In this provocative track, Bad Religion critiques the intertwining of religion and nationalism in American culture. The song portrays a version of Jesus that symbolizes American exceptionalism, suggesting that this "American Jesus" endorses political power and cultural dominance rather than spiritual values. Through vivid imagery, the lyrics express concern over how religious identity is used to justify inequality and global hegemony. The band challenges listeners to reflect on the implications of conflating patriotism with faith, highlighting the potential for moral hypocrisy and social injustice. This song serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers inherent in allowing national identity to shape religious beliefs and practices.
American Jesus
Lyrics
I don't need to be a global citizen
'Cause I'm blessed by nationality
I'm member of a growing populace
We enforce our popularity
There are things that seem to pull us under and
There are things that drag us down
But there's a power and a vital presence
That's lurking all around
We've got the American Jesus
See him on the interstate
We've got the American Jesus
He helped build the president's estate
I feel sorry for the earth's population
'Cause so few live in the USA
At least the foreigners can copy our morality
They can visit but they cannot stay
Only precious few can garner the prosperity
It makes us walk with renewed confidence
We've got a place to go when we die
And the architect resides right here
We've got the American Jesus
Bolstering national faith
We've got the American Jesus
Overwhelming millions every day
He's the farmers barren fields (in God)
The force the army wields (we trust)
Expressions in the faces of the starving millions (because he's one of us)
The power of the man he's the fuel that drives the Klan (cave in)
He's the motive and conscience of the murderer (we can redeem your sin)
He's the preacher on TV (strong heart), the false sincerity (clear mind)
The form letter that's written by the big computers (and infinitely kind)
The nuclear bombs (you lose) and the kids with no moms (we win)
And I'm fearful that he's inside me (he's our champion)
Yeah
We've got the American Jesus
See him on the interstate (we've got the American Jesus)
We've got the American Jesus
Exercising his authority
We've got the American Jesus
Bolstering national faith (we've got the American Jesus)
We've got the American Jesus
Overwhelming millions every day
Yeah
(One nation under God, one nation under God, one nation under God)
(One nation under God, one nation under God, one nation under God)
(One nation under God, one nation under God, one nation under God)
(One nation under God, one nation-)
Writer(s): Brett W. Gurewitz, Greg Graffin
Copyright(s): Lyrics © MOTHERSHIP MUSIC PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
What is the Meaning of American Jesus
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