Iggy explained the gestation of ‘American Valhalla’ in the Song Exploder Podcast:
Josh sent me a shitty demo that began with the steel drum and vibraphone motif…
[Josh] sent me a text afterwards positing that Valhalla was the most valid and superior paradise for warriors, compared to the ones from...
[Verse 1]
I have no plans
I have no debts
The mind is not the carefree set
I'm looking for American Valhalla
So if it passes by
Give me a holler, please
[Verse 2]
I've shot my gun
I've used my knife
This hasn't been an easy life
I'm hoping for American Valhalla
But if I have outlived my use
Please drink my juice
[Chorus]
Innocence
It's so hard to figure it out
Innocence
It's so hard to figure it out
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
It's so hard to figure it out
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
[Verse 3]
Where is American Valhalla?
Death is the pill that's tough to swallow
Is there anybody in there?
Who do I have to kill?
I'm not the man with everything
I've nothing, but my name
[Bridge]
Lowly, lowly deeds
That no one sees
Lowly, lowly deeds
That no one sees
[Verse 4]
Where is American Valhalla
Death is the pill that's hard to swallow
Is anybody in there?
And can I bring a friend?
I'm not the man with everything
I've nothing, but my name
[Outro]
I've nothing, but my name
I've nothing, but my name
I've nothing, but my name
I've nothing, but my name
American Valhalla was written by Iggy Pop & Josh Homme.
American Valhalla was produced by Josh Homme.
Iggy Pop released American Valhalla on Fri Mar 18 2016.