[Verse 1]
They told you in school about freedom
But when you try to be free, they never let ya
They said, "It's easy, nothing to it"
And now the army's out to get ya
[Chorus]
Sixty-nine America in terminal stasis
The air's so thick, it's like drowning in molasses
I'm sick and tired of paying these dues
And I'm finally getting hip to the American ruse
[Verse 2]
I learned to say the Pledge of Allegiance
Before they beat me bloody down at the station
They haven't got a word out of me since
I got a billion years probation
[Chorus]
Sixty-nine America in terminal stasis
The air's so thick it's like drowning in molasses
I'm sick and tired of paying these dues
And I'm sick to my guts of the American ruse
[Bridge]
Phony stars (Oh, no)
Crummy cars (Oh, no)
Cheap guitars (Oh, no)
Joe's primitive bar, nah
Rock 'em back, Sonic
[Verse 3]
The way they pull you over, it's suspicious
Yeah, for something that just ain't your fault
If you complain, they're gonna get vicious
Kick in your teeth and charge you with assault
[Chorus]
Yeah, but I can see the chickens coming home to roost
Young people everywhere are gonna cook their goose
Lots of kids are working to get rid of these blues
'Cause everybody's sick of the American ruse
[Outro]
Well, well, well, take a look around
Well, well, well, take a look around
Well, well, well, take a look around
Well, well, well, take a look around
Well, well, well, take a look around
The American Ruse was written by MC5.
The American Ruse was produced by Jon Landau.
MC5 released The American Ruse on Thu Jan 15 1970.