This Is America

Album: This Is America (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The lead single of Ashton Shepherd's third album was released around the Independence Day holiday. With such a title, you might think it was clever timing, but the singer told Billboard magazine it was merely a coincidence. "We didn't plan for it to be released this time of the year, it just happened," said Shepherd. "Of course, that turned out to be wonderful. We cut the song several months ago, and we finished the record in May. I wanted it to be the title track of the record, and also the first single. It just so happened that it came out around the 4th of July, so we're excited about it."
  • Shepherd's inspiration for the song was how despite of the differences that Americans have between them, they will always unite when they really need to. "I wrote it by myself," she told Billboard. "I was upset by some of the stuff you see on Facebook, and folks arguing, and all the turmoil. At the end of the day, we all stick together as a country, and we all have soldiers to be thankful for. It was my way of saying how I feel as an American. I'm proud to be an American. I'm thankful for our soldiers."
  • The singer was also thinking of the financial struggles that many Americans face. "I've also been there with people who are in the dollar store who are trying to penny pinch," said Shepherd. "You find yourself questioning each purchase when Americans work so hard to not have to feel worried about things like that. I think as a whole, we all are going through the same thing together. But, no matter what, we're from America, and we love it here. We're proud. I wanted people to be happy, and know that through God, everything is going to turn around. That's what I wanted to do with this song."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Music Video Director David Hogan

Music Video Director David HoganSong Writing

David talks about videos he made for Prince, Alabama, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, DMB, Melissa Etheridge and Sisters of Mercy.

Kevin Godley

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.