What is thought to be a love song can be found in any genre, and includes lyrical masterpieces about romantic love including those that are seen as more positive - usually the ones that address falling in love - and those that are a take on what seems to be a negative stance on love - by touching on heartbreak and break ups. Whether you prefer the fire that comes with break up songs, the melancholy lyrics of heartbreak, the upbeat notes of what it's like to fall in or be in love, or if you would rather not listen to a melody about love at all, we could all list dozens of love songs ranging from Oasis' Wonderwall to Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley or So What by P!nk.
Instead of discussing love songs in general, I'd like to bring to attention one in particular, as it is one I'm sure that few are aware of, despite its message: American Dreamer by kyd the band.
kyd the band consists of brothers Kyle and Devin Guisande, who are based in Nashville, Tennessee. Categorized under the pop rock genre, the duo released their newest song, American Dreamer, along with a music video at the end of June. While I would recommend this song to anyone who is a fan of indie or alternative music, solely on the grounds that it contains great vocals and a simplistic electric guitar that ensures that it will be stuck in your head, much of my appreciation of this song comes from the lyrics.
The lyrics, as presented, are rather easy to understand, and present a situation that is entirely idyllic. In recent media, there has been much argument as to why the general population of millennials are unable to afford their own houses. No matter the reason, be it avocado toast and the Kardashian family, as speculated by Tim Gurner, student loans, or another reason, kyd the band opens up the world of a person who tells their love that they "think I want to buy you a house." The dream of independence shown through the ability to own property is a key point of the American Dream. Noted in an article for The Balance by Kimberly Amadeo, the definition of what the American Dream is has changed over the years. A past obsession with material items to feel a sense of fulfillment in The Great Gatsby's 1920's has been overturned by what is thought to be the modern American Dream, which centers less on owning and having, and more on appreciation and knowing what matters.
American Dreamer by kyd the band showcases both the material attitude and the reasoning that ownership is not the end at all. On one hand, the speaker would like to be able to provide the things that would show off money and proof of ownership - a house as well as a ring. However, underneath that, there is a stress on the relationship between the speaker and his love. "I think I want to share forever right now" is not dependent on the house, but merely on the other person. Any thoughts of otherwise are pushed aside from the lyric "And if the bank man comes to steal it away / I hope you, I hope you stay." Where it's possible that owning the house would have been the final goal, it is not what is bought that matters. No, it's the love between the couple that is important, and if anything happens that would cause the loss of the home, there is a promise that they will still be together and that their love would persist. It is the struggle of wanting to give a loved one everything you can, and hoping that, even if you can't, they'll still be by your side forever.
The song is beautiful in several regards, and it is one that I highly recommend for its pure message of love. kyd the band has crafted a love song that says "I love you" without ever using the phrase. For those American dreamers out there who seek an understanding of what matters, this is the song for you.
View kyd the band's video for American Dreamer on youtube.