American Jesus

Album: Recipe for Hate (1993)
Play Video
  • I don't need to be a global citizen
    'Cause 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 USA
    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
    Bolstering national faith
    We've got the American Jesus
    Overwhelming millions every day

    He's the farmers barren fields (in God)
    The force the army wields (we trust)
    Expressions in the faces of the starving millions (because he's one of us)
    The power of the man he's the fuel that drives the Klan (cave in)
    He's the motive and conscience of the murderer (we can redeem your sin)
    He's the preacher on TV (strong heart), the false sincerity (clear mind)
    The form letter that's written by the big computers (and infinitely kind)
    The nuclear bombs (you lose) and the kids with no moms (we win)
    And I'm fearful that he's inside me (he's our champion)
    Yeah

    We've got the American Jesus
    See him on the interstate (we've got the American Jesus)
    We've got the American Jesus
    Exercising his authority

    We've got the American Jesus
    Bolstering national faith (we've got the American Jesus)
    We've got the American Jesus
    Overwhelming millions every day
    Yeah

    (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-) Writer/s: Brett W. Gurewitz, Greg Graffin
    Publisher: MOTHERSHIP MUSIC PUBLISHING
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Charles E. Barr from TexasBad Religion, pretty timeless.
  • D Allen from CaliforniaOne of the greatest responses to republicans in this country, and religious nuts sad part they still think the same as then and now.
  • Patty from China Town, United KingdomHa, I can see Eddie Vedder doing something like that: singing back up just to spite republicans. I wonder if Kurt Cobain knew if Eddie did a little punk stuff, seeing as how Kurt hated Pearl Jam but loved punk.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Women Who Rock

Women Who RockSong Writing

Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Divided Souls: Musical Alter Egos

Divided Souls: Musical Alter EgosSong Writing

Long before Eminem, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj created alternate personas, David Bowie, Bono, Joni Mitchell and even Hank Williams took on characters.

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.