American Dreams

I know a man who gave his mind
gave his time, gave his life
Uncle Sam sends a check in the mail
And everything they send
well it barely makes a dent
He wonders
was it worth his health?
He's got a medal in a drawer
to commemorate a war
The good that it did
hard to tell anymore

He says
American dreams
they always come true
American dreams
Nightmares are dreams too

I know a mama with some kids
and the daddy went and hid
She got a food stamp card to eat
but she can't get them kids no candy
cuz dear ole Uncle Sammy said
he ain't paying them for treats

She says
American dreams
They always come true
American dreams
Nightmares are dreams too

I get my money from the boss
then I hand it to the man
and he blows it up overseas
There's a nest egg hatching in a mansion somewhere
but it ain't in my family tree
They bend you over like a rainbow
but there ain't no lucky charms
They keep dangling the carrot
but they're tied up your arms

I know a fortunate son when I'm looking at one
He's in a house living up on the hill
and he's racking up a tab
grabbing all that he can grab
and he's leaving me and you with the bill

He says
American dreams
they always come true
American dreams
Nightmares are dreams too
Nightmares are dreams too