American Woman

The Guess Who

About American Woman

"American Woman" is a song released by the Canadian rock band The Guess Who in January 1970, from their sixth studio album of the same name. It was later released in March 1970 as a single backed with "No Sugar Tonight", which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Billboard magazine placed the single at number three on the Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1970 list. On May 22, 1970, the single was certified as gold by the RIAA. Produced by Jack Richardson, the single was recorded on August 13, 1969, at RCA's Mid-America Recording Center in Chicago.  


Year:
2000
4:17
42 
#1

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American woman, stay away from me
American woman, mama let me be
Don't come a hangin' around my door
I don't want to see your face no more
I got more important things to do
Than spend my time growin' old with you
Now woman, I said stay away
American woman, listen what I say-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay

American woman, get away from me
American woman, mama let me be
Don't come a knockin' around my door
Don't want to see your shadow no more
Colored lights can hypnotize
Sparkle someone else's eyes
Now woman, I said get away
American woman, listen what I say-ay-ay-ay

American woman, said get away
American woman, listen what I say
Don't come a hangin' around my door
Don't want to see your face no more
I don't need your war machines
I don't need your ghetto scenes
Colored lights can hypnotize
Sparkle someone else's eyes
Now woman, get away from me
American woman, mama let me be

Go, gotta get away, gotta get away now go, go, go
I'm gonna leave you woman
Gonna leave you woman
Bye-bye bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye
You're no good for me
I'm no good for you
Gonna look you right in the eye
Tell you what I'm gonna do
You know I'm gonna leave
You know I'm gonna go
You know I'm gonna leave
You know I'm gonna go-o, woman
I'm gonna leave you woman
Goodbye American woman
Goodbye American chick

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The Guess Who

The Guess Who are a Canadian rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Initially gaining recognition in Canada, they also found international success from the late 1960s through the mid-1970s with numerous hit singles, including "American Woman", "These Eyes" and "Share the Land". Several former members of The Guess Who, notably Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman (of Bachman–Turner Overdrive), have also found considerable success outside the band. more »

4 fans

Written by: Burton Cummings, Gary Peterson, Michael Kale, Randy Bachman

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"American Woman" was released by The Guess Who in January 1970.
Chart Success
The song became a number-one hit in the United States and Canada. It notably knocked The Beatles' "Let It Be" from the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.
Accidental Creation
The song was created during a live concert in Ontario when lead guitarist Randy Bachman was improvising a riff to replace a broken string on his guitar, unaware that this was being recorded. The audience's positive reaction led them to develop it into the full song.
Canadian Origin
Despite being called "American Woman", The Guess Who are actually a Canadian band, and the song has been interpreted as being critical of the United States.
Vietnam War Interpretation
Some people interpreted the song as a protest against the Vietnam War. However, the band has stated it was more about wanting to stay in Canada and preferring their home country’s women.
Award Recognition
The album that contains "American Woman", which shares the same name, won the Juno Award (the main music award in Canada), for Best Selling Record in 1970.
Famous Covers
The song has been covered by several artists, including Lenny Kravitz, whose version won a Grammy in 2000 for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
Cultural Impact
The song has been included in many television shows, movies, and video games due to its iconic guitar riff and notable lyrics. It was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.
Song Composition
The main riff of the song is performed in the key of E major.
Line-up
The line-up of The Guess Who during the recording and release of "American Woman" included Burton Cummings (vocals, keyboards), Randy Bachman (guitar), Jim Kale (bass), and Garry Peterson (drums).

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