American Beat '84
The Fleshtones Lyrics


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Feel that the beats back and play it that it happened that way
But you know that to us it was always there anyway
In Boston or New York or way out like in L.A.
Can you hear the American sound
Have your heard the American sound
Don't want to hear you put it down
I'd like to hear it on the radio in my home town
Every summer there's a number that I wanna hear the DJ play
In my room or at the shore man you know it's gonna sound OK
From Boston to Miami or way out in Malibu Bay
Can you hear the American sound
Have your heard the American sound
Don't want to hear you put it down
Hear it on the radio in my home town

Never lose that, lose that beat
Never lose that, lose that beat
Never lose that, lose that beat
Never lose that, lose that beat
From Boston to Miami or way out in Malibu Bay
Can you hear the American sound
Have your heard the American sound
Don't want to hear you put it down
I wanna make that clear in every town
Hear that the beats back and play it that it happened that way





"American Beat" is a song by The Fleshtones. It is track #2 from the album Blast Off! that was released in 1982. The duration of this song is 02: 34.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "American Beat" by The Fleshtones express a deep appreciation for the unique and powerful musical sound that can only be found in America. The song celebrates the beat, rhythm, and sound that can be heard all across the country, from Boston to New York to L.A. The opening lines urge the listener to feel the beat of the music and let it transport them back to a time when this musical culture was just emerging, although to the band members, it was always present. The lyrics also reflect a desire to not hear anyone put down or criticize this musical culture, as it is something that is deeply ingrained in the fabric of American society.


The chorus repeats the phrase "Can you hear the American sound" and emphasizes the importance of not losing this beat. The song ends with a final plea to hear the music on the radio in every town, showing the universality of this musical culture and its ability to unite people across the country. Overall, "American Beat" is a lively and energetic celebration of the unique and powerful musical sound that can only be found in America.


Line by Line Meaning

Feel that the beats back and play it that it happened that way
Let's listen to the music and imagine that it's happening right now.


But you know that to us it was always there anyway
We've always loved this music, even before it was popular.


In Boston or New York or way out like in L.A.
Whether you're on the East Coast or West Coast, you can hear this music.


Can you hear the American sound
This music represents the unique, distinct style of American rock.


Have your heard the American sound
If you haven't listened to this music yet, you're missing out!


Don't want to hear you put it down
Don't criticize this music or insult its fans.


I'd like to hear it on the radio in my home town
I want to hear this music played on the local radio station where I live.


Every summer there's a number that I wanna hear the DJ play
Every summer, there's a specific song that I hope the DJ will play on the radio.


In my room or at the shore man you know it's gonna sound OK
Whether I'm at home or at the beach, this music always sounds good.


From Boston to Miami or way out in Malibu Bay
This music is popular all across America, from the East Coast to the West Coast.


Never lose that, lose that beat
We should never forget the rhythm and energy that makes this music so great.


I wanna make that clear in every town
I want everyone to know how amazing this music is, no matter where they're from.


Hear that the beats back and play it that it happened that way
Let's keep playing this music and enjoy the feeling that it's happening right now.




Contributed by Keira M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@alexandergolke1325

Thank you , that's great information !
1982 Hexbreaker was released , Alan Vegas Saturn Drive ,
Mesopotamia from B52 , Kid Creole ,
Lounge Lizzards ,
Raybeats , the Art of falling apart and the Associates.
Everytime I came from
The record store , I felt like a king !
I drove a small red Italian car with super HiFi and 70 HP and played a vintage framus guitar on a MusicMan amp.
Now I'm 56 and I feel the loss of music more traumatizing than the loss of youth.
American Beat is like a key to a lost kingdom.
Btw. The fabulous Gun Club are not mentioned !



@eltravo2112

“Excuse me can I pay for this?”

“Can you wait until the song is over?”

(Sarcastic) “Oh sure no problem”

Phoebe....Phoebe I don’t think you did such a great job on the dressing room doors.”

“Whadda ya mean they look great!”

😂😂😂



All comments from YouTube:

@stingodisanto

What's a 'amazing song! I see them two time in Milano Italy.They was great! Flehtones.

@crestonmckenzie7814

1984 the year I graduated from 8 the grade this song

@notsure1277

I heard this on WLIR years before I saw Bachelor Party. This song still kicks a**...

@traceywoodward1817

"I usually don't like my filth this clean"...Rick gasko

@NotTheRealRogerMurdock

The very definition of an "infectious, toe-tapping beat". The 2nd best soundtrack of 1984 easily!

@slshusker

Would your fave '84 soundtrack start with an F?

@mpassion3

Love this!!!

@jameswhitney2450

Wow, love it! Go wild guys!

@davidames1746

Fleshtones' signature song, for sures!!

@humbertomaldonado5950

this is an amazing soundtrack if you watched the bachelor party movie.

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