The song "American Dream" by Hayes Carll is a reflection on the pursuit of happiness and the ups and downs that come with it. The lyrics describe a journey through different parts of America, exploring the landscape and meeting new people along the way. The protagonist of the song is searching for something elusive, something that is represented by the American Dream. They take a break from the "Devil's Workshop," or the monotony of daily life, to go on this journey and try to find what they're looking for. The song talks about the fallibility of memory, as the protagonist can't remember if they danced or not. This ties into the idea that the American Dream is itself a vague concept that can be hard to pin down and achieve. Throughout the song, the protagonist is searching for something or someone, whether it's an old friend in El Dorado or a loved one in a small town in the South. They also encounter others on their journey, including horses and tumbleweeds. The song paints a picture of a varied and diverse America. Ultimately, the song suggests that the pursuit of the American Dream is a journey with no real endpoint. Despite finding moments of love, glory, and even gold, the protagonist still goes "down into the American Dream," suggesting that the journey is ongoing and never truly finished.
