The band released their debut self-titled album, Young the Giant, on 25 January 2011, which was preceded by a digital-only release in October 2010. The first single, "My Body," reached #5 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, and a second single, "Cough Syrup," reached #3 on the same chart.
Previously, the band was known as The Jakes. They released a 7 song EP, Shake My Hand, in 2008, which including two songs ("Garands" and "Cough Syrup") now on the current self-titled album Young the Giant.
Amerika
Young the Giant Lyrics
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With gold in my eyes
Are you paying attention?
I was searching for something
As I watched you run
I was sad when you said that you never really wanted some
Were you looking for someone?
I am mad because I don't know what you used me for
I've been looking for so long
In Amerika
Throw my hands in the air!
Flash faded
Say you care but you don't
You know I hate it!
It's a rich kid game didn't grow up with a throne
It's all it really is
I was searching for something
As I watched you run
I was sad when you said that you never really wanted some
Were you looking for someone?
As I watched you go
I am mad because I don't know what you used me for
Always talkin' 'bout one day
In Amerika
It's the same story, oh
You want glory son
I've been looking for so long
But you cut me out!
Throw my hands in the air 'cause I
Your palace
All the friends you own
So jealous
Felt that rich kid pain what it is to be alone
It's all it really is
I was searching for something
As I watched you run
I was sad when you said that you never really wanted some
Were you looking for someone?
As I watched you go
I am mad because I don't know what you used me for
Always talking about one day in Amerika
It's the same story, oh
You want glory son
In Amerika! In Amerika!
In Amerika! In Amerika!
In Amerika! In Amerika!
The lyrics to Young the Giant's song "Amerika" explore the theme of disillusionment with the American Dream. The song presents a narrator who has come to America with "gold in [their] eyes," presumably hoping to achieve success and happiness. However, they quickly become aware of the superficiality and emptiness of the wealth and power that exists in this society. The first verse sets the scene, as the singer watches someone run away from them and is left feeling used and confused.
The chorus then repeats the singer's search for meaning in "Amerika," throwing their hands in the air in frustration. The second verse adds more detail to the narrative, as the singer reflects on the ways in which the rich and powerful maintain their privilege through a "rich kid game" that normal people cannot access. The bridge repeats the chorus, emphasizing the futility of achieving success in Amerika, and the song ends with a haunting repetition of the title phrase.
Overall, "Amerika" is a powerful commentary on the myth of upward mobility in American society, and how it can leave people feeling lost and disillusioned. The song's catchy melody and repetitive chorus help to reinforce the feeling of frustration and desperation in the singer's voice.
Line by Line Meaning
And so I've arrived
I have reached my destination
With gold in my eyes
With high hopes and expectations
Are you paying attention?
Do you see me and what I can offer?
I was searching for something
I was looking for a purpose or meaning
As I watched you run
As I saw you move on or leave
I was sad when you said that you never really wanted some
I felt hurt when you admitted you didn't need me
Were you looking for someone?
Did you need someone to fill a void in your life?
As I watched you go
As I saw you leave or depart
I am mad because I don't know what you used me for
I am angry for not knowing how you took advantage of me
I've been looking for so long
I have been searching for a long time
In Amerika
In America
Throw my hands in the air!
Expressing emotion through hand gestures
Flash faded
Showing a brief display or moment that passes quickly
Say you care but you don't
Saying you have concern but not actually showing it
You know I hate it!
Expressing dislike towards something
It's a rich kid game didn't grow up with a throne
It's an exclusive lifestyle for people who come from wealth and privilege
It's all it really is
That's all there is to it
Always talkin' 'bout one day
Frequently discussing future aspirations
It's the same story, oh
The narrative never changes
You want glory son
You desire recognition and fame
Your palace
Your luxurious living space
All the friends you own
All the people in your social circle
So jealous
Feeling envious or resentful towards someone
Felt that rich kid pain what it is to be alone
Experiencing the loneliness and struggles despite having material wealth
In Amerika! In Amerika!
In America!
In Amerika! In Amerika!
In America!
In Amerika! In Amerika!
In America!
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JACOB TILLEY, ERIC CANNATA, PAYAM DOOSTZADEH, FRANCOIS COMTOIS, SAMEER GADHIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sampaguitax
I've had this on repeat for days now, and this is the best I could do in deciphering the lyrics. Can't wait till they publish them!
And so I've arrived
With gold in my eyes
Are you paying attention?
I was searching for something as I watched you run
I was sad when you said that you never really wanted some
Were you looking for someone as I watched you go?
Are you mad because I don't know what you used me for?
I've been looking for so long in America
Throw my hands in the air
Flash, fade in
Say you care, but you don't
You know I hate it
It’s a rich kid game and they grow up with the throne
It's all it really is
I was searching for something as I watched you run
I was sad when you said that you never really wanted some
Were you looking for someone as I watched you go?
Are you mad because I don't know what you used me for?
Always talking about one day in America
Same old story oh, you want glory son
I've been looking for so long
But you cut me out
Throw my hands in the air cause I...
Your parents
All the friends, you, oh (owe?)
So jealous
But that rich kid pain, what it is to be alone
It’s all it really is
I was searching for something as I watched you run
I was sad when you said that you never really wanted some
Were you looking for someone as I watched you go?
Are you mad because I don't know what you used me for?
Always talking about one day in America
Same old story oh, you want glory son
In America, in America
In America, in America
In America, in America
FernandaWritesStories
As the daughter of two immigrants I can relate to this so much. This sense of culture and community in a place that is foreign to you. This is amazing.
Jake Northrup
"Are you mad because I don't know what you used me for?"
That line gets to me. God damn it, I love Young the Giant.
Addie J
Jake Northrup Yeah but I don't get it
Mr. Seemingly Expected
MrValienty
It also reflects with his frustration with the the American dream, using him for profit without supporting him.
F1amisismatt1
Jake Northrup it’s “I am mad because I don’t know what you used me for”. He’s not asking a question he’s saying that he’s mad for being used. 😁
Kristen Chang
Fuck yea!
Joseph T
* I am mad because I don't know what you used me for
The song speaks to a feeling of abandonment in a harsh foreign world (Amerika). The singer knows he was merely a pawn in someone else's game, but he's too naive to understand how he was even played. He was manipulated at a time and place where he truly needed companionship :(
geetarbube
I’m 50, having grown up with classic rock, new wave, and alternative music, and this is one of my favorite modern bands. Definitely the highlight of Firefly 2019.
Klaas Vos
You are an year older than me.😁 And i grown up with the same music. And i have a lot of music list on YT. Have you heard of the band Madrugada? It's my music on this moment. Gr K. Vos The Netherlands.
Brooke Michael
This band is too underrated