Mooncrown11 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 "American Life" Do I have to change my name? Will it get me far? Should I lose some weight? Am I gonna be a star?I tried to be a boy, I tried to be a girl I tried to be a mess, I tried to be the best I guess I did it wrong, That's why I wrote this song This type of modern life - Is it for me? This type of modern life - Is it for free?So, I went into a bar looking for sympathy A little company - I tried to find a friend It's more easily said it's always been the same This type of modern life -Is not for me? This type of modern life -Is not for free? American life I live the american dream You are the best thing I've seen, You are not just a dreamI tried to stay ahead,I tried to stay on top I tried to play the part,But somehow I forgot Just what I did it for And why I wanted more This type of modern life - Is it for me? This type of modern life - Is it for free?Do I have to change my name? Will it get me far? Should I lose some weight? Am I gonna be a star? American life I live the american dream You are the best thing I've seen, You are not just a dreamI tried to be a boy,I tried to be a girl I tried to be a mess,I tried to be the best I tried to find a friend, I tried to stay ahead I tried to stay on top...Fuck it... Do I have to change my name? Will it get me far? Should I lose some weight? Am I gonna be a star?I'm drinking a Soy latte I get a double shot It goes right through my body And you know I'm satisfied,I drive my mini cooper And I'm feeling super-dooper Yo they tell I'm a trooper And you know I'm satisfied I do yoga and pilates And the room is full of hotties So I'm checking out the bodies And you know I'm satisfied I'm digging on the isotopes This metaphysic's shit is dope And if all this can give me hope You know I'm satisfied I got a lawyer and a manager An agent and a chef Three nannies, an assistant And a driver and a jet A trainer and a butler And a bodyguard or five A gardener and a stylist Do you think I'm satisfied?I'd like to express my extreme point of view I'm not Christian and I'm not a Jew I'm just living out the American dream And I just realized that nothing Is what it seems Do I have to change my name Am I gonna be a star Do I have to change my name Am I gonna be a star? Do I have to change my name This is one of those songs that split fans - some love it, some hate it -but either way, it got attention. I think the part that easily caused the most issues is her rap which is not bad but certainly wouldn't win her any rap battles. The song manages to be both serious and tongue in cheek at the same time. She's making a commentary on how obsessed America is with image and materialism but she also jokes about herself as taking part in the obsession as well. While I don't think it's one of her better singles, I do think it's different and had something to say. I quite like the juxtaposition of the more electronic choppy verses with the acoustic, smoother chorus. My favorite part though is the "Do I have to change my name" part which is delivered perfectly and simply but powerfully sums up the message of the song. It's almost impossible to think of this song without thinking of the original pulled video which is so well done and really drives the message of the song home with it's graphic war imagery mixed together with a fashion runway show showing how we are sometimes immune to real violence almost as if it's just another entertainment outlet. I understood why she made the decision to pull it but it's quite a shame as I think it would have helped promote the song better. Favorite lyric: Do I have to change my name? Will it get me far? Should I lose some weight? Am I gonna be a star? Favorite Vocal Part : Same as the above lyric Favorite Musical part : The acoustic guitar One word that Sums Up This Song: Disillusion What do you think of this song? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crystal Coffin Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Used to hate it but now I like it a lot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flip The Switch Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 One of my favs songs of hers since day one with one of her best videos. Mirwais is a genius and the song still sounds fresh after 11 years. Love the melody and production. The remixes are ace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumpb4uthink Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I loved the rap the first time I head it. I'm not Christian and I'm not a Jew I'm just living out the American dream And I just realized that nothing Is what it seems Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madgemusic85 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I will admit that I hated this song when I first heard it! But then I heard the Reinvention version and I fell head over heels for it. I still think it should not have been a lead single though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick00 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I actually remembered hearing AL on a NY radio station & I did not know M had a new single out. I love the melody starting at about 1 min 15 sec. The live version during RIT was amazing as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrawberryBounce12 Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Still hate the "rap" part but I give it up to M for being fearless as always. Otherwise, I love the song and think it got unfairly panned by critics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooncrown11 Posted September 24, 2014 Author Share Posted September 24, 2014 Some of you have mentioned this awesome live version of the song so I thought I'd post it to remind us how good it was: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shan Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 This song slapped me in the face the first time I heard it. So good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyJimmy Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I love the song, the video (the uncensored one), the tour performance and of course brunette Madonna! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvet Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Love the songs, love kind of angry vibe Wish the chorus was repeated more, great melody there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Gold Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 the remix with Missy Elliot is so good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madonnasuperfan01 Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I always loved this song. Yeah it's not her best but it's nowhere near as bad as so many people said it was. And i DO like the rap part, it wasn't supposed to be that serious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rb19 Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vogue992 Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I love this song. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HolidayGuy Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 It's not one of her best, but it's not as bad as some make it out. It was pretty Madonna-centric, so it wasn't universal or relatable to the average listener. I prefer the sound of the Headcleanr mix, overall. And the best part is the chorus melody. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzy Jan Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 This is such a strange song for me because I can never work out if I like it or not. That does not really make sense but it is the only way I can describe it. Way ahead of it's time though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bluejean Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Love the song Love the rap Love the video Love the remixes especially Oakenfold's one Love the single covers Love the Re-invention live version Don't care much for the promo live performances. Yawn. Oh and yes I loved it when it first came out. I know everyone wants songs like Gambler on the new tour but I wouldn't be surprised if she pulled this one out of her "oldie but goodie" bag. I'm sure she loves it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bluejean Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Remember when she started randomly reciting lyrics from it at an MDNA rehearsal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SecretGarden Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Never understood the hate for the rap, have always loved this song, especially the production. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bluejean Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 This song would work rather well as a mash up with I Don't Give A on the next tour. Imagine that rap with Nicki's! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magom Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 the remix with Missy Elliot is so good +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magom Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 I've been listening to this remix a lot these days. love it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u44V8ifg0kU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyJimmy Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Remember when she started randomly reciting lyrics from it at an MDNA rehearsal? That wasn't the rehearsal. It was the actual concert. She sang the intro right after HN and before LAV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthonyw Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 I think the video has more resonance now than it did then... Hmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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