Meaning of "American Tradition" by Nicole Dollanganger

The lyrics of "American Tradition" delve into themes of toxic masculinity, unattainable expectations, and misguided idolization. The song portrays a dysfunctional relationship where the partner yearns to be like their father, who is likely a successful athlete or fighter. The mention of medals on the wall and gold trophies indicates that the father is seen as a symbol of achievement and power. This leads the partner to engage in activities like lifting weights and playing the knife game to emulate their father's masculinity and dominance. Meanwhile, the narrator finds themselves caught in this cycle, desperately trying to connect with their partner.

The line "I bleed to death, it doesn't matter" suggests that the narrator is willingly enduring pain and sacrificing their own well-being to support their partner's desire for validation. This could represent the narrator's struggle to maintain the relationship and their willingness to give everything they have, both physically and emotionally, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness.

The reference to sleeping on the carpet and living off TV dinners highlights the couple's lack of stability and the absence of a nurturing environment. The partner's use of a gold chain to hang the narrator signifies a sense of possession and control, indicating an imbalanced power dynamic within the relationship. This reference could also symbolize the partner's transition from being a hockey player to becoming entangled in a toxic relationship. Similarly, the line about the narrator being a figure skater and cutting their leg with the blade suggests self-harm as a means of coping with the pain of trying to maintain the illusion of similarity and connection in the relationship.

Overall, "American Tradition" portrays a relationship filled with unattainable expectations, emotional pain, and a disconnection from reality. It explores the destructive effects of toxic masculinity and the fallacy of trying to live up to predetermined ideals. The song invites reflection on the detrimental impact of societal pressures to conform to traditional gender roles and the importance of finding genuine love and connection built on mutual understanding, support, and respect.