Faith Hill – American Heart (Official Video)
Inspiration Behind American Heart:
This song was conceived from Faith Hill’s personal experiences of being around optimistic people from the United States. American Heart was co-written by Jonathon Singleton and Jim Beavers who drew inspiration from resilience and determination from Americans facing challenging times in life. The lyrics reflect personal struggles and triumphs that human beings face daily in life. This perseverance is the backbone of American Heart.
Biblical Application:
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him, James 1:11-12.
Exegesis of American Heart:
She’s up before the sun, on the run
Another dollar, another day, another cup of coffee
Thank you Lord for giving me one more
She still leans on her dreams but it seems
Sometimes she’s the only one who still believes
That life is hard, so she takes it on
With an American heart
The opening 2 lines highlights anyone trying to get ahead in life. God is credited for providing another day with a glimmer of hope to keep the American Dream alive. As others lose hope, she still believes this is possible.
And it beats like a drum down in New Orleans
Sings like a Motown melody
It dreams like California
Bigger than the Texas sky
It bleeds
It scars
But it shines when times get hard
And you can’t break an American heart
Music keeps her going, singing positive songs. Dreams aren’t compromised, but continue to grow with optimism. Despite disappointment, obstacles and setbacks, the American Heart is still beating as hard as ever.
From the small town Friday night lights
To the Broadway neon burning up bright
We’re all the same and it’s in our veins
A spirit that you can’t keep down
A fire inside that’ll never burn out
If you are the owner of
An American heart
Wherever you are and whatever you do, hearts filled with hope keep dreams alive. This spirit refuses to quit like a fire that never dies. This is what is possible with an American Heart.
‘Cause it beats like a drum down in New Orleans
Sings like a Motown melody
It dreams like California
Bigger than the Texas sky
It bleeds
It scars
But it shines when times get hard
And you can’t break an American heart
An American heart
The chorus repeats itself like great music that never goes out of style. Music can soothe your soul when life gets tough. However, American Hearts are like the energizer bunny which never stops moving forward.
And it beats like a drum down in New Orleans
Sings like a Motown melody
It dreams like California
Bigger than the Texas sky
It bleeds
It scars
But it shines when times get hard
You can’t break
You can’t break an American heart
An American heart
Consecutive chorus hints that the end of this song is near. Yet, resiliency and determination are characteristics of an American Heart. This may bleed and scar, but these people shine when perseverance enters their lives. This is why you can’t break an American Heart.
An American heart
God bless America
Land of the free
God bless America
An American Heart is a gift from God in the form of a blessing. America remains a special place today fueled by God’s blessing.
Final Thoughts:
One thing that I have learned over the years is to be content with where you are in life. It’s easy to become jealous by looking at more successful people. However, if you view success as [art of your own personal journey in life, you’ll become like the woman in the opening stanza eager to make the most of the day in front of her. Taking one day at a time can propel you toward seizing the moments that each new day provides. If you fail or fall short of your expectations, you’ll have another chance tomorrow to shine, This is the resilience of an American Heart.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 