The American Lyrics

Lyric discussion by briantz6 

Cover art for The American lyrics by Simple Minds

This song seems to be about American military intervention in Europe. "What do you know about this world anyway?" feels like Kerr is admonishing Americans for not really understanding foreign issues.

They funny thing is that Simple Minds perform this song in the United States and everyone gleefully sings along to a song that mocks them.

My Interpretation

@briantz6

No, this is what its actually about:

It's difficult to determine when The American was actually written. Apparently it was inspired by the bright colours of an exhibition of modern American art that Jim visited, being written in the back of a van while driving through the East Coast of America.

http://www.simpleminds.org/sm/songs/ead/ta1.htm