About the song
“American Remains” by Kris Kristofferson is a song that embodies the spirit of American folklore while also confronting the darker, more complicated sides of the nation’s history. Released in 1970 as part of his album Kristofferson, this track stands out not only for its lyrical content but also for its poignancy and stark portrayal of American life.
Kristofferson, known for his raw, poetic lyrics, often explored themes of disillusionment, identity, and the struggles inherent in the American experience. “American Remains” is no exception. The song paints a vivid picture of the consequences of war, loss, and the sacrifices made by those who fought in America’s conflicts, particularly focusing on the aftermath of the Vietnam War, which was a point of social and political tension in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The lyrics of “American Remains” reflect the sorrow of those who fought for their country but were left broken and forgotten, a common sentiment among veterans returning from Vietnam. Kristofferson’s voice, filled with a sense of weary resolve, conveys the emotional weight of a generation that had been promised glory and honor but found only devastation and neglect. The term “remains” itself is symbolic, not only referring to the physical aftermath of war but also to the emotional and social remains of a nation grappling with its conscience.
Released at a time when America was deeply divided over the Vietnam War and social upheaval was rampant, the song captured the mood of a nation questioning its values. Kristofferson was not just a country singer-songwriter, but a figure who understood the pain of the common man, especially the soldiers who fought in the wars and were left to deal with the consequences alone. The song resonates even today, as it highlights the universal themes of sacrifice, trauma, and the silent toll that war takes on individuals.
Musically, “American Remains” is stripped down and simple, in line with Kristofferson’s signature style. It is not a grandiose anthem; rather, it is a quiet, contemplative ballad that reflects the desolation and reflection that follows trauma. The gentle guitar strumming, paired with Kristofferson’s deep, gravelly voice, creates a haunting atmosphere that underscores the sorrowful theme of the song. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the powerful lyrics to shine through, leaving listeners with a deep sense of introspection.
While “American Remains” did not achieve the mainstream commercial success of some of Kristofferson’s later works, it remains a deeply respected piece of his catalog. The song showcases his ability to blend personal reflection with social commentary, providing a voice for those often overlooked in mainstream narratives. His career, which spanned multiple genres including country, folk, and rock, was defined by his ability to speak truth to power, to capture the complex emotional landscape of his time, and to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
In terms of social impact, “American Remains” serves as a reflection on the era in which it was written—an era where American ideals were being questioned, and the cost of war was becoming increasingly evident. The song has been viewed as a poignant commentary on the aftermath of the Vietnam War, but its themes of loss, sacrifice, and the forgotten are universal and timeless.
In conclusion, “American Remains” by Kris Kristofferson is more than just a song; it is an evocative portrayal of the emotional and physical toll of war, and a meditation on what happens to those who are left behind by society. It captures the pain, grief, and disillusionment that characterized much of the social atmosphere in the late 1960s and early 1970s, especially concerning the Vietnam War. While it may not have been as commercially successful as some of Kristofferson’s other works, it remains one of his most important and reflective pieces—a testament to his ability to capture the complex, often painful realities of American life.
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Lyrics
I am a shotgun rider for the San Jacinto lineThe desert is my brother, my skin is cracked and dryI was ridin’ on a folk coach and everything was fine‘Til we took a shorter road to save some timeThe bandits only fired once, they shot me in the chestThey may have wounded me but they’ll never get the bestOf better men ’cause I’ll ride againI am a river gambler, I make a livin’ dealin’ cardsMy clothes are smooth and honest, my heart is cold and hardI was shufflin’ for some delta boys on a boat for New OrleansI was the greatest shark they’d ever seenBut the captain bumped a sandbar and an ace fell from my sleeveThey threw me overboard as I swore I didn’t cheatBut I could swim and I’ll ride againWe are heroes of the homeland, American remainsWe live in many faces and answer many namesWe will not be forgotten, we won’t be left behindOur memories live on in mortal mindsAnd poets pens, we’ll ride againI am a midwest farmer, I make a livin’ off the landI ride a John Deere tractor, I’m a liberated manBut the rain, it hasn’t fallenSince the middle of JulyAnd if it don’t come soon, my crops will dieThe bankman says he likes me, but there’s nothin’ he can doHe tells me that he’s comin’, but the clouds are comin’ tooHe ain’t my friend and I’ll ride againI am an American Indian, my tribe is CherokeeMy forefathers loved this land, they left it here for meBut the white man came with boats and trains and dirty factoriesPoisoned my existence with his deedsNature is our mother, we are sucklings at her breastAnd he who tries to beat her down will lose her to the restThey’ll never win, I’ll ride againWe are heroes of the homeland, American remainsWe live in many faces and answer many namesWe will not be forgotten, we won’t be left behindOur memories live on in mortal mindsAnd poets pens, we’ll ride again