Lyric discussion by smittie1984 

Cover art for Rio lyrics by Duran Duran

Duran Duran actually cleared this up on VH1's True Spin.

The meaning of the song is their Love of America.

"You know your something special and you look like your the best". That is them stating how America is considered to be one of the best countries. (Even though many dis-agree)

"And when she shines she shows you all she can" America always comes through and comes out on top. It is there way of saying we do good.

"From mountains in the North down to the Rio Grande". It doesn't get much more plain.

Also you have to think about an Artist and their obsession with America. America is where an Artist wants to be big. The Beatles became imortal when they stepped off that plane in America. America is an Artist's promised land.

Also they said on the show they love America so much they are still here.

That is correct. This song is about Duran Duran's love of America. This song is classic and will be forever be part of my DNA...