"American Oxygen"
BY: RIHANNA
LYRICS: AMERICAN OXYGEN
BY: RIHANNA Breathe out, breathe in American oxygen Every breath I breathe Chasin' this American Dream We sweat for a nickel and a dime Turn it into an empire Breathe in, this feeling American, American oxygen American oxygen Breathe in, this feeling American, American Oxygen Oh say, you see, this is the American Dream Young girl, hustlin' On the other side of the ocean You can be anything at all In America, America I say, can't see Just close your eyes and breathe Breathe out, breathe in American oxygen Every breath I breathe Chasin' this American Dream We sweat for a nickel and a dime Turn it into an empire Breathe in, this feeling American, American oxygen American oxygen Breathe in, this feeling American, American Oxygen Oh say, you see, this is the American Dream Young boy, hustlin' Tryna get the wheels in motion But he can be anything at all In America, America I say, can't see Just close your eyes and breathe Breathe out, breathe in American oxygen Every breath I breathe Chasin' this American Dream We sweat for a nickel and a dime Turn it into an empire Breathe in, this feeling American, American oxygen This is the new America We are the new America |
SUMMARY: In the song “American Oxygen” by Rihanna, she is describing how immigrants coming from a wide array of backgrounds from all around the world, have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream through hard work. In her music video, she shows images of immigrants traveling to America, while enduring harsh circumstances, in hope to make it to the land of opportunity. Examples include Latin Americans traveling on top of trains and across the Mexican-American border, and immigrants arriving through Ellis Island. In her music video, Rihanna also includes video footage of immigrants and minority groups fighting for civil rights. In the end, she claims that “this is the new America, we are the new America”.
ANALYSIS: In her song and music video, Rihanna shows the harsh truth about the American experience among immigrant and minority groups. Essentially, they shape American society because they the soul behind "the land of opportunity". Through minority groups fighting for civil rights and against discrimination, the song “American Oxygen” captures the reality of America. It is a land that is perceived to offer immigrants opportunity. In addition, the inner struggle of America that has occurred in this last century, shows the new America (where minority groups fight for justice). In the end, Rihanna sings “we are the new America”. Thus, the immigrant groups and minorities that advocate for justice and opportunity, are the new America that keep ideas of freedom and equality alive within society. |