I don't need to be a global citizen,
Because I'm blessed by nationality.
I'm a 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
'cuz 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 our 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 farmer's barren fields, (In God)
The force the army wields, (We trust)
The expressions on the faces of the starving millions. (Because he's one of us)
The power of the man, (Break down)
The fuel that drives the clan, (Cave in)
He's the motive and the conscience of the murderer. (He can redeem your sins)
He's the preacher on TV, (Strong heart)
The false sincerity, (Clear mind)
The form letters that's written by the big computers. (And infinitely kind)
The nuclear bombs, (You lose)
The kids with no moms (We win)
And I'm fearful that he's inside me. (He is our champion!)
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.
One Nation Under God... (ad infinitum)
Version | Length | Release | Catalog ID | Country | Format | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Album version | ||||||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | 12" | 2023 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Europe | 12" | 2023 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | 12" | 2023 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Europe | 12" | 2023 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United Kingdom | 7" | 2020 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | 12" | 2017 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | OXX 1048-1 | 107 366 | Brazil | CD | 2016 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 86420-1TBR | United States | 12" | 2015 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 86420-1 | United States | 12" | 2010 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 86420-1 | United States | 12" | 2009 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Russia | CD | 2007 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | CD | 2007 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Brazil | CD | 2005 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 82546-2 | United States | CD | 2004 | |
3:17 | Holiday Sampler | PRCD 8399 | United States | CD | 1997 | |
3:17 | Holiday Sampler | PRCD 8388 | United States | CD | 1997 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Brazil | CD | 1996 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | ESCA-6112 | Japan | CD | 1995 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | 12" | 1994 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Europe | CD | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | CPT-1552 | South Korea | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 7 82546-4 | United States | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Brazil | 12" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 7 82546-2 | United States | CD | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 86420 | United States | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | MC | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | 12" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Europe | CD | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | CD | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | CD | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | 25460-408 CDS | Germany | CD | 1993 | |
3:17 | American Jesus | SFTRI232 | United States | 7" | 1993 | |
American Jesus | n/a | United States | MC | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | American Jesus | SFTRI232 | United States | 7" | 1993 | |
3:17 | American Jesus | United States | 7" | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Indonesia | MC | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | MG2782 | Poland | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | TJK 205 | Thailand | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 86420 | United States | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | n/a | Malaysia | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 02540-4 | United States | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 78 25464 | Canada | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | TM3 65818 | Argentina | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | MJKE 6112 | Malaysia | MC | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Russia | MC | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Poland | MC | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | ECD 65018 | Argentina | CD | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 86420 | Israel | CD | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | 6586-2 | Brazil | CD | 1993 | |
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Canada | CD | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | United States | CD | 1993 | ||
3:17 | Recipe For Hate | Russia | CD | 1993 | ||
Andy Wallace remix | ||||||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | United States | 12" | 2021 | ||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | Europe | 12" | 2021 | ||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | Europe | 12" | 2020 | ||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | United States | 12" | 2020 | ||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | Europe | 12" | 2019 | ||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | United States | 12" | 2019 | ||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | Europe | 12" | 2013 | ||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | Europe | 12" | 2013 | ||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | 87276-2 | United States | CD | 2013 | |
3:19 | Christmas Songs | 7276-2 | Europe | CD | 2013 | |
3:19 | Christmas Songs | EPIT 7276-2A | Europe | CD | 2013 | |
3:19 | Christmas Songs | 87276-1 | United States | 12" | 2013 | |
3:19 | Christmas Songs | United States | 12" | 2013 | ||
3:19 | Christmas Songs | 87276-1 | United States | 12" | 2013 | |
3:19 | Christmas Songs | EICP 1594 | Japan | CD | 2013 | |
3:19 | Christmas Songs | 7276-2 | Europe | CD | 2013 | |
3:19 | Christmas Songs | WMCD BRCS017 | United States | CD | 2013 | |
3:19 | Christmas Songs | EPIT 87276 | United States | CD | 2013 | |
3:16 | American Jesus | PRCD 5475 | United States | CD | 1993 | |
Bonus track | ||||||
3:16 | All Ages | Japan | CD | 1995 | ||
3.16 | All Ages | Philippines | CD | 1995 | ||
Live | ||||||
3:15 | Tested | EPIT-69952 | Europe | CD | 2008 | |
3:15 | Tested | DRA 486986 1 | Germany | 2x12" | 1997 | |
3:15 | Tested | DRA 486986 2 | Germany | CD | 1997 | |
3:15 | Tested | Esca 6658 | Japan | CD | 1997 | |
3:15 | Tested | 486986-4 | Turkey | MC | 1997 | |
3:15 | Tested | DRA 486986 4 | 485019 4 | Poland | MC | 1997 | |
3:15 | Tested | DRA 486986 4 | Netherlands | MC | 1997 | |
3:15 | Tested | Germany | MC | 1997 | ||
3:15 | Tested | Russia | MC | 1997 | ||
3:15 | Tested | Spain | MC | 1997 | ||
3:15 | Tested | DRASAMPCD39522 | Germany | CD | 1997 | |
3:15 | Tested | 486986-2 | Australia | CD | 1997 | |
3:15 | Tested | 758.329 / 2-486986 | Brazil | CD | 1997 | |
Progressivision: Winter 1994 | United States | VHS | 1994 | |||
3:12 | 21st Century (Digital Boy) | DRA 660980 6 | Germany | 12" | 1994 | |
3:12 | 21st Century (Digital Boy) | DRA 660980 6 | Germany | 12" | 1994 | |
21st Century (Digital Boy) | DRA 661143 0 | United Kingdom | 10" | 1994 | ||
3:12 | 21st Century (Digital Boy) | DRA 660980 2 | Germany | CD | 1994 | |
3:12 | 21st Century (Digital Boy) | MATTCD013 | Australia | CD | 1994 | |
3:12 | 21st Century (Digital Boy) | DRA 660980 2 | Israel | CD | 1994 | |
3:09 | American Jesus | n/a | United States | U-matic | 1993 | |
Live (MTV 120 Minutes) | ||||||
MTV 120 Minutes Live | United States | CD | 1998 | |||
Live @ House of Blues 2010 | ||||||
30 Years Live | United States | 12" | 2023 | |||
30 Years Live | 99977-1 | United States | 12" | 2016 | ||
30 Years Live | 7105-1 | Europe | 12" | 2016 | ||
30 Years Live | 87105-1 | United States | 12" | 2016 | ||
30 Years Live | 87105-1 | United States | 12" | 2016 | ||
The Dissent of Man | EICP-1415-6 | Japan | CD | 2010 | ||
30 Years Live | EICP-1415-6 | Japan | CD | 2010 | ||
30 Years Live | United States | DL | 2010 | |||
Live @ Palladium, Los Angeles, 7/30/1994 | ||||||
3:12 | 21st Century (Digital Boy) | DRA 661143 8 | Germany | MC | 1994 | |
3:12 | 21st Century (Digital Boy) | DRA 661143 5 | United Kingdom | CD | 1994 | |
3:12 | 21st Century (Digital Boy) | 661143 2 | Europe | CD | 1994 | |
Live Loreley Festival 1996 | ||||||
The Grey Race - Video EP | Europe | DVD | 2003 | |||
Remix | ||||||
3:17 | American Jesus | n/a | United States | U-matic | 1993 | |
Video | ||||||
Punk O Rama DVD Vol. 1 | 6649-9 | Europe | DVD | 2003 | ||
Punk O Rama DVD Vol. 1 | #86649 | United States | DVD | 2003 | ||
Punk O Rama DVD Vol. 1 | 0613 | China | DVD | 2003 | ||
Punk O Rama DVD Vol. 1 | Australia | DVD | 2002 | |||
Punk O Rama DVD Vol. 1 | Brazil | DVD | 2002 | |||
3:17 | Feel Lucky, Punk? An Epitaph Video Compilation | n/a | Europe | VHS | 1996 | |
Don't Eat Yellow Snow -- The Video | United States | VHS | 1993 | |||
Video live @ Palladium, 11/20/2004 | ||||||
Live At The Palladium | Brazil | DVD | 2009 | |||
Live At The Palladium | Japan | DVD | 2006 | |||
Live At The Palladium | Europe | DVD | 2006 | |||
Live At The Palladium | United States | DVD | 2006 | |||
Live At The Palladium | Australia | DVD | 2006 | |||
Live At The Palladium | H-716 | China | DVD | 2005 | ||
Not specified | ||||||
The Best Of Punk-O-Rama | Japan | CD | 2006 | |||
Against the Grain / Recipe for Hate | BYCD-019 | South Korea | CD | 1997 | ||
All Ages | Indonesia | MC | 1995 | |||
American Jesus | n/a | United States | VHS | 1994 |
Mike in Temecula
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: United States |
Oil produces the wealth and power of a nation; the United States can wield this power, and Capitalism drives it perpetually.
04/21/2022 at 03:02
Oil produces the wealth and power of a nation; the United States can wield this power, and Capitalism drives it perpetually.
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fletcher70
Incomplete
![]() ![]() Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Posts: 7 |
i dont think it is the president at all...its the mighty dollar and the power it portrays..it commands everything and everyone
10/27/2009 at 12:37
i dont think it is the president at all...its the mighty dollar and the power it portrays..it commands everything and everyone
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nyarjo
Incomplete
![]() ![]() Location: Alaska Status: Offline Posts: 9 |
The Christian Jesus is the son of God, and is therefore a mythical invention. Whether or not there actually was some dude who calls himself "Jesus of Nazareth" is completely and absolutely irrelevant, both to Christianity and to Bad Religion. Neither this song nor any other song by a band has anything to do with the "real" Jesus, because whoever he was has nothing to do with Christianity.
02/13/2009 at 17:12
The Christian Jesus is the son of God, and is therefore a mythical invention. Whether or not there actually was some dude who calls himself "Jesus of Nazareth" is completely and absolutely irrelevant, both to Christianity and to Bad Religion. Neither this song nor any other song by a band has anything to do with the "real" Jesus, because whoever he was has nothing to do with Christianity.
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NOReligion
Incomplete
![]() ![]() Status: Offline Posts: 1 |
Jesus was real. Was he the son of a fucking god (if there is one)=no. Was he a prophet?=No. The lies we are fed are greatly taken by millions.
01/30/2009 at 18:29
Jesus was real. Was he the son of a fucking god (if there is one)=no. Was he a prophet?=No. The lies we are fed are greatly taken by millions.
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nyarjo
Incomplete
![]() ![]() Location: Alaska Status: Offline Posts: 9 |
Who was Jesus? If your answer was "the founder of Christianity" you were wrong. If your answer was "a great man" you are also wrong Even if your answer was "a man whose teachings led to the establishment of the orthodoxy of Christianity" you were wrong. Jesus was none of these. He simply was not.
So who the hell was he? Rather, what is he? Jesus is the myth central to the most powerful (and, sadly, convincing) orthodoxy in the history of the planet.
Therefore, the American Jesus must not be a person, but a myth. The myth central to the most powerful orthodoxy in the history of the modern world, the American State. Greg and Brett do not identify the myth, but there should be little doubt as to what they are suggesting it is.
I don't need to be a global citizen
because I'm blessed by nationality
What ever it is is a primary component of nationalism.
I'm a member of the growing populace
we enforce our popularity
Even now, America is growing, developing. We have more people, more technocrats, more power every day, and the American Jesus makes this all possible.
There are things that seem to pull us under
and there are things that drag us down
This clause is a little ambiguous. What pulls us under and what drags us down? Everybody's got their specters, and everyone thinks that one thing or another is going to be the downfall of America. But I think that Greg and Brett would say that most Americans are oblivious to the fact that all humans are doomed to die and that this species will end, likely sooner than later. What most Americans are worried about are things like the current economic health. When the economy was threatening to take a nose dive, for instance, my dad and I couldn't peel ourselves away from the news. Therefore, the things that pull us under and drag us down are, in the minds of most Americans, objectively trivial and rationally unimportant.
But there's a power and a vital presence
it's lurking all around
What is lurking all around in America? Meditate on that.
We've got the American Jesus
see him on the interstate
What do you see on the interstate? What do you always see? Billboards, advertisements, propaganda. America, it is a church, a shrine. We are worshiping the American Jesus, just as Christians are worshiping the biblical one.
We've got the American Jesus
he helped build the president's estate
Slaves built the White House. Slaves inspired by the whip held by a mythical, irrational, backward culture, held by the American Jesus. I would like to add a few lines to add clarity.
He's the woman washing dishes,
the father making steel
and the child working overtime at McDonald's.
The redneck goon squads,
the watered down protests,
and the dice labeled "rags to riches."
The rest of the song just compounds these positions.
So what is the American Jesus? The American Jesus is our mythology, our excuse for existing. It is rags to riches, social mobility, Wall Street, free enterprise, capitalism. Bike is so powerful that it distorts the truth, and that is what this song is about. It's not just rags to riches. It is also homeless shelters and broken homes, rape and suicide, handguns and crystal meth.
He's the nuclear bombs
the kids with no moms
and I'm fearful that he's inside me!
01/17/2009 at 01:32
Who was Jesus? If your answer was "the founder of Christianity" you were wrong. If your answer was "a great man" you are also wrong Even if your answer was "a man whose teachings led to the establishment of the orthodoxy of Christianity" you were wrong. Jesus was none of these. He simply was not.
So who the hell was he? Rather, what is he? Jesus is the myth central to the most powerful (and, sadly, convincing) orthodoxy in the history of the planet. Therefore, the American Jesus must not be a person, but a myth. The myth central to the most powerful orthodoxy in the history of the modern world, the American State. Greg and Brett do not identify the myth, but there should be little doubt as to what they are suggesting it is. I don't need to be a global citizen because I'm blessed by nationality What ever it is is a primary component of nationalism. I'm a member of the growing populace we enforce our popularity Even now, America is growing, developing. We have more people, more technocrats, more power every day, and the American Jesus makes this all possible. There are things that seem to pull us under and there are things that drag us down This clause is a little ambiguous. What pulls us under and what drags us down? Everybody's got their specters, and everyone thinks that one thing or another is going to be the downfall of America. But I think that Greg and Brett would say that most Americans are oblivious to the fact that all humans are doomed to die and that this species will end, likely sooner than later. What most Americans are worried about are things like the current economic health. When the economy was threatening to take a nose dive, for instance, my dad and I couldn't peel ourselves away from the news. Therefore, the things that pull us under and drag us down are, in the minds of most Americans, objectively trivial and rationally unimportant. But there's a power and a vital presence it's lurking all around What is lurking all around in America? Meditate on that. We've got the American Jesus see him on the interstate What do you see on the interstate? What do you always see? Billboards, advertisements, propaganda. America, it is a church, a shrine. We are worshiping the American Jesus, just as Christians are worshiping the biblical one. We've got the American Jesus he helped build the president's estate Slaves built the White House. Slaves inspired by the whip held by a mythical, irrational, backward culture, held by the American Jesus. I would like to add a few lines to add clarity. He's the woman washing dishes, the father making steel and the child working overtime at McDonald's. The redneck goon squads, the watered down protests, and the dice labeled "rags to riches." The rest of the song just compounds these positions. So what is the American Jesus? The American Jesus is our mythology, our excuse for existing. It is rags to riches, social mobility, Wall Street, free enterprise, capitalism. Bike is so powerful that it distorts the truth, and that is what this song is about. It's not just rags to riches. It is also homeless shelters and broken homes, rape and suicide, handguns and crystal meth. He's the nuclear bombs the kids with no moms and I'm fearful that he's inside me! |
Brad
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
I think this song is great because it shows how we as a nation live day to day without thinking of the negative consequences of our actions. The line where, "he's the motive and conscience of the murderer." This sort of conscience may be developed from a psychopathic existence living from moment to moment. If you have read "The Stranger" by Albert Camus, i think you know what i am talking about. Mersault, the main character, shoots an Arab out of cold blood without thinking of what will happen in the future. He is arrested and sentenced to death, upon which he breaks through his ignorance and realize's he is an immoral man. Most American's have a loose grasp of what morality is because of our ignorance. Consequently, we make up excuses that are designed to give us pleasure for a bad conscience instead of taking responsibilty for our actions. Thus, we create an "American Jesus" or some sort of higher being that will justify our wrongs. My question is, when will it end? When will people realize that they are existence? We cannot better ourselves until this is accomplished. We all know that this world is absurd, however we must not give in to its absurdity. ---Brad M.
06/09/2008 at 19:07
I think this song is great because it shows how we as a nation live day to day without thinking of the negative consequences of our actions. The line where, "he's the motive and conscience of the murderer." This sort of conscience may be developed from a psychopathic existence living from moment to moment. If you have read "The Stranger" by Albert Camus, i think you know what i am talking about. Mersault, the main character, shoots an Arab out of cold blood without thinking of what will happen in the future. He is arrested and sentenced to death, upon which he breaks through his ignorance and realize's he is an immoral man. Most American's have a loose grasp of what morality is because of our ignorance. Consequently, we make up excuses that are designed to give us pleasure for a bad conscience instead of taking responsibilty for our actions. Thus, we create an "American Jesus" or some sort of higher being that will justify our wrongs. My question is, when will it end? When will people realize that they are existence? We cannot better ourselves until this is accomplished. We all know that this world is absurd, however we must not give in to its absurdity. ---Brad M.
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joe
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
everyone who posted something saying (with certainty), "greg is saying this," or "brett is saying that" is missing one of the most crucial tenets of bad religion dogma: questions are better than answers. are some of these interpretations accurate? sure. but dont tell me what they definitely saying.....
im certain thats what greg would say if he ever responded to this.................... 05/16/2006 at 05:27
everyone who posted something saying (with certainty), "greg is saying this," or "brett is saying that" is missing one of the most crucial tenets of bad religion dogma: questions are better than answers. are some of these interpretations accurate? sure. but dont tell me what they definitely saying.....
im certain thats what greg would say if he ever responded to this.................... |
MDMA
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
I feel this song is about the large ego that America. Some people are as so bold as to even say that America is God's country. The lyrics are being sung from the perspective of a American nationalist and he is saying that Jesus lives in america and he even "helped build the president's estate". The speaker also has a large enough ego to say "I feel sorry for the earth's population/ 'cuz so few live in the U.S.A/ at least the foreigners can copy our morality/ they can visit but they cannot stay", meaning that foreigners are not as good as Americans. So, overall, it's about the ego America carries.
05/09/2006 at 15:17
I feel this song is about the large ego that America. Some people are as so bold as to even say that America is God's country. The lyrics are being sung from the perspective of a American nationalist and he is saying that Jesus lives in america and he even "helped build the president's estate". The speaker also has a large enough ego to say "I feel sorry for the earth's population/ 'cuz so few live in the U.S.A/ at least the foreigners can copy our morality/ they can visit but they cannot stay", meaning that foreigners are not as good as Americans. So, overall, it's about the ego America carries.
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Dean
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
I have interpreted this as the 'American Jesus' is the president of the USA. The first two lines: 'I don't need to be a global citizen, cos I'm blessed by nationality' make me think this as as to me it would be very likely for a president to think that they could do what they want and the majority of people would still love them for it. The next bit I will focus on is the verse which states: 'I feel sorry for the earth's population, 'cuz so few live in the U.S.A, at least the foreigners can copy our morality,they can visit but they cannot stay,
only precious few can garner our prosperity, it makes us walkwith renewed confidence, we've got a place to go when we die, and the architect resides right here. I think this shows the American proudness of their country as most Americans are, and the dedication of Americans to their country. For example, the 'feeling sorry for the Earths population' comes from proudness as if the American population thought their country was horrible, they would not feel sorry for the Earths population. Other lines in this verse such as 'only few can garner our prosperity' suggest the same thing. The American Jesus comes into this part as it is the presidents job to state the opinions of the citizens in his country. The next verse (he's the farmer barren fields etc.) relates to the president as all the jobs and classes that are mentioned in this verse will have been influenced by the president at one point in their lives. That is why I presume it says at the end 'and I'm fearful that he's inside me' as he is becoming a part of everyone daily. That only explains who the American Jesus is however. I think that the person writing about the American Jesus may be a teenager getting ready to accept responsibility for his life, when all of a sudden he is being forced to take sides with which political party he supports. This is where the 'and I'm fearful that he's inside me comes from I suspect. This is my perspective on the song anyway. 03/24/2006 at 19:21
I have interpreted this as the 'American Jesus' is the president of the USA. The first two lines: 'I don't need to be a global citizen, cos I'm blessed by nationality' make me think this as as to me it would be very likely for a president to think that they could do what they want and the majority of people would still love them for it. The next bit I will focus on is the verse which states: 'I feel sorry for the earth's population, 'cuz so few live in the U.S.A, at least the foreigners can copy our morality,they can visit but they cannot stay,
only precious few can garner our prosperity, it makes us walkwith renewed confidence, we've got a place to go when we die, and the architect resides right here. I think this shows the American proudness of their country as most Americans are, and the dedication of Americans to their country. For example, the 'feeling sorry for the Earths population' comes from proudness as if the American population thought their country was horrible, they would not feel sorry for the Earths population. Other lines in this verse such as 'only few can garner our prosperity' suggest the same thing. The American Jesus comes into this part as it is the presidents job to state the opinions of the citizens in his country. The next verse (he's the farmer barren fields etc.) relates to the president as all the jobs and classes that are mentioned in this verse will have been influenced by the president at one point in their lives. That is why I presume it says at the end 'and I'm fearful that he's inside me' as he is becoming a part of everyone daily. That only explains who the American Jesus is however. I think that the person writing about the American Jesus may be a teenager getting ready to accept responsibility for his life, when all of a sudden he is being forced to take sides with which political party he supports. This is where the 'and I'm fearful that he's inside me comes from I suspect. This is my perspective on the song anyway. |
Pibbals
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
Its a mormon thing.
01/24/2006 at 00:23
Its a mormon thing.
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Erwig
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
I just like to comment on the first two lines. " I dont need to be a global citizen becasue mi blessed by nationality" I am Canadian so I dont know for sure, but it's my asomption that every American thinks that way, or atleast any that are too thick-skulled to realise it. they beleve that becasue they are American the have the right to so much more (and as other interpertaions have said demine other countrys.) As far as chorus goes, 'we've got the american jesus
see him on the interstate, we've got the american jesus he helped build the president's estate' the american jesus sounds to me like a metphor for themost poweful being imanginable. an american jesus. Not only would he have more folowers then the actual jesus but he's american so that already makes him better then everybody else and to top it off he's the right hand of god. I know i basically rewrote the song and apoligize for it but I hope my my interperation helps somebody P.S. Although America has problems beyond belief Canada is far over looked. Not only do we also have a moron in power but he fucking stole pension funds and used it to premote his damn party in a sponsure ship scandal before god blesses america we need more help up here in Canada!! 01/07/2006 at 02:51
I just like to comment on the first two lines. " I dont need to be a global citizen becasue mi blessed by nationality" I am Canadian so I dont know for sure, but it's my asomption that every American thinks that way, or atleast any that are too thick-skulled to realise it. they beleve that becasue they are American the have the right to so much more (and as other interpertaions have said demine other countrys.) As far as chorus goes, 'we've got the american jesus
see him on the interstate, we've got the american jesus he helped build the president's estate' the american jesus sounds to me like a metphor for themost poweful being imanginable. an american jesus. Not only would he have more folowers then the actual jesus but he's american so that already makes him better then everybody else and to top it off he's the right hand of god. I know i basically rewrote the song and apoligize for it but I hope my my interperation helps somebody P.S. Although America has problems beyond belief Canada is far over looked. Not only do we also have a moron in power but he fucking stole pension funds and used it to premote his damn party in a sponsure ship scandal before god blesses america we need more help up here in Canada!! |
Justin
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you guys shouldn't let believers post interpretations some of the time, because, well, bad religion idea of the world, they don't understand.
11/15/2005 at 10:06
you guys shouldn't let believers post interpretations some of the time, because, well, bad religion idea of the world, they don't understand.
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M-and-C
Guest
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Hardly anyone has touched on what I feel is an important point.
Jesus is not an American! Think of the ubiquitous images of the Saviour: he always looks like a European. This is the worst kind of cultural imperalism! Americans have always tried to appropriate Jesus as their own. Anyone who has read and understood the Gospels knows: Jesus' words were intended for all of humanity, regardless of nationality or race. Jesus Christ was born in the land which--in his time--was called Palestine. He would have been dark-skinned. Most American Christians, if you could somehow show them a photo of what Jesus really looked like, they wouldn't believe it. They would say, "He looks like a Muslim. One of those terrorists!" Worse...many American Christians, if you remind them of the obvious fact that Jesus was a Jew, they will become incensed, and perhaps assault you. BTW I am definitely not a Christian, and have no opinion whether a man from Nazareth named Jesus actually lived. I am however interested in the history of the Christian church. Especially its early history, when--after getting past the dangerous period, when being an outspoken Christian could get you killed--the Church hierarchy developed and began asserting its power. You'd be surprised at all the ancient Christian texts--equally as valid (or invalid) as those in the Bible--which have been officically declared by the Church as "apocryphal", and therefore banished from inclusion in scripture. The omissions were for a variety of reasons, mostly relating to factionalism and political struggles. One crucial goal, in limiting which material made it into the Bible, was the mostly-successful effort to destroy the Gnostic sect. (It has only recently been revived, after long-forgotten Gnostic texts were unearthed less than a hundred years ago.) The Gnostics taught that only one's own introspective efforts toward spiritual growth would bring salvation. This was a tremendous threat to the power of the Church. The Gnostics were saying, "You don't NEED a priest or bishop; you don't need to go to church." Those people were silenced. Read Elaine Pagels' "The Gospel of Thomas". Or do a Google search on "Gospel of Thomas" and read the original text for yourself. It is a list of (purported) sayings of Jesus. Many of them do not appear in the Bible. Sorry that so little of this is about Bad Religion. Everyone has contributed excellent interpretations, so I have little to add. 11/06/2005 at 20:49
Hardly anyone has touched on what I feel is an important point.
Jesus is not an American! Think of the ubiquitous images of the Saviour: he always looks like a European. This is the worst kind of cultural imperalism! Americans have always tried to appropriate Jesus as their own. Anyone who has read and understood the Gospels knows: Jesus' words were intended for all of humanity, regardless of nationality or race. Jesus Christ was born in the land which--in his time--was called Palestine. He would have been dark-skinned. Most American Christians, if you could somehow show them a photo of what Jesus really looked like, they wouldn't believe it. They would say, "He looks like a Muslim. One of those terrorists!" Worse...many American Christians, if you remind them of the obvious fact that Jesus was a Jew, they will become incensed, and perhaps assault you. BTW I am definitely not a Christian, and have no opinion whether a man from Nazareth named Jesus actually lived. I am however interested in the history of the Christian church. Especially its early history, when--after getting past the dangerous period, when being an outspoken Christian could get you killed--the Church hierarchy developed and began asserting its power. You'd be surprised at all the ancient Christian texts--equally as valid (or invalid) as those in the Bible--which have been officically declared by the Church as "apocryphal", and therefore banished from inclusion in scripture. The omissions were for a variety of reasons, mostly relating to factionalism and political struggles. One crucial goal, in limiting which material made it into the Bible, was the mostly-successful effort to destroy the Gnostic sect. (It has only recently been revived, after long-forgotten Gnostic texts were unearthed less than a hundred years ago.) The Gnostics taught that only one's own introspective efforts toward spiritual growth would bring salvation. This was a tremendous threat to the power of the Church. The Gnostics were saying, "You don't NEED a priest or bishop; you don't need to go to church." Those people were silenced. Read Elaine Pagels' "The Gospel of Thomas". Or do a Google search on "Gospel of Thomas" and read the original text for yourself. It is a list of (purported) sayings of Jesus. Many of them do not appear in the Bible. Sorry that so little of this is about Bad Religion. Everyone has contributed excellent interpretations, so I have little to add. |
todd
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i think this song is about bush and his campaign. bush has so many followers just like god does in christianity and other religions. in the line "but theres a power and a vital presence" i think greg is talking about the power that bush (god) has and the 'presence' in every american that he has control of. thats why on the last line of the chorus "he helped build the presidents estate", greg is talking about how bush has helped america to become a super power in the world just like god.
09/12/2005 at 11:13
i think this song is about bush and his campaign. bush has so many followers just like god does in christianity and other religions. in the line "but theres a power and a vital presence" i think greg is talking about the power that bush (god) has and the 'presence' in every american that he has control of. thats why on the last line of the chorus "he helped build the presidents estate", greg is talking about how bush has helped america to become a super power in the world just like god.
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Aniero
Incomplete
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I rekon (doing this song for an English assignment) that the line "He helped build the president's estate" could refer to the countless wars America has gone to in the name of God, and most of them have been won, kind of like expanding of territory, but it would be more suitable to say its the expansion of political territory.
If thats coherent in any way... 05/03/2005 at 08:59
I rekon (doing this song for an English assignment) that the line "He helped build the president's estate" could refer to the countless wars America has gone to in the name of God, and most of them have been won, kind of like expanding of territory, but it would be more suitable to say its the expansion of political territory.
If thats coherent in any way... |
Fish Monster
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I believe that George HW Bush had once said that Jesus was on America's side during the Gulf War (I believe it was the Gulf War, at least), and this was a response to that. I've heard that a lot, at least.
12/28/2004 at 18:24
I believe that George HW Bush had once said that Jesus was on America's side during the Gulf War (I believe it was the Gulf War, at least), and this was a response to that. I've heard that a lot, at least.
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DAN
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To me this song is about how the American People use God for every little thing. Don't get me wrong, I am a christian, but come on, now if you say that you are (jesus) you will have 30 followers in a day. I have seen the people out in the freeway and all the hypocrits that think that they are right and try to force religion on others. But people in high power use gods name in vain. they say that murder in other countries is ok because whe are the chosen people. and anyone who knows of the bible knows that those are the Jew's.. ot end I say one thing, America now thinks that they are GOD, that with all the power they have is never gonna be brought down...like the song said, we've got the american jesus
overwhelming millions every day (exercising his authority) and that is what the U.S.A. does to so many other countries around the world. 12/01/2004 at 20:26
To me this song is about how the American People use God for every little thing. Don't get me wrong, I am a christian, but come on, now if you say that you are (jesus) you will have 30 followers in a day. I have seen the people out in the freeway and all the hypocrits that think that they are right and try to force religion on others. But people in high power use gods name in vain. they say that murder in other countries is ok because whe are the chosen people. and anyone who knows of the bible knows that those are the Jew's.. ot end I say one thing, America now thinks that they are GOD, that with all the power they have is never gonna be brought down...like the song said, we've got the american jesus
overwhelming millions every day (exercising his authority) and that is what the U.S.A. does to so many other countries around the world. |
Wyatt
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"God hates fags" That statement is as close to the essence of this song as any. People using God to justify their beliefs. I like what was said earlier about god, moreover christianity, being mixed with almost every aspect of American life, especially the military. I think the song sort of points to a correlation between Christianity and capitalism (the lines "see him on the interstate" have always made me think of the swarms of billboard advertisements that you see everytime you get on the interstate. Whatever the meaning, it's a great song.
11/07/2004 at 07:57
"God hates fags" That statement is as close to the essence of this song as any. People using God to justify their beliefs. I like what was said earlier about god, moreover christianity, being mixed with almost every aspect of American life, especially the military. I think the song sort of points to a correlation between Christianity and capitalism (the lines "see him on the interstate" have always made me think of the swarms of billboard advertisements that you see everytime you get on the interstate. Whatever the meaning, it's a great song.
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Torgeir
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I think this song is more relevant now than ever before. As I see it it?s about the American hegemony. Americans was been viewed as ignorant and self-centred by the rest of the world for the last decades. -I still wonder why you call it ?the word final? in so many sport-events (e.g. baseball) when only American teams participate? I heard Bush use the words ?the greatest nation on earth? on TV just the other day? How dear he step on the rest of the world like that! Another aspect of the song is the way religion (and Jesus) is mixed into most part of the American society. In a nation where 90% believe in God (according to Greg G?s PhD), God is being used in inappropriate ways by people in power. -i.e. the Americans are so full of themselves that they have developed their own Jesus. God save America!
09/23/2004 at 08:45
I think this song is more relevant now than ever before. As I see it it?s about the American hegemony. Americans was been viewed as ignorant and self-centred by the rest of the world for the last decades. -I still wonder why you call it ?the word final? in so many sport-events (e.g. baseball) when only American teams participate? I heard Bush use the words ?the greatest nation on earth? on TV just the other day? How dear he step on the rest of the world like that! Another aspect of the song is the way religion (and Jesus) is mixed into most part of the American society. In a nation where 90% believe in God (according to Greg G?s PhD), God is being used in inappropriate ways by people in power. -i.e. the Americans are so full of themselves that they have developed their own Jesus. God save America!
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David Blake
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we all suck. we as a nation may not suck...but our politics suck big time. fucking other countries all over the world. Poor countries that we are not helping out, and they need lots of help (like chile, where bad religion went las year) third world country...lets change our way of thinking. thats punk-ska-hardcore-reggae music made for.....LEGALIZE GANJA. keep surfing !
07/11/2004 at 17:12
we all suck. we as a nation may not suck...but our politics suck big time. fucking other countries all over the world. Poor countries that we are not helping out, and they need lots of help (like chile, where bad religion went las year) third world country...lets change our way of thinking. thats punk-ska-hardcore-reggae music made for.....LEGALIZE GANJA. keep surfing !
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jumpstart
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I think he is talking about how people make excuses for their actions by hiding behind God or their religion. 'the force the army wields, he's the fuel that drives the clan'
07/11/2004 at 17:12
I think he is talking about how people make excuses for their actions by hiding behind God or their religion. 'the force the army wields, he's the fuel that drives the clan'
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Tom Joad
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I think that this song is about the American mindset. not just the government and the corporations and organized religion but the way we think of America, beyond the beauty of this nation and our awesome power and force but the dark side of all that. 'the farmer in barren field.' the hardworking man who is screwed everyday of his life by the upper-class. 'the force the army wields.' the militant killing machine we call an army. 'the expressions on the faces of the starving children.' the often overlooked poor and dying on American streets. and so on and so on, i think this song in analyzing the dark side of the 'American way'.
07/11/2004 at 17:12
I think that this song is about the American mindset. not just the government and the corporations and organized religion but the way we think of America, beyond the beauty of this nation and our awesome power and force but the dark side of all that. 'the farmer in barren field.' the hardworking man who is screwed everyday of his life by the upper-class. 'the force the army wields.' the militant killing machine we call an army. 'the expressions on the faces of the starving children.' the often overlooked poor and dying on American streets. and so on and so on, i think this song in analyzing the dark side of the 'American way'.
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KelliDooby
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To me this song was about how Americans who are religious act now. I mean we say America was founded n religion and we have all these morals and are so much better than everyone else in the world. And when it goes on in the songs it just talks about all the things we Americans do and what happens in America now. Murders and single parents and racism, would Jesus who all these Americans claim to follow let this stuff happen? No. But Americans do and we still think we are better than everyone. That my friends, is the American Jesus.
07/11/2004 at 17:11
To me this song was about how Americans who are religious act now. I mean we say America was founded n religion and we have all these morals and are so much better than everyone else in the world. And when it goes on in the songs it just talks about all the things we Americans do and what happens in America now. Murders and single parents and racism, would Jesus who all these Americans claim to follow let this stuff happen? No. But Americans do and we still think we are better than everyone. That my friends, is the American Jesus.
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Ender
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I think a lot of people are getting way too caught up in the White House reference. To me, this song is all about how Jesus has just become a method of capitalism. It seems like Graffin is mocking that if Jesus is all great, then why does he have to advertise and why do people have to constantly pay respect to him. Also, I believe that he is satirizing the belief that Jesus is everywhere. The last part of the song where Greg talks about how he's in the murderer, etc. really nails this for me. It says that if Jesus is so great, than why is he the justification for all of this negativity.
07/11/2004 at 17:11
I think a lot of people are getting way too caught up in the White House reference. To me, this song is all about how Jesus has just become a method of capitalism. It seems like Graffin is mocking that if Jesus is all great, then why does he have to advertise and why do people have to constantly pay respect to him. Also, I believe that he is satirizing the belief that Jesus is everywhere. The last part of the song where Greg talks about how he's in the murderer, etc. really nails this for me. It says that if Jesus is so great, than why is he the justification for all of this negativity.
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Tinusch
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This song is most likely about money. He starts out by discussing how lucky he is to live in America, because we're blessed with wealth beyond that of most other countries. Money is the 'American Jesus.' Americans worship it and live their lives by it. He sarcastically comments on how superior we are because of the money we have, and how it drives everything in America.
07/11/2004 at 17:11
This song is most likely about money. He starts out by discussing how lucky he is to live in America, because we're blessed with wealth beyond that of most other countries. Money is the 'American Jesus.' Americans worship it and live their lives by it. He sarcastically comments on how superior we are because of the money we have, and how it drives everything in America.
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King-O-Pork
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In response to whoever pointed the 'He helped build the president's estate' finger towards donation money. Look at the fact that the white house was built by black slaves. So if American Jesus is our evil side, and slavery is obviously evil, it seems to coincide. That's my take on it.
07/11/2004 at 17:11
In response to whoever pointed the 'He helped build the president's estate' finger towards donation money. Look at the fact that the white house was built by black slaves. So if American Jesus is our evil side, and slavery is obviously evil, it seems to coincide. That's my take on it.
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Shea
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spunky: that is definitely not the point. who is punishing America? god? I doubt that is what Brett is alluding to and I doubt that is what happened... vlodovitch: I think you have a very distorted view of America. I hate Americans as much as other non-American people tend to, but I can still realize that a few bone-heads and stupid presidents don't spoil the whole lot. America is a great country (not the best, but it is nothing less than great). America is great the way Europe and Asia are great. however it does have its arrogance too. I would encourage you to actually see what the usa is like... and since when are venture capitalists so evil? ufo sightings are being controlled by the gov't? my own personal opinion is that this song is about the belief in a saviour for the American people. the fuse this with their belief in a country. Bush is ignorant enough to say that god is on his side because he is the gov't (by saying that declaring war on extremist is moral etc.) this song is about 'Jesus', and don't you know it? - he's American! He outlines how, to be American is considered to be being godly - America is the best/perfect (I'm blessed by nationality...etc etc). in the climactic chorus he speaks of the elements of the American Jesus: barren fields = mud that provides nothing, or FRUITLESSNESS force of armies = guns and control VIOLENCE expression starving = bewilderment, abandonment DESPAIR power of man/fuel-clan = usually would refer to persuasion (the president is powerful because he convinced enough people to vote for him PERSUASION motive of murderer = usually the conscience is seared... HATE preacher on TV = image of the money mongers... DECEPTION false sincerity = same thing INSINCERITY form by computer = ?? I'm guessing technology TECHNOLOGY nuclear bombs = violence and a bigger level DEVASTATION/DESTRUCTION kids with no moms = broken homes? baby w/o mother... TRAGEDY These are what makes up the American Jesus: FRUITLESSNESS, VIOLENCE, DESPAIR, PERSUASION, HATE, DECEPTION, INSINCERITY, TECHNOLOGY, DESTRUCTION, TRAGEDY this is open I guess to anybody's interpretation (unless of course Greg Graffin would like to post a little message correcting all of us...) but i would like to think that he is saying this: the American Jesus and all of his elements is the mental disease that plagues all who adopt its mentality. when you become the American Jesus you deceive, destroy, infest, etc. he is fearful of become apart of this religion because it is all around him... why should he doubt America (which represents Christianity to a great deal... America is often blamed for sticking their guns into other country's wars and playing universal cop much to the same way the crusaders took it upon themselves to rid the world of all of the evil pagans) because American is seemingly so strong and domineering... the solution, or antidote to this sickness is the opposites of the AJ elements: a few of the being listed are sincerity, tolerance, consideracy... (and all of the opposites of the negative elements listed before would be present with the antidote). however, one last point is that, this American Jesus is the the same disease that the extremist in the middle east have, except their disease is the Afghanistan Jesus or what have you... they kill in the name of god and they are guilty of all of the things the American Jesus has done. thank you... any further insight to this interpretation would be highly appreciated. SR, 19 Winnipeg, MB, CANADA... ps this song is one of my favorites of all time too! this band ROCKS! I think matt savvy is right on the mark too!"
07/11/2004 at 17:10
spunky: that is definitely not the point. who is punishing America? god? I doubt that is what Brett is alluding to and I doubt that is what happened... vlodovitch: I think you have a very distorted view of America. I hate Americans as much as other non-American people tend to, but I can still realize that a few bone-heads and stupid presidents don't spoil the whole lot. America is a great country (not the best, but it is nothing less than great). America is great the way Europe and Asia are great. however it does have its arrogance too. I would encourage you to actually see what the usa is like... and since when are venture capitalists so evil? ufo sightings are being controlled by the gov't? my own personal opinion is that this song is about the belief in a saviour for the American people. the fuse this with their belief in a country. Bush is ignorant enough to say that god is on his side because he is the gov't (by saying that declaring war on extremist is moral etc.) this song is about 'Jesus', and don't you know it? - he's American! He outlines how, to be American is considered to be being godly - America is the best/perfect (I'm blessed by nationality...etc etc). in the climactic chorus he speaks of the elements of the American Jesus: barren fields = mud that provides nothing, or FRUITLESSNESS force of armies = guns and control VIOLENCE expression starving = bewilderment, abandonment DESPAIR power of man/fuel-clan = usually would refer to persuasion (the president is powerful because he convinced enough people to vote for him PERSUASION motive of murderer = usually the conscience is seared... HATE preacher on TV = image of the money mongers... DECEPTION false sincerity = same thing INSINCERITY form by computer = ?? I'm guessing technology TECHNOLOGY nuclear bombs = violence and a bigger level DEVASTATION/DESTRUCTION kids with no moms = broken homes? baby w/o mother... TRAGEDY These are what makes up the American Jesus: FRUITLESSNESS, VIOLENCE, DESPAIR, PERSUASION, HATE, DECEPTION, INSINCERITY, TECHNOLOGY, DESTRUCTION, TRAGEDY this is open I guess to anybody's interpretation (unless of course Greg Graffin would like to post a little message correcting all of us...) but i would like to think that he is saying this: the American Jesus and all of his elements is the mental disease that plagues all who adopt its mentality. when you become the American Jesus you deceive, destroy, infest, etc. he is fearful of become apart of this religion because it is all around him... why should he doubt America (which represents Christianity to a great deal... America is often blamed for sticking their guns into other country's wars and playing universal cop much to the same way the crusaders took it upon themselves to rid the world of all of the evil pagans) because American is seemingly so strong and domineering... the solution, or antidote to this sickness is the opposites of the AJ elements: a few of the being listed are sincerity, tolerance, consideracy... (and all of the opposites of the negative elements listed before would be present with the antidote). however, one last point is that, this American Jesus is the the same disease that the extremist in the middle east have, except their disease is the Afghanistan Jesus or what have you... they kill in the name of god and they are guilty of all of the things the American Jesus has done. thank you... any further insight to this interpretation would be highly appreciated. SR, 19 Winnipeg, MB, CANADA... ps this song is one of my favorites of all time too! this band ROCKS! I think matt savvy is right on the mark too!"
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Fritz
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I've always felt this song compares American nationalism to the blind faith exhibited by your average zealous Christian (hence the linking of American and Jesus in the title). As many people blindly follow the words of the Christian leaders without question, the person portrayed in the song believes without any factual evidence to support his claim that he is among the elite merely because he was born in a certain nation. It is about the Christian theocracy that we live in, having it shoved in our face as 'democracy.'
07/11/2004 at 17:10
I've always felt this song compares American nationalism to the blind faith exhibited by your average zealous Christian (hence the linking of American and Jesus in the title). As many people blindly follow the words of the Christian leaders without question, the person portrayed in the song believes without any factual evidence to support his claim that he is among the elite merely because he was born in a certain nation. It is about the Christian theocracy that we live in, having it shoved in our face as 'democracy.'
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Dom
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Ok I think I can help as I'm from Britain so I can put a foreign perspective on this. The American Jesus, to me, refers to The United States justification for its foreign policies a belief like Jesus that whatever actions the US takes its automatically right. So in the bits like 'I don't need to be a global citizen, 'cause I'm blessed with nationality' means basically to me 'I don't need to live in the world cos I'm a American'. He goes on to talk about how The US dominates the world and compares it almost to religious fanatism with lines like 'we enforce our popularity' now this is going to sound offensive to you guys , so I'm sorry that's exactly how the US acts abroad it gets involved so that it gets something out from cheap oil in Kuwait or being able to sell big macs in Moscow or whatever, don't be ashamed the UK went to war with china in the 19th century so it sell them all opium and it went to war in south Africa for diamonds so we're just as bad. I think basically what I'm trying to say is the song is trying to say how US patriotism is similar to religious fanatism because the US seems to acts like its got this invisible force that makes everything right 'the force the army wields'. on a side note the pond Greg refers to is the Atlantic and he was playing in Britain as we call the Atlantic the pond out of fondness for our American brothers as we are brothers really in our culture and actions
07/11/2004 at 17:10
Ok I think I can help as I'm from Britain so I can put a foreign perspective on this. The American Jesus, to me, refers to The United States justification for its foreign policies a belief like Jesus that whatever actions the US takes its automatically right. So in the bits like 'I don't need to be a global citizen, 'cause I'm blessed with nationality' means basically to me 'I don't need to live in the world cos I'm a American'. He goes on to talk about how The US dominates the world and compares it almost to religious fanatism with lines like 'we enforce our popularity' now this is going to sound offensive to you guys , so I'm sorry that's exactly how the US acts abroad it gets involved so that it gets something out from cheap oil in Kuwait or being able to sell big macs in Moscow or whatever, don't be ashamed the UK went to war with china in the 19th century so it sell them all opium and it went to war in south Africa for diamonds so we're just as bad. I think basically what I'm trying to say is the song is trying to say how US patriotism is similar to religious fanatism because the US seems to acts like its got this invisible force that makes everything right 'the force the army wields'. on a side note the pond Greg refers to is the Atlantic and he was playing in Britain as we call the Atlantic the pond out of fondness for our American brothers as we are brothers really in our culture and actions
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TheUnfairAdvantage
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This song refers to the people of the US being nationalist. It Means our country is better than yours because we have a good god. Greg is trying to say that if God and Jesus are really there and almighty, they would get rid of all this madness and killing and fighting. In the music video it show people with blind folds saying 'One nation under god'. This means that the American people follow this country and religion blindly and don't realize all the bad shit that goes down.
07/11/2004 at 17:09
This song refers to the people of the US being nationalist. It Means our country is better than yours because we have a good god. Greg is trying to say that if God and Jesus are really there and almighty, they would get rid of all this madness and killing and fighting. In the music video it show people with blind folds saying 'One nation under god'. This means that the American people follow this country and religion blindly and don't realize all the bad shit that goes down.
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Spunky
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Especially after 9/11 this song is more up-to-date than ever. You want to know why all this happened? Listen to this song! That's the way it goes: You can't play god without being punished for that.
07/11/2004 at 17:09
Especially after 9/11 this song is more up-to-date than ever. You want to know why all this happened? Listen to this song! That's the way it goes: You can't play god without being punished for that.
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Vlodovitch Chisel
Guest
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In contrast with what Greg says in the song, I feel sorry for anyone who lives in America. Its seems to me that the inflated American egos, the lack of history, the hundreds of TV channels, the multi-million dollar corporations and the American pride, the digital boys living on the forefront of technology (and in their own distorted reality), McDonalds, Disney and Hollywood, and the hate that America stirs in the minds of terrorists are the scariest things on this planet; more scary even than the substantial damage America does with its military might to the developing world and its cultural 'infiltration' of other developed countries. Its obviously not all bad (maybe I'm being a bit harsh), but how can it be anything but overwhelming for anyone who lives in America: I'm not surprised at the number of religious cults, obese people, venture capitalists, country dwellers who think that there is nothing but America, and UFO sightings because the American Government has most of its people nicely domesticated, and from the other side of the pond it just looks like the biggest fiasco in human history. No joke. It must take incredible strength of character and a strong sense of individuality to not be eaten into by the 'American Jesus' syndrome that Greg Graffin is criticizing. As for me, I wouldn't visit if you paid me, (though I might be swayed by a free ticket to go see Bad Religion :)).
07/11/2004 at 17:09
In contrast with what Greg says in the song, I feel sorry for anyone who lives in America. Its seems to me that the inflated American egos, the lack of history, the hundreds of TV channels, the multi-million dollar corporations and the American pride, the digital boys living on the forefront of technology (and in their own distorted reality), McDonalds, Disney and Hollywood, and the hate that America stirs in the minds of terrorists are the scariest things on this planet; more scary even than the substantial damage America does with its military might to the developing world and its cultural 'infiltration' of other developed countries. Its obviously not all bad (maybe I'm being a bit harsh), but how can it be anything but overwhelming for anyone who lives in America: I'm not surprised at the number of religious cults, obese people, venture capitalists, country dwellers who think that there is nothing but America, and UFO sightings because the American Government has most of its people nicely domesticated, and from the other side of the pond it just looks like the biggest fiasco in human history. No joke. It must take incredible strength of character and a strong sense of individuality to not be eaten into by the 'American Jesus' syndrome that Greg Graffin is criticizing. As for me, I wouldn't visit if you paid me, (though I might be swayed by a free ticket to go see Bad Religion :)).
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Grasshopa
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
To help you debate on this: http://religioustolerance.org/atheist.htm. The quote says: George H.W. Bush, as Presidential Nominee for the Republican party; 1987-AUG-27: 'No, I don't know that Atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered as patriots. This is one nation under God.'
07/11/2004 at 17:09
To help you debate on this: http://religioustolerance.org/atheist.htm. The quote says: George H.W. Bush, as Presidential Nominee for the Republican party; 1987-AUG-27: 'No, I don't know that Atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered as patriots. This is one nation under God.'
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SatireToAuthority
Guest
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I think they're mocking how people have a state of mind that by living in the USA they think there better off and pretty much just way better tan most other people. They (the people in the USA) use Christianity as an excuse for everything, to explain everything, to blame everything on.. 'In God we trust' ......
07/11/2004 at 17:08
I think they're mocking how people have a state of mind that by living in the USA they think there better off and pretty much just way better tan most other people. They (the people in the USA) use Christianity as an excuse for everything, to explain everything, to blame everything on.. 'In God we trust' ......
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Crass
Guest
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Well, I believe that the song is talking about using the spread of Christianity as justification to enforce whatever standards anyone can on anyone else. The army, the KKK, and just the American way of life in general. This idea of mine that our nation is fueled by Christian values would also be consistent with other bad religion songs such as 'The Voice of God is Government.' I'd also like to say that this is just about my favorite Bad Religion song and that is my interpretation of it, but what does a drunk like me know?
07/11/2004 at 17:07
Well, I believe that the song is talking about using the spread of Christianity as justification to enforce whatever standards anyone can on anyone else. The army, the KKK, and just the American way of life in general. This idea of mine that our nation is fueled by Christian values would also be consistent with other bad religion songs such as 'The Voice of God is Government.' I'd also like to say that this is just about my favorite Bad Religion song and that is my interpretation of it, but what does a drunk like me know?
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Matt Savvy
Guest
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'I don't need to be a global citizen, because I'm blessed by nationality.' Read or listen to as many presidential speeches as you can find, especially during/after wartime. We always enter wars because 'God is on our side.' Listen to what George Bush said after the cold war ended. 'By the grace of God, America has won the cold war.' One nation, under god. As Americans, we're so sure that we're behind some holy cause. 'We enforce our popularity' American culture has bastardized all sorts of other countries. I hate when I see Japanese television, and they're so obsessed with American culture. Also, so many Europeans speak English as a second language, because it's the new standard. But most Americans don't care about speaking a European language. 'There are things that pull us under/things that drag us down' Things like homelessness, overpopulation, unemployment, uneducated masses, destroyed environment. These things make us ashamed to be Americans. 'But there's a power and a vital presence/it's lurking all around.' America, the all powerful, the all seeing. The world police, the ultimate big brother figure. 'I feel sorry for the earth's population/so few live in the USA.' It's like when hardcore Christians feel sorry for all of the Jews and Muslims who are going to burn in hell, the average American feels sorry for the other countries because they're not blessed with being Americans. Most of the second verse deals with other society's conformity America's infectious so-called-culture. 'At least the foreigners can copy our morality,' and put up more McDonalds in their country. 'They can visit but they cannot stay.' What happened to 'give us your tired, your weak, your poor, etc'? Immigration laws. Because if they weren't born here, uncle Sam says they don't deserve to stay here. 'We've got a place to go when we die, and the architect resides right here.' Because being an American is a free ticket - you pass go, you collect 200 dollars, and you go to heaven. Because being an American, means being holy. The last verse with the 'in god we trust because he's one of us, break down, cave in, we can redeem your sins' is the musical climax, and the main lyrics just go to describe everything that is America. 'the barren fields, the force the army wields, the nuclear bombs, etc'. It's America to the t. The 'I'm fearful he's inside of me' is the worry we all have - am I just another stupid American? Am I going to grow up to embrace the American way? 'In god we trust, because he's one of us.' Mocking what's written on our legal tender, it's implied that god is looking out for America, and no one else. The best line in the song, however, is the 'You lose, we win, he is our champion'. It totally sums up the feelings of the average American. I'm American, I'm going to heaven. You're not American, you are doomed to eternal damnation. Don't you know that Jesus is an American?
07/11/2004 at 17:07
'I don't need to be a global citizen, because I'm blessed by nationality.' Read or listen to as many presidential speeches as you can find, especially during/after wartime. We always enter wars because 'God is on our side.' Listen to what George Bush said after the cold war ended. 'By the grace of God, America has won the cold war.' One nation, under god. As Americans, we're so sure that we're behind some holy cause. 'We enforce our popularity' American culture has bastardized all sorts of other countries. I hate when I see Japanese television, and they're so obsessed with American culture. Also, so many Europeans speak English as a second language, because it's the new standard. But most Americans don't care about speaking a European language. 'There are things that pull us under/things that drag us down' Things like homelessness, overpopulation, unemployment, uneducated masses, destroyed environment. These things make us ashamed to be Americans. 'But there's a power and a vital presence/it's lurking all around.' America, the all powerful, the all seeing. The world police, the ultimate big brother figure. 'I feel sorry for the earth's population/so few live in the USA.' It's like when hardcore Christians feel sorry for all of the Jews and Muslims who are going to burn in hell, the average American feels sorry for the other countries because they're not blessed with being Americans. Most of the second verse deals with other society's conformity America's infectious so-called-culture. 'At least the foreigners can copy our morality,' and put up more McDonalds in their country. 'They can visit but they cannot stay.' What happened to 'give us your tired, your weak, your poor, etc'? Immigration laws. Because if they weren't born here, uncle Sam says they don't deserve to stay here. 'We've got a place to go when we die, and the architect resides right here.' Because being an American is a free ticket - you pass go, you collect 200 dollars, and you go to heaven. Because being an American, means being holy. The last verse with the 'in god we trust because he's one of us, break down, cave in, we can redeem your sins' is the musical climax, and the main lyrics just go to describe everything that is America. 'the barren fields, the force the army wields, the nuclear bombs, etc'. It's America to the t. The 'I'm fearful he's inside of me' is the worry we all have - am I just another stupid American? Am I going to grow up to embrace the American way? 'In god we trust, because he's one of us.' Mocking what's written on our legal tender, it's implied that god is looking out for America, and no one else. The best line in the song, however, is the 'You lose, we win, he is our champion'. It totally sums up the feelings of the average American. I'm American, I'm going to heaven. You're not American, you are doomed to eternal damnation. Don't you know that Jesus is an American?
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The Reverend
Guest
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I see the American Jesus as person in this song, which I believe is half of the point. He looks like a pairing of uncle sam and big brother to me. A powerful uber-figure capable of commanding armies, all branches of government, what we see on television, our mentalities.
07/11/2004 at 17:07
I see the American Jesus as person in this song, which I believe is half of the point. He looks like a pairing of uncle sam and big brother to me. A powerful uber-figure capable of commanding armies, all branches of government, what we see on television, our mentalities.
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Larsbars42
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
I believe this song is not about the government but about corporate America. The line 'He helped to build the presidents estate' made me think this more than any other line in the song. Call it a donation or a bribe, but the money given to politicians by corporations and businessmen is what controls what happens in our country. I also believe that American Jesus refers to the way Americans think, like the other posts. The way that we think that other peoples welfare is our responsibility, and we end up hurting people while trying to help them.
07/11/2004 at 17:07
I believe this song is not about the government but about corporate America. The line 'He helped to build the presidents estate' made me think this more than any other line in the song. Call it a donation or a bribe, but the money given to politicians by corporations and businessmen is what controls what happens in our country. I also believe that American Jesus refers to the way Americans think, like the other posts. The way that we think that other peoples welfare is our responsibility, and we end up hurting people while trying to help them.
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Anti-Rockstar
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
I think with lines like 'the fuel that drives the klan' he's giving a middle finger to Anglo-Americans thinking that they are still on top when more and more African Americans are influencing the youth culture a.k.a. the 'wiggers.'
07/11/2004 at 17:06
I think with lines like 'the fuel that drives the klan' he's giving a middle finger to Anglo-Americans thinking that they are still on top when more and more African Americans are influencing the youth culture a.k.a. the 'wiggers.'
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Frankie
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
This isn't an interpretation but rather a clarification. When Greg says that this is a song from across the pond on the 'Tested' album, he is saying that because he is in Europe. The 'pond' is the Atlantic Ocean. The venues for all the songs are on the liner notes. As for the song, I think that it is about how America has taken on the role of a 'pseudo-god' to the rest of the world. It tells about how 'we enforce our popularity' and how we are 'overwhelming millions everyday'. This mentality makes Americans think that they are infallible; 'he's the force the army wields; power of the man, the fuel that drives the klan, etc'. The end of the song shows how powerful the mentality of the American Jesus is when after all the negative stuff Greg has said about it he is still 'fearful that he's inside me.'
07/11/2004 at 17:06
This isn't an interpretation but rather a clarification. When Greg says that this is a song from across the pond on the 'Tested' album, he is saying that because he is in Europe. The 'pond' is the Atlantic Ocean. The venues for all the songs are on the liner notes. As for the song, I think that it is about how America has taken on the role of a 'pseudo-god' to the rest of the world. It tells about how 'we enforce our popularity' and how we are 'overwhelming millions everyday'. This mentality makes Americans think that they are infallible; 'he's the force the army wields; power of the man, the fuel that drives the klan, etc'. The end of the song shows how powerful the mentality of the American Jesus is when after all the negative stuff Greg has said about it he is still 'fearful that he's inside me.'
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BladeRunner
Guest
![]() ![]() Location: Global Citizen |
What if the American Jesus was refering to the president? That's something to think about...
07/11/2004 at 17:06
What if the American Jesus was refering to the president? That's something to think about...
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Wyatt Uracker
Guest
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I think the American Jesus is like corporations in America. It's like the system that we all put our faith in. When he says 'See him on the interstate.' I think he's talking about like billboards and advertisements for companies and shit. You know what I mean.
07/11/2004 at 17:05
I think the American Jesus is like corporations in America. It's like the system that we all put our faith in. When he says 'See him on the interstate.' I think he's talking about like billboards and advertisements for companies and shit. You know what I mean.
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Harvynder
Guest
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I think that in American Jesus, Graffin is describing the American psyche in a very negative way. He describes how we think we are better than everyone else simply because we are prospering more than others. In the beginning, he says 'I am blessed by nationality' just to refer to the fact that we are better than everyone else simply for being American. He also says 'I feel sorry for the Earth's population cause so few live in the USA.' This just shows our arrogance by thinking everyone is worse off than us simply because we are in a more prosperous country. When he starts describing where the 'American Jesus' is found, this just shows how much he hates the American way of thinking by comparing our psyche to all such things as nuclear bombs, expressions on starving children's faces, etc. By using the name Jesus, he is describing how we are stuck up to the point that we think we are the sons of God. So yea, that's what I was thinking, please comment.
07/11/2004 at 17:05
I think that in American Jesus, Graffin is describing the American psyche in a very negative way. He describes how we think we are better than everyone else simply because we are prospering more than others. In the beginning, he says 'I am blessed by nationality' just to refer to the fact that we are better than everyone else simply for being American. He also says 'I feel sorry for the Earth's population cause so few live in the USA.' This just shows our arrogance by thinking everyone is worse off than us simply because we are in a more prosperous country. When he starts describing where the 'American Jesus' is found, this just shows how much he hates the American way of thinking by comparing our psyche to all such things as nuclear bombs, expressions on starving children's faces, etc. By using the name Jesus, he is describing how we are stuck up to the point that we think we are the sons of God. So yea, that's what I was thinking, please comment.
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