Have you ever found yourself in some situation where you went into a project excitedly hearing or seeing how it would all turn out, only to realize after you’re halfway through that it sucks and there’s nothing else to do but just keep going? That was my experience recording “American Man.” I’d gotten it into my head to write a comment about American military involvement in other countries, and wrote what I thought was a kick-ass song. Yet halfway through the recording session, I couldn’t ignore it. While the music had a certain punch, no one really liked the song and performed to that effect. Given all the effort to secure equipment and players, the only appropriate thing seemed to be to just allow the song to reach whatever conclusion it would before slipping out of the studio as unnoticed as I could (and that’s pretty much what I did). The Stray Katz rarely played “American Man” live and remains one of my more regrettable musical decisions—to a point. I did have a certain amount of fun with my band mates that day, despite myself, and some of that energy does lend this recording a certain playfulness (especially Rick’s awesome scream). Anyway, you’ve been warned. Enjoy.
lyrics
American Man
Well I'm the
I'm the guy who's going to be the American man
and I'm the guy who's going to be the American plan
I said, don't you know I'm hurtin so
Don't you never leave me alone
Don't you know I'm going to be the American man
American man, American man, American man
And I'm the
I'm the guy who's going to be the American dream
and I'm the guy who's going to be the American scheme
I said, don't you know I'm hurting so
Don't you know I want to come home
Don't you know I'm going to be the American man
American man, American man, American man
Don't you ever leave me now
don't ever leave me alone
Don't you ever leave me now
don't ever leave me alone
I'm an ordinary guy who's going to be a man
Why did you leave me home sitting on my own
I'm going to take a stand
Well I'm the
I'm the guy who's going to drive a big brown truck
Oh my wheels are spinning
My car is struck
I said, don't you know I'm hurting so
Don't you know I want to come home
Don't you know I'm going to be the American man
American man, American man, American man
credits
from Kat Trax,
released November 23, 2012
Xristopher Bland: drums, vocals
Rick Wood: rhythm/lead guitars, screams and assorted background sounds
Lance Bland: rhythm guitar
Gord Bell: bass
Words and Music by Xristopher Bland
In Adrian Snood’s songs, soulful vocals and slow-moving alt-pop swirl together to create something distinctly moving. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 1, 2023