American Girl
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Tom Petty
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Well she was an American girl Raised on promises She couldn't help thinkin' that there Was a little more to life Somewhere else After all it was a great big world With lots of places to run to Yeah, and if she had to die Tryin' she had one little promise She was gonna keep Oh yeah, all right Take it easy baby Make it last all night She was an American girl Well, it was kind of cold that night She stood alone on her balcony Yeah, she could the cars roll by Out on 441 Like waves crashin' in the beach And for one desperate moment there He crept back in her memory God it's so painful Something that's so close And still so far out of reach Oh yeah, all right Take it easy baby Make it last all night She was an American girl Ooh Ooh
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Tom Petty
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Creation"American Girl" is a rock song written by Tom Petty and was released in 1976.
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Band CreditIt was recorded by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for their self-titled debut album in 1976.
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Chart PerformanceDespite being one of Petty's most iconic songs, "American Girl" didn't originally chart on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it eventually made it to the chart at number 40 in the UK in 1977.
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SuccessIt has since become Petty's signature song and a classic rock staple, garnering extensive radio play.
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Lyrics SpeculationMany fans and critics have speculated that the lyrics refer to a student at the University of Florida who committed suicide by jumping from a dormitory window. However, Petty denied this association.
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Concert OpenerAlthough the song was not a significant hit at first, it became an important track for Petty, and it was often used to open his live performances.
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InfluenceThe distinctive guitar riff of the song has gained admiration from fellow musicians and has been said to have influenced the composition of many popular songs, including The Strokes' “Last Nite” and Taylor Swift’s “Gorgeous”.
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Movie FeatureThe song is famously featured in the movie "Silence of the Lambs" and has also appeared in several other films and TV shows, often to signify a certain all-American or youthful spirit.
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Cover VersionsMany artists, such as Taylor Swift, The Lumineers, and Goo Goo Dolls, have covered "American Girl" in live performances, showcasing its enduring popularity and influence.
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Posthumous RecognitionSince Tom Petty's death in 2017, the song has had a surge in streams and downloads, helping to further solidify its place in rock and roll history.
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Rolling Stone’s ListsThe track is ranked at number 76 on Rolling Stone’s list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time" and also featured on their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.
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Citation
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"American Girl Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2254796/Tom+Petty/American+Girl>.
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