(Let's Play) USA

Peter Schilling's song '(Let's Play) USA' is a satirical critique of American culture and society. The lyrics are filled with irony and sarcasm, painting a picture of a nation that has lost its way. The opening lines, 'Where-oh-where is Mickey Mouse / Live and well in the White House,' set the tone for the song, suggesting that American leadership is as trivial and cartoonish as a Disney character. This is further emphasized by the line 'What's the word on common sense / It's been sitting on the fence,' indicating a lack of practical wisdom in decision-making.

The song continues to explore themes of ignorance and the erosion of values. Lines like 'How I love the life I lead / Cannot think and cannot read' highlight a society that is complacent and uneducated. Schilling also touches on the technological advancements and their implications, as seen in 'Even though we lost the race / To get the first man into space / We will be the first country / To run automatically.' This suggests a future where automation takes over, but at the cost of human values and intellect.

The chorus, 'Let's play USA,' is a recurring motif that underscores the idea of America as a game or a spectacle. The song's later verses delve into more controversial topics, such as gun ownership and environmental degradation. 'Won't it be a lot of fun / Every man will own a gun / Shoot the ones whose point of view / Makes a point that bothers you' critiques the gun culture and intolerance in the country. The line 'Clean air will be sold in cans' is a stark commentary on environmental neglect. The song concludes with the notion of 'One nation under Disneyland,' encapsulating the idea that America has become a land of superficial entertainment and consumerism.

Schilling's '(Let's Play) USA' is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that uses satire to question the direction in which American society is heading. It challenges listeners to reflect on the values and priorities that define their nation.