Livin' In America
Donna Summer · Donna Summer [1982]
Thought the streets were paved with gold
He moved off the block and found he was lost
In a world he'd never known
He had to hustle so he could pay the rent
Played all the aces and wound up president
You see, it's okay, got to find your own way, keep on trying all day
And you know your time will come, you'll get your chance to run
You're livin? in America
You're livin? in the home of the dream
You're livin? in America
Just make it what you want it to be
Soap opera child with hope in her eyes lookin? for a starrin? role
She came into town and acted the clown, had a long, long way to go
Waitin? on tables and pumpin? gasoline, [unverified]
Now she's a movie queen
You see it's okay, got to find your own way
Keep on tryin? all day
And you know the time will come
For each and everyone
You're livin? in America
You're livin? in the home of the dream
You're livin? in America
Just make it what you want it to be
You'll stand alone on a long hard road
With a crowd that you can't see
Just start by steppin? out
Then let your mind run free
You're livin? in America
You're livin? in the home of the dream
You're livin? in America
Just make it what you want it to be
It's okay, you're livin? in the U.S.A
Find your dream, you know that dream can set you free
It's okay, we're part of the United States
You and me can be just what we wanna be
He's okay, he left the block and reached the top
She's all right, the agent put her name in lights
He's okay, he's paid his rent, he's president
She's all right, she's on your TV screen tonight
Livin' In America
Donna Summer's 'Livin' In America' stands as a defining track from her 1982 self-titled album, showcasing her signature disco and pop sensibilities at the height of her career. The recording features her distinctive vocal style, characterized by powerful belts and rhythmic phrasing that became hallmarks of her work during the early eighties. Released during a period when she was redefining the disco genre for mainstream audiences, the song reflects the optimism and cultural identity of the era. It serves as a testament to her ability to blend danceable rhythms with emotive songwriting, cementing her status as an icon of 1970s and 1980s popular music. The track remains a staple of her discography, often highlighted in compilations that celebrate her enduring influence on dance and pop culture.