Finale: How Can You Tell an American? (Reprise)

Song Meaning

This reprise frames the American identity not through heritage or occupation, but through a radical, almost defiant, independence. The opening spoken lines set a tone of resolute action, with Stuyvesant declaring a commitment to a certain path, leaving future governments to deal with the consequences. This immediately establishes a theme of self-determination and a willingness to forge ahead without concern for established order. The core of the song lies in its rejection of external definitions. The lyrics explicitly state that being American isn't about race or labor, but about a fundamental aversion to living by a strict set of rules. This aversion is presented as a visceral reaction, something that "takes away his appetite." The emphasis is on an internal drive that chafes against any imposed structure or hierarchy. The most striking element is the repeated assertion of personal agency in all aspects of life: "He does his own living / He does his own dying." This extends to love, hate, and even procreation, all performed "without the supervision of a governmental plan." The lyrics paint a picture of an individual fiercely protective of their autonomy, even in death, despising any hint of arrogance from those above. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their bold, almost aggressive, embrace of individualism. By defining the American spirit as an inherent resistance to being controlled or dictated to, the song taps into a powerful, albeit potentially chaotic, ideal of freedom. It’s a declaration that the true American spirit is found in the refusal to be managed, a raw and untamed will to self-governance.