All American

Album: Remember Her Name (2021)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Mickey Guyton lists some of the many things that make America. She touches on both small-town country themes (backroads, church pews, cold beer, Daisy Dukes) and those connected to living in the big city (lighters at a rock show, New York City lights, panhandlers asking for change). Then, on the soaring chorus, she asks: "Ain't we all American?"

    "This song embodies everything that makes America special," Guyton said. "From a Texas sky to New York City lights and Daisy Dukes to dookie braids, despite all our differences, we are all American."
  • Guyton wrote the anthem of inclusivity with Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee and the track's producer, Karen Kosowski. The same all-female writing quartet penned Guyton's song "What Are You Gonna Tell Her?."
  • Guyton recorded the song when she was very pregnant. She'd eaten before the first time she tried to lay it down, and couldn't sing because she had no room left. "My baby was taking over," she told Apple Music. Guyton had to return to the studio another day when she didn't have any food in her stomach.
  • Mickey Guyton sang the song in front of a giant American flag at the 2021 American Music Awards. At the end of her performance she told the audience: "No matter where you're from, your race, your creed, who you love. You're all American. Remember that."
  • Mickey Guyton sang "All American" at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

    "If you felt joy watching it [at home], it was a hundred times more joyful in person - the excitement, the sea of people," she told Billboard of performing at the convention. "There was every race, nationality. It was patriotic. There were flags and just people proud to be an American. I will never forget that moment. That was one of my most favorite moments that I have been a part of."

Comments: 1

  • Ruth Bolec Rutka from IlBeautiful song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.