The “American Dream,” sung by AUDREY MAC, is a powerful biting criticism of American ideals and contradictions. In her lyrics, Audrey MAC tries to make you think of the disparities that society tries to hide through the illusion created by the “American Dream.”

With irony, the song begins by stating that while the land is described as heaven sent, it remains out of reach for most people due to lack of real property rights or opportunities. This point is further emphasized in the line “You’ll never own a slice, but honey you can rent”, meaning there will be no end to unfulfilled dreams.

“Red blood white and blue, every last drop was spilled for you” are words from one of their verses on love for country and freedom; albeit its next verse: “Sure it’s a good life babe if you never open your eyes” that pairs sacrifice with ignorance and complacency which hold onto systemic inequalities.

The chorus “How do you sleep at night?” is an effective rhetorical question aimed at challenging those who benefit from privileges brought about by systems within which they live. Rich parents and white Jesus represent class status and racial privilege respectively and this illustrates how these two factors influence one’s ability to have what they term an “American dream”.

MAC scoffs at America with phrases such as Dream like an American fill up your tank with children’s blood or Pledging my allegiance to every lie they tell to keep us which she uses in her lines. Being loyal and ignorant so comfortable you’ll never speak up represents indifference and acquiescence that allow things to remain as they are.

“Audrey MAC’s biting lines” like “Dream like an American fill up your tank with children’s blood” or “pledging my allegiance to every lie they tell to keep us” target exploitation by those in power. When comfortable enough not speaking out because of loyalty as well as ignorance could sum up apathy towards an issue that should not be tolerated.

Altogether, the American Dream by AUDREY MAC is a powerful thought provoking criticism filled with vivid and engaging lyrics that interrogates the genuineness of the American Dream and urges her audience to wake up.