“American Land” is a song by Bruce Springsteen that celebrates the immigrant experience in the United States. Originally inspired by the folk traditions of Irish and American working-class music, the song was first performed during the Seeger Sessions tour in 2006 and later included as a bonus track on the We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions – American Land Edition. With its energetic blend of folk rock and Celtic influences, the track pays tribute to the struggles and hopes of immigrants seeking a better life in America.
Lyrically, “American Land” highlights the dreams and disillusionments of those who come to the U.S. believing in the promise of opportunity and freedom. Springsteen contrasts the idealized vision of America with the reality faced by many immigrants, emphasizing themes of hard labor, sacrifice, and resilience. The song has become a powerful anthem at his live shows, often closing concerts with a festive, defiant spirit that reflects both celebration and critique of the American experience.
“American Land” – Technical Details
- Artist: Bruce Springsteen
- Song Title: American Land
- Album: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions – American Land Edition
- Release Date: October 3, 2006 (as part of the American Land Edition)
- Genre: Folk Rock / Celtic Rock
- Length: 4:44 (approximate, may vary by version)
- Label: Columbia Records
- Writers: Bruce Springsteen (inspired by folk sources)
- Producer(s): Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau
- Recording Period: 2006, during the Seeger Sessions Tour
- Instrumentation: Fiddle, accordion, banjo, tuba, drums, guitar, piano, horns, and vocals
- Notable Feature: Strong influence from Irish folk music and American protest songs
- Live Debut: May 2006, during the Seeger Sessions Band Tour
- Performance Style: Frequently used as a closing song in live concerts, with energetic crowd participation
Lyrics
“What is this land America so many travel there
I’m going now while I’m still young my darling meet me there
Wish me luck my lovely I’ll send for you when I can
And we’ll make our home in the American land
Over there all the woman wear silk and satin to their knees
And children dear, the sweets, I hear, are growing on the trees
Gold comes rushing out the rivers straight into your hands
When you make your home in the American Land
There’s diamonds in the sidewalk the’s gutters lined in song
Dear I hear that beer flows through the faucets all night long
There’s treasure for the taking, for any hard working man
Who will make his home in the American Land
I docked at Ellis Island in a city of light and spires
She met me in the valley of red-hot steel and fire
We made the steel that built the cities with our sweat and two hands
And we made our home in the American Land
There’s diamonds in the sidewalk the’s gutters lined in song
Dear I hear that beer flows through the faucets all night long
There’s treasure for the taking, for any hard working man
Who will make his home in the American Land
The McNicholas, the Posalski’s, the Smiths, Zerillis, too
The Blacks, the Irish, Italians, the Germans and the Jews
Come across the water a thousand miles from home
With nothin in their bellies but the fire down below
They died building the railroads worked to bones and skin
They died in the fields and factories names scattered in the wind
They died to get here a hundred years ago they’re still dyin now
The hands that built the country were always trying to keep down
There’s diamonds in the sidewalk the gutters lined in song
Dear I hear that beer flows through the faucets all night long
There’s treasure for the taking, for any hard working man
Who will make his home in the American Land
Who will make his home in the American Land
Who will make his home in the American Land”
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