“American Tune” was the third single released from There Goes Rhymin' Simon in 1973. It was the album’s third consecutive top 40, reaching #35 in early 1974.
The song’s melody is based off of the hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”. Lyrically, though Simon says he avoid writing overtly political song...
[Verse 1]
Many's the time I've been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and I've often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
Oh, but I'm all right, I'm all right
I'm just weary to my bones
Still, you don't expect to be bright and bon vivant
So far away from home
So far away from home
[Verse 2]
I don't know a soul who's not been battered
I don't have a friend who feels at ease
I don't know a dream that's not been shattered
Or driven to its knees
Oh, but it's all right, it's all right
For we've lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the road we're traveling on
I wonder what's gone wrong
I can't help it, I wonder what's gone wrong
[Bridge]
And I dreamed I was dying
I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me, smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above, my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was flying
[Verse 3]
For we come on the ship they call the Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the age's most uncertain hour
And sing an American tune
But it's all right, it's all right, all right
You can't be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day
And I'm trying to get some rest
That's all I'm trying to get some rest
American Tune was written by Paul Simon.
American Tune was produced by Paul Samwell-Smith & Paul Simon.
Paul Simon released American Tune on Sat May 05 1973.