The song "American Spirits" by Cassandra Jenkins tells a story of an individual who is caught up in a situation involving a Lincoln car with a busted tail light and hidden secrets. The narrator, possibly a close acquaintance of this person, receives a phone call from an unknown number, where the person asks not to inform their mother about something being discovered. The lyrics suggest that this individual is involved in some illegal or questionable activities. It is implied that they are being pursued by authorities and are at risk of facing consequences, possibly being sent to prison ("three-year sentence"). Throughout this time, the narrator maintains a connection with this person, wearing the same dress as the last time they saw each other. The narrator also mentions how the person reads books such as The Bible, Siddhartha, and Malcolm X, while they themselves experience various emotional highs and lows, represented by bouncing through sunsets. This juxtaposition between the person's reading material and the narrator's emotional state suggests an underlying complexity within the relationship and the individual's actions. The song includes a voicemail message which reveals that the person's journey is interrupted in Garza County, possibly due to law enforcement or other unforeseen circumstances. They express hope that they won't end up in prison and wish the narrator well with their shows. Overall, "American Spirits" by Cassandra Jenkins captures a story of secrecy, potential wrongdoing, and the complexities of human connections. The lyrics leave room for interpretation, allowing listeners to create their own understanding and emotional interpretation of the song.
