Living in America

James Brown

About Living in America

"Living in America" is a 1985 song composed by Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight and performed by James Brown. It was released as a single in 1985 and reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song entered the Billboard Top 40 on January 11, 1986, and remained on the chart for 11 weeks. It also became a top five hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart; it was his only top 10 single in the UK. It was his first Top 40 hit in ten years on the US pop charts, and it would also be his last. In 1987, it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song and won Brown a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. 


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Superhighways, coast to coast, easy takin' anywhere -
On the transcontinental overload
just slide behind the wheel.
How does it feel when there's no destination that's too far

And somewhere on the way
you might find out who you are.

Living in America, eye to eye, station to station.
Living in America, hand in hand, across the nation.
Living in America, got to have a celebration, rock my soul!

Smokestack, fatback, many miles of railroad track.
All-night radio keep on runnin' through your rock'n' roll soul.
All-night diners keep you awake
on a black coffee and a hard roll.
you might have to walk a fine line
you might take a hard line

But everybody's workin' overtime.
Living in America, eye to eye, station to station
I live in America, I live in America, wait a minute,
you may not be lookin' for the promised land

But you might find it anyway.
Under one of those old familiar names like,
New Orleans, New Orleans
Detroit City, Detroit City

Dallas, Dallas
Pittsburgh P. A., Pittsburgh P. A.

New York City, New York City
Kansas City, Kansas City

Atlanta, Atlanta.
Chicago and L. A.

Living in America, hit me, living in America, living in America.
I live in America, staying alive, we'll make the prime.
I live in America, hey
I know what it means.

Living in America, hit me, eye to eye, station to station.
Living in America, so nice, would you better stop?
Living in America, I feel good!

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James Brown

James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of funk music and is a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance. more »

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Written by: STEVEN LEE LUKATHER, DAVID WALTER FOSTER, DONNA SUMMER, RODNEY L. TEMPERTON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Artist Involvement
"Living in America" is a popular song performed by James Brown and written and produced by Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight.
Chart Success
It was released in December 1985 as the soundtrack to the hit movie "Rocky IV." - The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. - It earned James Brown his only Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Significant Achievement
"Living in America" was Brown's biggest hit in a decade and his last Top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100.
Musical Style
The song is a fusion of soul, funk, and pop, reflecting James Brown's signature style but also integrating more contemporary 1980s production techniques.
Cultural Impact
The lyrics of "Living in America" were interpreted as a celebration of the American lifestyle, evoking imagery of hot dogs, highways, and anonymous big cities. - This song became an anthem of the American Dream, even if it also included a critical perspective of the social situation in the US during the 80s.
Movie Soundtrack
In the "Rocky IV" film, the song is used during the entrance of Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers, providing a memorable and energetic scene in the movie.
Music Video
The music video for "Living in America" features James Brown performing the song in a live concert scenario. It also includes clips from "Rocky IV" movie.
Special Tribute
The saxophone solo in "Living in America" is played by Alto Reed, the longtime saxophonist for Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band.
Significant Re-entry
The song marked a major comeback for James Brown, who hadn't scored a top ten hit since "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" in 1968.

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    Living in America

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1986

    Billboard #4


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