American Girls
The Upwelling Lyrics


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They want to kiss like the movies
Like we're under the sky on the 4th of July
An honest kiss just won't suffice
They want one to remember for the rest of their lives

American girls know how to pretend
You can be Barbie and I can be Ken
They'll take you to L.A. and Neverland
And imprint your soul with their Hollywood hands

American girls get whatever they want
I'm never enough for their ravenous hearts
American girls they get whatever they want

Bullies broke my teenage jaw
And with the black eye, I took you to the prom

And in the back of an American car
In an American street
Under American stars
We told American lies
that we both knew by heart
And with American smiles
got our American scars

American girls get whatever they want
I'm never enough for their ravenous hearts
American girls they get whatever they want

I see them walk by
I watch as they smile
Dancing on their neighbors' lawns
Singing some popular song about some girls

American girls
American girls are my kind of girls
They're going to teach you how to pray and how to sell that lemonade

American girls




American girls
they get whatever they want

Overall Meaning

The Upwelling's song American Girls is a commentary on American society's obsession with image and perfection. The song suggests that American girls use their beauty, charm, and Hollywood-inspired fantasies to get what they want. The first verse of the song talks about how American girls want a kiss that is movie-worthy, something that will be remembered for the rest of their lives. It seems that this desire for perfection and a made-for-movie romantic relationship is unattainable in the real world, and that's why they have to pretend. They create illusions and use their "Hollywood hands" to imprint their version of reality onto others.


The song goes on to describe how American girls always get what they want, leaving the singer feeling inadequate and insufficient. This sense of inferiority is mirrored in the story of the singer's high school experience, where they were bullied and physically assaulted, but still managed to take an American girl to the prom. The lyrics suggest that even when things don't work out perfectly, there is still a pressure to conform to the ideal of the perfect American experience.


In summary, the song is a critique of the artificiality and shallowness of American culture, where people create false images and settle for less because they feel pressured to fit in. The chorus, "American girls get whatever they want, I'm never enough for their ravenous hearts," speaks to the insatiable desire for perfection and the feeling of inadequacy that comes from not being able to attain it.


Line by Line Meaning

They want to kiss like the movies
They desire a grand and passionate kiss like those in romantic movies, which creates memories that will last a lifetime.


Like we're under the sky on the 4th of July
They desire a kiss that is just as epic and unforgettable as the grand celebrations under the American July 4th sky.


An honest kiss just won't suffice
A truthful and modest kiss is not enough for them, because they want something much larger and grandiose.


They want one to remember for the rest of their lives
They want a kiss that is so incredibly memorable that they will never forget it, even after a lifetime.


American girls know how to pretend
American girls know how to put on a show and pretend they are someone they are not, often acting like the perfect Barbie and Ken couple.


You can be Barbie and I can be Ken
They will pretend to be a perfect couple, just like how the famous Barbie and Ken dolls are portrayed.


They'll take you to L.A. and Neverland
American girls will take you to the bright and glamorous city of Los Angeles, or the magical land of Neverland, just like those in dreamy Hollywood movies.


And imprint your soul with their Hollywood hands
Their touch will leave an everlasting imprint on your soul, just like the influence and power of Hollywood on the rest of the world.


American girls get whatever they want
They have a way of always getting what they want, often leaving others behind in their pursuits.


I'm never enough for their ravenous hearts
They always crave and want more, never truly satisfied and often leaving behind those who are not enough to fulfill their desires.


Bullies broke my teenage jaw
In the past, the singer faced physical abuse and harm from bullies that left them with a broken jaw.


And with the black eye, I took you to the prom
Despite the physical injuries inflicted upon the artist, they still took their partner to prom, showing a deep and unwavering dedication to them.


And in the back of an American car
They shared intimate moments with their partner in the back of an American car, which is often considered a symbol of American freedom and independence.


In an American street
Their intimate moments occurred on an American street, showcasing the raw and genuine American culture and lifestyle.


Under American stars
Their intimate moments occurred under the bright and shining stars of America, representing the possibilities and opportunities of the country.


We told American lies that we both knew by heart
They shared false stories and information with each other that they both already knew were untrue, just like how America often showcases a false image of itself.


And with American smiles got our American scars
Despite putting on a fake and happy face, they still faced the brutal and painful scars of the American reality.


I see them walk by
The singer observes American girls walking by, noticing their beauty and confidence.


I watch as they smile
The singer witnesses American girls smiling and expressing joy, which is often seen as a symbol of their carefree and happy nature.


Dancing on their neighbors' lawns
American girls express their freedom and carefreeness by dancing on their neighbors' lawns, without a worry or care in the world.


Singing some popular song about some girls
They sing popular songs that often revolve around the lives and experiences of American girls, showcasing the impact and influence they have on music and culture.


American girls are my kind of girls
The artist admires and finds themselves drawn to American girls, fascinated by their ways and culture.


They're going to teach you how to pray and how to sell that lemonade
American girls have the power to teach and influence others in various aspects of life, ranging from religion to business and entrepreneurship.


American girls they get whatever they want
The chorus repeats the idea that American girls have a way of always getting what they want, showcasing their confidence and assertiveness in life.




Contributed by Jasmine O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Gloves

I heard this play at a Vans outlet... AWESOME SONG <3

Alyssa Lauer

Yeah, I was actually watching that episode, and as soon as I heard the "ooh ooh ooh!" I nearly died.

Hélène D.

Omg this song is awesome I need the chords :o!

Sofia Pereira

Love this song! (:

Alexandra Chloé Smith

such a cute song :)

msacademyemmy

Found this from "Jane by Design."

riavici

got anyone chords for this song? :)

Alejandra

I can't wait until they start touring.

Emily Parsimone

glad you survived adn put this up!

Aprille Marie

Me too!!! :)

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