Meaning of "American Dream" by Better Than Ezra

"American Dream" by Better Than Ezra touches on the disillusionment and struggles faced by individuals as they navigate life and pursue their dreams in America. The first verse describes a woman who had aspirations of a happy life, represented by being a prom queen and moving to the West with her boyfriend, only to end up in a difficult situation as a single mother with unfulfilled dreams. The second verse tells the story of a man who worked hard in the corporate world with plans for early retirement, only to have his dreams shattered when the CEO embezzles, leaving him to work at Denny's. The chorus repeats the question of where the time went and what happened to the simpler, free times when achieving the American Dream seemed possible. The bridge acknowledges the complexities of being American, with conflicting aspects of rebellion and patriotism, as the protagonist reflects on missed opportunities and wonders about alternate paths in life. Overall, the song captures the ebb and flow of life, the challenges of pursuing success in a competitive world, and the wistful longing for a dream that may never come to fruition.