The Body of an American Lyrics – The Pogues
The Body of an American Song Lyrics
[Verse 1: Shane MacGowan]
The Cadillac stood by the house and the Yanks, they were within
And the tinker boys, they hissed advice, 'hot-wire with her a pin'
Well, we turned and shook as we had a look in the room where the dead man lay
So big Jim Dwyer made his last trip to the shores where his fathers lay
[Verse 2: Shane MacGowan]
And fifteen minutes later, we had our first taste of whiskey
There was uncles giving lectures on ancient Irish history
The men all started telling jokes and the women, they got frisky
At five o'clock in the evening, every bastard there was piskey
[Chorus: Shane MacGowan]
Fare thee well, gone away, there's nothing left to say
Farewell to New York City, boys, to Boston and PA
He took them out with a well-aimed clout and they often heard him say
I'm a freeborn man of the USA
[Verse 3: Shane MacGowan]
He fought the champ in Pittsburgh and he slashed him to the ground
He took on Tiny Tartanella and it only went one round
He never had no time for reds, for drink or dice or whores
But he never threw a fight when a fight was right
So they sent him to the war
[Chorus: Shane MacGowan]
Fare thee well, gone away, there's nothing left to say
With a sláinte Joe and Erin go, my love's in Amerikay
The calling of the rosary, Spanish wine from far away
I'm a freeborn man of the USA
[Verse 4: Shane MacGowan]
This morning on the harbour when I said goodbye to you
I remembered how I swore that I'd come back to you one day
And as the sunset came to meet the evening on the hill
I told you I'd always love you, I always did, I always will
[Chorus: Shane MacGowan]
Fare thee well, gone away, there's nothing left to say
But say adieu to your eyes as blue as the water in the bay
To big Jim Dwyer, the man of wire, who was often heard to say
I'm a freeborn man of the USA
[Outro: Shane MacGowan]
I'm a freeborn man of the USA
I'm a freeborn man of the USA
The Body Of An American Lyrics Explained
"The Body of an American" by The Pogues is a song that narrates the experiences and adventures of a man, presumably an Irish-American, reflecting on his life and identity. The lyrics capture a sense of nostalgia, pride, and a connection to both Irish heritage and the American experience. The protagonist is portrayed as a free-spirited, resilient individual with a strong sense of identity, shaped by his Irish roots and experiences in the USA.
[Verse 1]
In the opening verse, the song sets a scene where a Cadillac is parked by a house, hinting at a moment of reflection or remembrance. The mention of the "Yanks" and the "tinker boys" suggests a connection between Irish and American cultures. The dead man in the room, presumably someone significant, leads to a reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality.
[Verse 2]
The lyrics then delve into a scene where the characters are gathered, sharing whiskey, discussing Irish history, and engaging in revelry. This paints a picture of a close-knit community, possibly immigrants, maintaining their cultural traditions and camaraderie in a new land. The term "piskey" refers to mischievous or playful behavior, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the festivities.
[Chorus]
The chorus expresses a farewell to various places, such as New York City, Boston, and Pennsylvania. The protagonist, bidding adieu, declares himself a "freeborn man of the USA," emphasizing his pride in his American identity. The reference to a "well-aimed clout" suggests a resilient and determined nature, possibly hinting at the challenges faced by immigrants in a new country.
[Verse 3]
The narrative continues with the protagonist's involvement in boxing, mentioning fights against various opponents. The lyrics touch on the character's aversion to certain vices like drinking, gambling, or engaging with prostitutes. The decision to send him to war underscores the sacrifices made by individuals for their country.
[Chorus]
The chorus repeats, reinforcing the theme of bidding farewell and the protagonist's identity as a freeborn man in the USA. The mention of a "sláinte," a traditional Irish toast, further ties together the Irish and American elements in the song.
[Verse 4]
The final verse introduces a poignant moment of saying goodbye to a loved one, with a promise to return. The sunset symbolizes the passage of time, and the commitment to love is expressed amidst the backdrop of the hills. This verse adds a personal touch to the broader narrative of identity and belonging.
[Outro]
The outro repeats the declaration of being a freeborn man of the USA, emphasizing the enduring sense of freedom and pride in one's identity. The repetition of this line serves as a powerful affirmation of the protagonist's connection to both Irish and American heritage.
This is the end of "The Body Of An American Song Lyrics" by The Pogues. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.
Official Music Video
Cast & Crew
- Album
- The Pogues (Singles)
- Artist / Band
- Producer(s)
- Elvis Costello
- Writter(s)
- Shane MacGowan
- Released On
- February 24, 1986
The Pogues (Singles) Songs
- 1.A Pair of Brown Eyes
- 2.A Rainy Night in Soho
- 3.Dirty Old Town
- 4.Fairytale of New York ft. Kirsty MacColl
- 5.The Body of an American
The Pogues Albums
FAQs & Knowledge
Who is the singer of "The Body of an American" song?
"The Body of an American" song is sung by The Pogues.
Who is the lyrics writer of "The Body of an American" song?
"The Body of an American" song lyrics written by Shane MacGowan.
Who is the music producer of "The Body of an American" song?
"The Body of an American" song music composed & produced by Elvis Costello.
When was "The Body of an American" song released?
"The Body of an American" song was released on February 24, 1986.