American Child
American Child: A Musical Odyssey of Dreams and Heritage
Lyrics
I was ten I was thin I was playing first base
Reflecting on childhood at the age of ten, playing first base in nowhere Virginia.
With a second hand glove and dirt on my face
Using a second-hand glove with dirt on the face while playing baseball.
In nowhere Virginia who'd ever figure
Expressing surprise that a kid playing in the yard would achieve significant success.
That kid in the yard would go very far
Acknowledging that the kid in the yard has gone on to achieve great things.
'Cause 419 Lakewood had no silver spoons
Describing a modest upbringing at 419 Lakewood without luxuries.
Just an old beat up upright that played out of tune
Mentioning an old, out-of-tune upright piano at home.
Now I'm singing and living the life that I love
Grateful for the current life of singing and living a passion.
And when I count my blessings I thank god I was
Expressing gratitude to God when counting blessings for the current success.
An American child
Emphasizing identity as an American child.
An American child
Reiterating the identity as an American child for emphasis.
'Cause dreams can grow wild
Highlighting the potential for dreams to flourish within an American context.
Born inside an American child
Stating that the dreams are born inside an American child.
7 lbs. 3 oz she's got my nose
Sharing details about the birth of a child, including weight and features.
And she's into my heart as deep as it goes
Expressing deep affection for the newborn, emphasizing a strong emotional connection.
With a promise that's more than just someone's last name
Referring to a promise that goes beyond just a family name.
Anyone's equal, in late August came
Asserting equality for anyone, mentioning the birth month of late August.
An American child
Reiterating identity as an American child for the newborn.
An American child
Emphasizing the newborn's identity as an American child.
My Grandfather would have been 80 today
Remembering the Grandfather, noting he would have turned 80 today.
But in '45 he fell down beside
Recalling the Grandfather's fall in 1945.
An American child
Reiterating the identity as an American child, connecting it with the Grandfather's legacy.
An American child
Emphasizing the continuity of the American child identity.
'Cause dreams can grow wild
Reiterating the idea that dreams can thrive within an American context.
Born inside an American child
Concluding by stating that dreams are born inside an American child.
Comment