America

Razorlight

About America

"America" is a song by English indie rock band Razorlight and is the fourth track to their self-titled second studio album, Razorlight (2006). It was written by Johnny Borrell and Andy Burrows (credited to Borrell, Burrows, and Razorlight) and was also released as the second single from that album in October 2006. The song garnered a negative reception from critics for its attempt at both political commentary and transatlantic crossover appeal. "America" became the band's first and only number-one single in the United Kingdom and was the country's 17th best selling single of that year. The song also peaked within the top 10 in Ireland, the Netherlands and New Zealand, and within the top 40 in Austria, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Germany. 


Year:
2017

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What a drag it is the shape I'm in
Well, I go out somewhere then I come home again

I light a cigarette 'cause I can't get no sleep
There's nothing on the TV, nothing on the radio
That means that much to me

All my life
Watching America
All my life
There's panic in America
Oh, there's trouble in America, oh

Yesterday was easy, happiness came and went
I got the movie script but I don't know what it meant

I light a cigarette 'cause I can't get no sleep
There's nothing on the TV, nothing on the radio
That means that much to me
There's nothing on the TV, nothing on the radio
That I can believe in

All my life
Watching America
All my life
There's panic in America
Oh, there's trouble in America
Oh, there's panic in America, oh

Yesterday was easy
Yes, I got the news
When you get it straight, but stand up you just can't lose
Give you my confidence, all my faith in life

Don't stand me up, don't let me down
I need you tonight
To hold me, say you'll be here 
To hold me, say you'll be here
To hold me, say you'll be here
To hold

All my life
Watching America
All my life
There's panic in America
Oh, she's just in America, oh

Tell me how does it feel
Tell me how does it feel
Tell me how does it feel
Tell me how does it feel

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Razorlight

Razorlight are an English indie rock band formed in 2002 by lead singer and rhythm guitarist Johnny Borrell. The band are primarily known in the UK, having topped the charts with the 2006 single "America" and its parent self-titled album, their second. Along with Borrell, the band currently consists of drummer David 'Skully' Sullivan Kaplan, bass player Freddie Stitz and lead guitarist Gus Robertson. more »

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Written by: Johnny Borrell, Andy Burrows

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Composition
"America" is a song composed by the indie rock band Razorlight. The song is also known as "America (I'm Watching You)" in some regions.
Release Date
It was released on October 2, 2006, as the second single from their second studio album, "Razorlight".
Contribution to Popularity
The single marked a significant breakthrough for the band, as it was their first number-one single in the United Kingdom, topping the UK Singles Chart.
Chart Performance
Apart from the UK, "America" also charted in a number of other countries. It reached number 6 in the Irish Singles Chart, number 15 in the German Singles Chart, and number 38 in the Australian ARIA Singles Chart.
Meaning of Song
The lyrics in "America" convey the inner feelings of someone who feels lost, disillusioned, and uncertain about the future, believed to mirror the sentiments prevalent in America and, to an extent, the world during that time.
Recognition
NME named "America" one of the best tracks of the year in 2006, contributing to the band's rising status in the indie rock scene.
Album Performance
Driven by the success of "America", the album Razorlight reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart, heralding the group's mainstream breakthrough.
Live Performances
Razorlight performed "America" live during the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium on 1 July 2007, in front of 63,000 people.
Credits
The song is credited to all four Razorlight members: Johnny Borrell, Björn Ågren, Carl Dalemo, and Andy Burrows.
Music Video
The music video for "America" was directed by Justin Dickel and was set in a caravan home, depicting the band members coping with day-to-day life while grasping onto hope for the future.
Critical Reception
Critics appreciated "America" for its sincere and thoughtful lyrics combined with an infectious rock melody. The song was often viewed as a commentary on society during its time of release. Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, even cited "America" as one of his favourite songs.
Song Cover
Professional wrestler and singer Chris Jericho performed a cover of "America" with his band, Fozzy, for their 2020 album, "2020".

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    "America Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34060892/Razorlight/America>.

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