The band takes its name from the New Order song "Love Vigilantes," although their sound tends more to folk, Americana, and country rock than New Wave. Their 2001 album Summershine also showed some movement toward Brit-pop and R.E.M.-style college rock, which would be more fully explored in Mallonee's solo career.
America
Vigilantes of Love Lyrics
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If you last it's a mystery
But I guess they don't know, what they're talking about
From the mountains down to the sea
You've become such a habit with me
America, America
Well I come from, down around Tennesee
Are nice to me, America
It don't matter where I may roam
Tell you people that it's home sweet home
America, America
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America
And the men, who fell on the plains
And lived, through hardship and pain
America, America
And the men who could not fight
In a war that didn't seem right
You let them come home, America
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America
Well I come from, down around Tennesee
But the people in California
Are nice to me, America
It don't matter where I may roam
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America
Tell you people that it's home sweet home
America, America
America, America
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America
It's home sweet home, Amer-ica
America, America
The song "America" by Vigilantes of Love is a tribute to the beauty and diversity that can be found in the United States. The lyrics start off by rejecting the idea that lasting in America is a mystery, as some have said in history. Instead, the singer argues that America has become such a habit for him, from the mountains down to the sea. He then goes on to praise the people he has encountered in the different parts of America, from California to Tennessee, and how they've made America his home sweet home no matter where he may roam.
The song also acknowledges the rich cultural and racial diversity in America, with the singer claiming his brothers are all black and white, yellow too, and that the red man is right to expect a little from America. He acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who fought in wars, but doesn't shy away from questioning the morality of those wars that didn't seem right. However, he also praises America for letting those who couldn't fight in those wars come home.
Line by Line Meaning
Some have said, down through history
There have been people in the past who have said something.
If you last it's a mystery
If you survive for a long time, it is mysterious how that happened.
But I guess they don't know, what they're talking about
I believe that those people don't really understand what they are saying.
From the mountains down to the sea
From the highest peaks to the broadest ocean.
You've become such a habit with me
I am so accustomed to you.
America, America
The United States of America.
Well I come from, down around Tennesee
I am from the area around the state of Tennessee.
But the people in California
However, the people in the state of California are different from those in Tennessee.
Are nice to me, America
Overall, the United States is good to me.
It don't matter where I may roam
No matter where I go.
Tell you people that it's home sweet home
I want to tell everyone that coming back to America is like coming back to a sweet home.
And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
I have siblings or fellow countrymen from different races such as black, white, and Asian.
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Likewise, the indigenous people or Native Americans have the right to expect some things from American society.
Promise and then follow through, America
Therefore, United States needs to keep its promises and follow through its commitments.
And the men, who fell on the plains
The people who had fallen down in the plains.
And lived, through hardship and pain
And managed to endure and survive difficult experiences.
And the men who could not fight
Also, the men who were physically unable to participate in wars.
In a war that didn't seem right
In conflicts that did not seem just or necessary.
You let them come home, America
However, you allowed them safe return to their homeland, America.
It's home sweet home, Amer-ica
United States is a beautiful and tranquil homeland, America.
America, America
The United States of America.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SAMMY JOHNS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jenny Harvey
I just went out to read about the latest political stories on Google News and then felt compelled to listen to this. It's my go-to song when I'm feeling sad for our country. During the 90's I used to go see the VOL play at a small coffee shop in Chattanooga, TN. I still think Bill is one of the best unknown songwriters out there. He was writing this style of music before there was an Americana genre.
ComedianBobFarrell
Wow ! I can't believe this song is 20 years old. It makes me cry too.
Wayne Deibel
such a classic song
dave chalfant
Twenty three years ago and it still makes me cry
Joey Benoit
Well I've been listening to this song for the first time we're almost at the end and it's brilliant!
Joey Benoit
Anything Bill sings is the national treasure! World treasure in 2022! Better listen! You won't hear this anywhere!
Kenneth Mitchell
now more relevant than ever
Joey Benoit
Sorry I missed it! Especially when you're old! And things are flying by and you'll be gone?