American Boyfriend

Kevin Abstract's 'American Boyfriend' delves into the complexities of identity, love, and belonging. The song opens with a narrative of a simple girl and the protagonist ending up on her father's doorstep, symbolizing an unexpected and perhaps forbidden love. This sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and the struggles that come with it. The lyrics 'Bleachers only hold, Thunder only grows' suggest a sense of inevitability and the growing intensity of emotions and conflicts. The recurring line 'It's all the same at dark, the sun don't care' implies a sense of hopelessness and the idea that, in the grand scheme of things, individual struggles might seem insignificant.

The chorus, 'Burn bridges, American boyfriend, No one knows, no one calls home,' speaks to the feeling of isolation and the consequences of breaking away from societal norms and expectations. The term 'American boyfriend' could be seen as a metaphor for the idealized version of love and identity that the protagonist is grappling with. The desire to 'die on sunset' and the mention of parents wanting to kill him highlight the intense pressure and conflict between personal desires and familial expectations. This line also touches on the theme of fame and the dark side of being in the public eye, as suggested by 'He was a pop star with a bounty on his head.'

The song concludes with a sense of resolution, 'I found my way, You're my American boy,' indicating that the protagonist has come to terms with his identity and found solace in his relationship. Kevin Abstract, known for his work with the hip-hop collective Brockhampton, often explores themes of identity, sexuality, and mental health in his music. 'American Boyfriend' is a poignant reflection of these themes, wrapped in a narrative that is both personal and universally relatable.