Lyric discussion by massivegenius 

Cover art for American Dream lyrics by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Success is a sandcastle washed up by a wave. How many Americans succeed and make millions, only to have it crumble in their hands because they are weak and give into temptation. As Carlin said, the American Dream is a dream because you'd have to be asleep to believe it. Dreams of success are shattered by the frailties of human error.

Song Meaning