SONG REVIEW | Sufjan Stevens - AMERICA
July 5, 2020
It’s no coincidence that Sufjan Steven’s new single America came out on July 3rd, the day before the United States celebrates Independence Day. Opening with a haunting vocal that asks, “Is it love that you’re after?” Stevens addresses the country like a lover in whom he has lost all faith. “I have loved you, I have grieved / I’m ashamed to admit I no longer believe”
Clocking in at nearly 13 sprawling minutes, America captures the paradox of love of country in a time when the land of the free is viewed as anything but. How do you love America when she is capable of such racial cruelty and injustice? With rhetorical questions and biblical references, Stevens layers electronics with a sing-along chorus that proclaims “Don’t do to me what you did to America” to create an apocalyptic masterpiece for 2020.
STREAM SUFJAN STEVENS - AMERICA
Review by Mason Hirsfield
Sufjan Stevens - America
Is it love you’re after?
A sign of the flood or one more disaster
Don’t do to me what you did to America
Don’t do to me what you did to America
I have loved you, I have grieved
I’m ashamed to admit I no longer believe
I have loved you, I received
I have traded my life
For a picture of the scenery
Don’t do to me what you did to America
Don’t do to me what you did to America
I give it all up in laughter
The sign of the cross awaiting disaster
The dove flew to me like a vision of paranoia
The dove flew to me like a vision of paranoia
I have loved you like a dream
I have kissed your lips like a Judas in heat
I have worshiped, I believed
I have broke your bread for a splendor of machinery
Don’t look at me like I’m acting hysterical
Don’t look at me like I’m acting hysterical
I have worshiped, I have cried
I have put my hands in the wounds on your side
I have tasted of your blood
I have choked on the waters, I abated the flood
I am broken, I am beat
But I will find my way like a Judas in heat
I am fortune, I am free
I’m like a fever of light in the land of opportunity
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Don’t do to me what you did to America
(Don’t do to me what you do to yourself)
Don’t do to me what you did to America
(Don’t do to me what you do to yourself)
Don’t do to me what you did to America
(Don’t do to me what you do to yourself)
Don’t do to me what you did to America
(Don’t do to me what you do to yourself)
Don’t do to me what you did to America
Don’t do to me what you did to America
Don’t do to me what you did to America
Don’t do to me what you did to America