Co-founders Sergio Otaegui and Christopher Pennings first crossed paths two years earlier, when both musicians were playing with different groups. Within two years, the two had left their former outfits and launched a new band, calling upon a rotating lineup of drummers and bassists to round out the band. Thieves and Villains signed with Victory Records in early 2008, released the debut album Movement several months later, and solidified their ranks with the addition of drummer Joseph Penna and bassist Chris Competiello. In late 2009, the four retreated to Otaegui’s parents’ basement to write material for a new album, which they recorded the following March and released in mid-2010 as South America. ~ Andrew Leahey
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American Boy
Thieves And Villains Lyrics
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That it's all rolling on with no shame
When the "haves" met the "nots" they agreed at the start
Then the "haves" had it their way
You say you wont, You know you will
Wait, not everybody's got a plan
The self made man
He wins
He loves
He tries like hell
If its all that we are, its all just as well
When still in line
You say, "I'm picking you least"
Fine…yet they're still on my tongue
I'm hoping they can find a son
You say you wont, You know you will
Wait, not everybody's got a plan
American
The self made man
He wins
He loves
He tries like hell
If its all that we are, its all just to sell
To you and me
We're all together forcing unity
When there are humans falling all around
I'm waiting for the sound
Wait, not everybody's got a plan
American
The self made man
He wins
He loves
He tries like hell
If its all that we are, its all just as well
If its all that we are, its all gone to hell
In "American Boy," Thieves and Villains explore themes of class division and the struggle for success in America. The song's lyrics suggest that the playing field is not level and the "haves" have an unfair advantage over the "nots." The line "When the 'haves' met the 'nots' they agreed at the start / Then the 'haves' had it their way" highlights this disparity. The chorus repeats the idea that not everyone has a plan and some self-made men may succeed but others may fail. However, success may not be all it's cracked up to be, as expressed in the final line, "If its all that we are, its all gone to hell."
The verses in the song present a more personal narrative of trying to succeed against obstacles. Lines like "If it's all that we are, its all just as well" suggest that the singer is resigned to the idea that success may be their only goal. The frustration with the system is expressed in lines like "We're all together forcing unity / When there are humans falling all around," suggesting that the idea of unity and the American dream may be an illusion in the face of poverty and inequality.
Line by Line Meaning
With all these signs how can't anyone see that it's already made,
Despite all the evidence to the contrary, people refuse to acknowledge the unfolding reality.
That it's all rolling on with no shame
The situation continues to worsen without anyone taking responsibility.
When the 'haves' met the 'nots' they agreed at the start
The rich and poor initially made a pact but it was one-sided from the beginning.
Then the 'haves' had it their way
The rich became more powerful and their interests were the only ones that mattered.
You say you wont, You know you will
You claim you won't do something, but you will inevitably do it anyways.
Wait, not everybody's got a plan
Not everyone knows how to navigate the current situation.
American, The self made man, He wins, He loves, He tries like hell
The typical American ideal of working hard and succeeding despite the odds.
If its all that we are, its all just as well
If the American ideal is all we have, it's not enough to fix the current problems.
When still in line, You say, 'I'm picking you least', Fine…yet they're still on my tongue, I'm hoping they can find a son
Picking the least desirable option is still a problem, but maybe someone can learn from it.
If its all that we are, its all just to sell
The American ideal has been commodified and turned into a marketing tool.
To you and me, We're all together forcing unity
We pretend to be unified, but we're actually divided and in conflict.
When there are humans falling all around, I'm waiting for the sound
People are suffering and dying but nobody is doing anything about it.
If its all that we are, its all gone to hell
If the American ideal is all we have, we're in big trouble because it's not enough to save us.
Contributed by Cole I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.