American Jesus
Bad Religion
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I don't need to be a global citizen Because I'm blessed by nationality I'm member of a growing populace We enforce our popularity There are things that seem to pull us under And there are things that drag us down But there's a power and a vital presence That's lurking all around We've got the American Jesus See him on the interstate We've got the American Jesus He helped build the president's estate I feel sorry for the earth's population 'Cause so few live in the U.S.A. At least the foreigners can copy our morality They can visit but they cannot stay Only precious few can garner the prosperity It makes us walk with renewed confidence We've got a place to go when we die And the architect resides right here We've got the American Jesus Fostering their shame on faith We've got the American Jesus Overwhelming millions every day He's the farmers barren fields The force the army wields The expression in the faces of the starving millions The power of the man he's the fuel that drives the clan He's the motive and conscience of the murderer He's the preacher on t.v., the false sincerity The form letter that's written by the big computers The nuclear bombs and the kids with no moms And I'm fearful that he's inside me We've got the American Jesus See him on the interstate We've got the American Jesus Exercising his authority We've got the American Jesus Fostering their shame on faith We've got the American Jesus Overwhelming millions every day, eah One nation, under god. One nation, under god. One nation, under god. One nation, under god. One nation, under god. One nation, under god. One nation, under god. One nation, under god. One nation, under god. One nation, under god. One nation, under god.
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Written by: BRETT W. GUREWITZ, GREG GRAFFIN
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
14 facts about this song
Release Information"American Jesus" is a song by the American punk rock group Bad Religion. It was released in 1993 as the first single from their seventh studio album, "Recipe for Hate".
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Band BackgroundBad Religion is well-known for combining the aggressive energy of punk with a highly melodic, complex, and intellectual style of songwriting. "American Jesus" is a clear representation of this fusion.
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Song MeaningThis song criticises the influence and hypocrisy of Christianity in America. It contemplates the idea of God being an 'American Jesus', picturing the deity as an emblem of American nationalism, prosperity, and superiority.
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Song CompositionKnown for its intense guitar riffs and sharp rhythm, "American Jesus" is one of Bad Religion's most popular tracks. The song is in E minor and has a tempo of 191 beats per minute.
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Chart PerformanceDespite the band being primarily underground, "American Jesus" managed to score a number 27 spot on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks in the summer of 1993.
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Pop Culture"American Jesus" has over the years been featured in numerous movies and TV series, including "Clerks II", emphasizing its strong influence.
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Record LabelThe song was released under Epitaph Records, an independent music label co-owned by Brett Gurewitz, a member of Bad Religion. Epitaph Records is known for promoting punk rock bands.
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Live Performances"American Jesus" is a stance of Bad Religion's live performances and often ends their shows. Crowd chorus sing-along is a notable feature during this song's performance.
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Cover VersionsBands like NOFX and Dropkick Murphys have performed notable cover versions of "American Jesus".
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Music VideoThe music video for "American Jesus" showcases different people across the United States, alongside footage of Bad Religion playing the song at a concert.
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Song LengthThe album version of "American Jesus" has a duration of approximately 3 minutes and 17 seconds.
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SongwritersThe song was written by Greg Graffin, Brett Gurewitz, Brian Baker, Bobby Schayer, and Jay Bentley.
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Reception"American Jesus" is widely considered a punk rock classic and regularly features in the best-of lists for the genre. The song’s unflinching criticism of religious nationalism resonated with many listeners, earning it status as a fan favorite.
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InfluenceThrough songs like "American Jesus", Bad Religion has inspired many other punk rock bands, including Rise Against and Anti-Flag.
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"American Jesus Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/12166029/Bad+Religion/American+Jesus>.
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