IDs
If you're with me
Sold my soul to the man with a handshake
Lost control but I don't think it's too late
We're dying young on broadcast news
Forever 21 is cool if I make it

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Girls, let's put on all of our clothes

[Chorus]
I don't wanna be like American kids
I am not on drugs and I've never been
I don't care about your party, I belong to nobody
I don't wanna be like American kids
Drugs don't work like they did for my parents
I'm not down with the new hit
'Cause today I just don't get American kids

[Verse 2]
Last time I told mom that "I love you"
Was the last time I ate food from a drive-thru
It never happened like they say
I think my father may be gay but I don't know
So I burned all my shit in a bonfire
All my teen regrets were a trip wire
I should be everything you hate
I should be higher now than space but I'm static

[Pre-Chorus 2]
Boys aren't even boys anymore (Huh)

[Chorus]
I don't wanna be like American kids
I am not on drugs and I've never been
I don't care about your party, I belong to nobody
I don't wanna be like American kids
Drugs don't work like they did for my parents
I'm not down with the new hit
'Cause today I just don't get American kids

[Outro]
Liberty isn't cheap and it ain't free
I'm a millennial, blame it all on me
American kids
American kids
American kids



h

I live under a rock with a blacklight
I'm a dumb pop star in my own right
Started life at age 15, got ahead with fake ID's
If you're with me

Sold my soul to the man with a handshake
Lost control but I don't think it's too late
We're dying young on broadcast news
Forever 21 is cool if I make it

Girls, let's put on all of our clothes

I don't wanna be like American kids
I am not on drugs and I've never been
I don't care about your party, I belong to nobody
I don't wanna be like American kids

Drugs don't work like they did for my parents
I'm not down with the new hit
Cause today I just don't get American kids

Last time I told mom that "I love you"
Was the last time I ate food from a drive thru
It never happened like they say
I think my father may be gay but I don't know

So I burned all my shit in a bonfire
All my teen regrets were a trip wire
I should be everything you hate
I should be higher now than space but I'm static

Boys, aren't even boys anymore

I don't wanna be like American kids
I am not on drugs and I've never been
I don't care about your party, I belong to nobody
I don't wanna be like American kids

Drugs don't work like they did for my parents
I'm not down with the new hit
Cause today I just don't get American kids

Liberty isn't cheap and it ain't free
I'm a millennial blame it all on me
American kids
American kids
American kids



Gregaslay

Poppy - American Kids
Lyrics:

I live under a rock with a blacklight
I'm a dumb pop star in my own right
Started life at age 15, got ahead with fake IDs
If you're with me
Sold my soul to the man with a handshake
Lost control but I don't think it's too late
We're dying young on broadcast news
Forever 21 is cool if I make it
Girls, let's put on all of our clothes

I don't wanna be like American kids
I am not on drugs and I've never been
I don't care about your party, I belong to nobody
I don't wanna be like American kids
Drugs don't work like they did for my parents
I'm not down with the new hit
'Cause today I just don't get American kids

Last time I told mom that "I love you"
Was the last time I ate food from a drive-thru
It never happened like they say
I think my father may be gay but I don't know
So I burned all my shit in a bonfire
All my teen regrets were a trip wire
I should be everything you hate
I should be higher now than space but I'm static
Boys aren't even boys anymore

I don't wanna be like American kids
I am not on drugs and I've never been
I don't care about your party, I belong to nobody
I don't wanna be like American kids
Drugs don't work like they did for my parents
I'm not down with the new hit
'Cause today I just don't get American kids

Liberty isn't cheap and it ain't free
I'm a millennial, blame it all on me

American kids
American kids
American kids
American kids



All comments from YouTube:

Marissa Alejandra Alvarez Lima

Everybody is focused in Poppy's weird videos, but nobody notices her fantastic Music! It's so deep, talking about consumism and the pop culture esthetics... It is awesome!

Myotic Tesseract

Her videos almost all portray those messages too, though. Just in a different way.

Her music is an ironic message about such things as pop culture and the music industry, while her YouTube channel has this sarcastic, grim, usually abstract satire of everything going on. Her music is smart lyrics over typical(-ish) pop instrumentals to hammer down the point while her videos are like surreal commentary in the more horror-like direction.

MrSenseofReason

i unsubbed from her weird channel. it got old and predictable. her music is sick though!

xanny boofer

Sensiblenonsense no tf it isn't good. it shouldn't be considered music, because he simply doesn't try. it has no point whatsoever from what i've heard. absolute garbage

シズさん

cockadoodle doo the cow goes moo She's a pop star, of course.

BilliousBadXoHD

MrSenseofReason there's literally nothing predictable about poppy. Poppy is not a person she's a character Titanic Sinclair invented in his mind. you have to be in his mind to understand what he's thinking. there's no way it's predictable when you don't even know Poppy isn't real.

38 More Replies...

Moreli Hernandez

Ok but like can we talk about how amazing these lyrics are? A song about and for the youth that doesn't promote drugs, excessive partying and promiscuity? That it is totally ok if you're not like the masses? This is deep and genius and I love the fact that this exists!!

Moreli Hernandez

Khaleesi 666 Yeah, I know, I love it. I kind of feel connected to its message, I love it so much. And I was honestly kind of weary of bringing that subject, but now that you have, I agree. Transtrenders are everywhere and now you don't even know who's a boy and who's a girl.

Michael Soltesz

Agreed. I still don't understand what Poppy is, but these lyrics are brilliant and very moving. I would not have expected something so emotionally honest from something like Poppy that "appears" very meta and cheesy most of the time. The creators behind this project are very intelligent. I really like it.

Coragyn Buck

Khaleesi 666 gender and sex are different. I suggest googling non-binary.

More Comments

More Versions