Lyric discussion by ErisSutcliff 

Cover art for America lyrics by Imagine Dragons

I know what this song means, but in my opinion, its different. To be honest, I've been reading "The Capture" by Kathryn Lasky, and this song reminds me a bit of one of the characters. Keep in mind this is my interpretation, not the real meaning.

Is this just an illusion That I made inside my head to get me by?

To me, this means someone is living in such horrible conditions that they're slowly going mad, or becoming emotionless or something.

Twenty years in debt Twenty years in the government Twenty years can never get me by

Once again, I believe this means that someone is imprisoned. They gave into working for horrible people so they could protect their family. The person knew that it was for the best despite how hard it would be to work, and escaping was unrealistic.

Then I feel you close Feel you close like you wanted me to Feel you close like you wanted me to Believe in you

No matter how much time passes, they still believe that they are doing the right thing. Despite the protests of their loved ones, the person didn't wish for them to be hurt.

Rise to the top of the world, America America, don't you cry Lift me up Give me strength to press on Rise to the top of the world, America America, don't you cry Lift me up Give me strength to press on

Every single day is hell, and the person is slowly losing their head. They have to watch people, emotionless with defects, slaving away at unnecessary work. Yet every single day, the person seems to grow a bit stronger.

From farmers in the fields To the tallest of the towers that fall and rise

Where the person works, they see many people doing different jobs, such as caring for babies, and a type of mining for a diamond-like thing. No matter how different they are, they're all the same slaves.

1-7-7-6 The names upon the list

In the book, the enslaved characters are always renamed with numbers, so this is very meaningful.

For all the ones that gave until they died Don't you hold back I can see in your mind, and your mind will set you free

Eventually, the person finds two children that resisted the hypnotism. He tells them that he can teach them to escape by flying. When they are flying away, he's dying, proud that he helped them.

My Interpretation

@ErisSutcliff 1776 is the year of American Independence.