American Soul

Album: American Soul (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The title track to Phil Vassar's ninth studio album, this piano-driven number is a celebration of all the varying components that make up American culture - from famous actors (Clint Eastwood) to musicians (The Isley Brothers and Elvis Presley) to historical figures (Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee) to food (Dairy Queen and Dr. Pepper) to fashion (blue jeans and bikinis). He sings:

    Hey red, white, blue, we're apple pie and crawfish stew
    All mixed up in a big old Super Bowl
    Of American soul
  • Vassar wrote this with Nashville songwriter Tom Douglas. The singer recalled the session to Nash Country Daily: "We were just sitting around. For me, writing is a thing about being comfortable. You find your comfort zone. I loved what it was about. And in this day and age, America is a really just a jacked up place. Man, I love it. It's citizenship here is just really crazy, but that's what I love about it. It’s different and at least in this country you can debate your issues. In a lot of countries you can’t really debate it. It's this way or we take your head."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

When Rock Belonged To Michelob

When Rock Belonged To MichelobSong Writing

Michelob commercials generated hits for Eric Clapton, Genesis and Steve Winwood in the '80s, even as some of these rockers were fighting alcoholism.

Songs About Movies

Songs About MoviesSong Writing

Iron Maiden, Adele, Toto, Eminem and Earth, Wind & Fire are just some of the artists with songs directly inspired by movies - and not always good ones.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.