Inspiration Behind In America:
In America was inspired by WGN’s series Underground. Songwriter Dave Tozer helped John Legend express his concerns about the racial torment African Americans face in America. While working on the Darkness and Light album, John struggled with the notion that America is a place of freedom, equality and where anyone can make it. John’s saw too many individuals who were not able to experience what this country promised.
Biblical Application:
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him, Colossians 3:16-17.
Exegesis of In America:
In America, in America
I poured my sweat in America
This land is my land
It’s America
I broke my back for America
All of money I make
All of these chances I take
Just paying my rent in America
Won’t just stand around
Watch it go down
Won’t just stand around
Watch it go down
John Legend worked his butt off in America to make his dreams come true. Unfortunately, this quest didn’t go as he expected with expenses taking more than anticipated.
But maybe it’s a long shot
Maybe it’s a fantasy
We’ve given it all that we’ve got
Maybe we can live a dream
Oh, oh
Can we build a new life was it ever meant that we…
Could make it in America
Make it in America
The American dream has become a longshot, like a fantasy no longer achievable. This makes John wonder if the average person could even be successful in America anymore.
In America, in America
They say I’m free in America
In America, in America
I still can’t breath in America
Watch them squeezing my neck
Watch them bullets connect
We still gon’ fight in America
Won’t just stand around
Can’t watch it go down
Won’t just stand around
Watch it go down
This stanza is viewing America from the inner city, focusing on the negative. Freedom isn’t the same in certain locations where life is restricted and gun shots are not rare.
But maybe it’s a long shot
Maybe it’s a fantasy
We’ve given it all that we’ve got
Maybe we can live a dream
Oh, oh
Can we build a new life was it ever meant that we…
Could make it in America
Make it in America
This stanza is identical to the second. This warns immigrants that making it in America won’t be easy, but it is possible.
We’ll make it in America
We’ll make it in America
We’ll make it in America
We’ll make it in America
We’ll make it in America
We’ll make it in America
We’ll make it in America
We’ll make it in America
Positive reinforcement that you can and will make it in America.
In America, in America
My hopes right here in America
In America, in America
My hope, my prayer in America
Hope is not lost in America. Sometimes hope and prayer is necessary to make your dreams come true.
Final Thoughts:
Everyone will face adversity in life. If you fail to learn a life lesson, you may find yourself in a downward spiral, making the same mistakes over and over again. As you live and learn, you may even be able to get ahead. Yet, life can be cruel, and you must be resilient to persevere in the end. However, life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turn. The quicker you recover from failure, heart break and losses, the sooner healing and redemption will come. Keep your head up and keep fighting for what’s right and true.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 