American woman, stay away from me
American woman, mama let me be
Don't come a hangin' around my door
I don't want to see your face no more
I got more important things to do
Than spend my time growin' old with you
Now woman, I said stay away
American woman, listen what I say-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay

American woman, get away from me
American woman, mama let me be
Don't come a knockin' around my door
Don't want to see your shadow no more
Colored lights can hypnotize
Sparkle someone else's eyes
Now woman, I said get away
American woman, listen what I say-ay-ay-ay

American woman, said get away
American woman, listen what I say
Don't come a hangin' around my door
Don't want to see your face no more
I don't need your war machines
I don't need your ghetto scenes
Colored lights can hypnotize
Sparkle someone else's eyes
Now woman, get away from me
American woman, mama let me be

Go, gotta get away, gotta get away now go, go, go
I'm gonna leave you woman
Gonna leave you woman
Bye-bye bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye
You're no good for me
I'm no good for you
Gonna look you right in the eye
Tell you what I'm gonna do
You know I'm gonna leave
You know I'm gonna go
You know I'm gonna leave
You know I'm gonna go-o, woman
I'm gonna leave you woman
Goodbye American woman
Goodbye American chick



Lyrics submitted by kevin

Track duration: 05:07

"American Woman" as written by Burton Cummings Randy Bachman

Lyrics © BUG MUSIC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


American Woman song meanings
Add your thoughts

45 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment:Not convinced "American Woman" is really about an actual woman. "War machines" and "ghetto scenes" makes me think he's taking a pot shot at America (or at least how America was faring politically and socially at that time in history). Regardless, I love the "sound" of this song. It's spirit/energy is uplifting.
    Flag SillyCheekson March 08, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I always thought this was about Burt's affair with Penny Arcade, I read that he really broker her heart & she was obsessed with him.
    Flag LoLo72on August 04, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Can't you hear the meaning? I dont need your war machines I dont need your ghetto scenes. Hes personfying America as a women.
    Flag Blindescape01on April 01, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I heard that their manager called a heavy hitter in and said we have a world number one song. When the guy arrived they played this corny piece for him that was terrible as a joke. Then they put on the real thing. After hearing the just the first part the guy got on the phone and said we have a hit here.
    Flag upthedownon November 11, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Great song - amazing on the live version I have the intro goes for over 6 minutes and the song 17 alltogether. :)
    Flag Sunnyhillon September 16, 2009   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:Hey man those Canadians can shun us all they want and make songs like this, which is actually musically
    incredible, but ill take America any day. with out Nationalized health care!!
    Flag plzon November 14, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This was during a time when alot of Americans were against the policies that the American government was enforcing. In effect, a lot of young American's were "Anti-American". That's part of the reason this went to number 1 in America. The other reason was, it rocks.

    For 1970, this is proto-type garage band punk rock at it's best.

    It's unfortunate we are in another time when many in America and the world are at odds with the actions of the US. And the voting record of the majority(?) of Americans seem to indicate that we support these actions. To quote George Carlin, "There are a lot of dumb m*t*e*f*c*e*s around here. A lot of dumb m*t*e*f*c*e*s".

    In our defense, we are good-natured, trusting sheep who believe in what we are told by authority. The horrendous attacks on 9/11 scared the crap out of us. This gave the administration a free hand to act on thier own agenda.

    But, not in our defense, if McCain can get Obama to say he is for gay mariage, then we are in for four more year of this. Because after all, that is what's it is all about, isn't it? Reference the Carlin quote again.

    But, American women are hot. Admit that.
    Flag TheBeckleson July 18, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:nemt= a brainwashed american idiot
    HeavyMetalRocker= another brainwashed american idiot

    "someone kills over 2000 of your people? the solution to this, in the american way, is to kill over 40000 of the people who are not even involved in your 'tragedy'"
    thanks Brenosantos exactly what i wanted to say

    as to this song, i think most of the comments covered up the meaning- the whole anti-america, not wanting a american 'colonization' for canada etc... great song
    Flagged nachozon May 02, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:All of you should watch the whole performance, which is in 2 parts on youtube. I won't post the URL - you should be able to find it by yourselves. Search for Guess Who, or Bachman Cummings.

    There is a lot of this song you haven't heard.

    It talks about finding a "sweet honeysuckle rose" "down Carolina way" but gets more bitter as the song goes on. BTW, this may be the best thing the Guess Who has ever done.

    As the relationship falls apart, the writer becomes more and more bitter, and begins to attack her country as well as her. Apparently, she has made him bitter against everything she represents.
    Flag donutbanditon October 28, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:All of you should watch the whole performance, which is in 2 parts on youtube. I won't post the URL - you should be able to find it by yourselves. Search for Guess Who, or Bachman Cummings.

    There is a lot of this song you haven't heard.

    It talks about finding a "sweet honeysuckle rose" "down Carolina way" but gets more bitter as the song goes on. BTW, this may be the best thing the Guess Who has ever done.

    As the relationship falls apart, the writer becomes more and more bitter, and begins to attack her country as well as her. Apparently, she has made him bitter against everything she represents.
    Flag donutbanditon October 28, 2007   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

Back to top
explain