Lyrics
I'm proud
I have a sense of pride
To be an American
This pride is associated with being an American
I'm proud
Reiteration of pride
Of the groovy things we've done
Pride in the positive achievements of the country
There's television, free religion, rock 'n' roll, Standard Oil
Listing various aspects symbolizing American culture and progress
Times Square, Jimmy Darren, Corey Wells, and Smokey Bear
Specific examples of cultural elements and personalities
Price reduction, reconstruction, Peace Corps, and lots more
Listing social and cultural developments to be proud of
Culture that we got to lend
Pride in the cultural contributions that can be shared with others
I'm proud
Reiteration of pride with emphasis
To be an American
Pride in being an American
And I'm proud
Reaffirmation of pride
Had a great time bein' one
Recalling positive experiences as an American
There's your school and my school and both of us in high school
Listing shared experiences in school life
Surfboards, cigarettes, homework, Southern Comfort
Listing various elements of youth culture
Boy's dean was real mean
Recollection of a strict authority figure in school
Made us keep our locker's clean
Expectation to maintain cleanliness in school lockers
Failed nearly every class
Admitting academic struggles
Ditchin' was a gas
Highlighting the rebellious aspect of skipping classes
I'm proud
Expressing pride in being a young American
To be a young American
Reiteration of pride in youth
I'm proud, just think about it
Reflecting on positive developments started by the youth
All the far out things that we've begun
Pride in societal advancements
There's revolution, constitution, land, sea, and air pollution
Listing various societal challenges and conflicts
Cold wars, hot wars, gas wars, and confrontations
Further listing conflicts and issues
Constipation, consternation, open hearted palpitations
Humorous mention of health issues in society
Muscular Dystrophy
Random mention of a medical condition for ironic effect
I'm proud to be an American
Restating pride in being an American
Because we got department stores
Pride in consumer culture and abundance
Full of cheap guitars
Mention of easily accessible musical instruments
But when Sputnik plays 'em, you just go go go go
Humorous reference to the impact of a Soviet satellite on music
I'm proud to be an American--we got two chickens in every garage
Expressing pride in abundance and prosperity
And I wish every other kid could be one--in my country
Wishing the same prosperity for other nations
The medium is the massage
Referencing the influence of media
'Cause it's impossible to give
Highlighting challenges in achieving equality and justice
Equality and justice to inferior foreigners
Suggesting skepticism and mistrust from other nations
Too jealous to trust us
Addressing the challenges of international relations
Gimme your weak and your homeless
Quoting the iconic phrase associated with immigration
How 'bout checkin' the oil ah, fella?
Sarcastically referencing a common stereotype
I'm proud to be an American
Reaffirmation of pride in being an American
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