They pulled in just behind the bridge
"Gee my life's a funny thing, am I
She took his ring, took his babies
It took him minutes, took her nowhere
Heaven knows, she'd have taken anything, but
Young American, young American, she wants the young American
Scanning life through the picture
He coughs as he passes her Ford
Heaven forbid, she'll take anything
But the freak, and his type, all for
He misses a step and cuts his hand, but
Showing nothing, he swoops like a song
She cries "Where have all Papa's heroes gone?"
Her bread-winner begs off the bathroom floor
We live for just these twenty years
Do we have to die for the fifty more?"
Young American, young American,
Do you remember, your President Nixon?
Do you remember, the bills you have to pay?
Just you and your idol sing falsetto
'bout Leather, leather everywhere, and
Not a myth left from the ghetto
Well, well, well, would you carry a razor
In case, just in case of depression?
Sit on your hands on a bus of survivors
Blushing at all the afro-Sheeners
Well, it ain't that Barbie doll
Her hearts have been broken just like you
Young American, young American, you want the young American
You ain't a pimp and you ain't a hustler
A pimp's got a Cadi and a lady got a Chrysler
Black's got respect, and white's got his soul train
Mama's got cramps, and look at your hands ache
(I heard the news today, oh boy)
I got a suite and you got defeat
Ain't there a man who can say no more?
And, ain't there a woman I can
And, ain't there a child I can hold without judging?
Ain't there a pen that will write before they die?
Ain't you proud that you've still got faces?
Ain't there one damn song that can make me
[CHORUS (I) (repeat 3 times ad lib)]