American Oxygen
Rihanna · Anti [2015]
[Chorus]
Breathe out, breathe in
American oxygen
Every breath I breathe
Chasin' this American Dream
We sweat for a nickel and a dime
Turn it into an empire
Breathe in, this feeling
American, American oxygen
[Refrain]
American oxygen
Breathe in, this feeling
American, American Oxygen
[Verse 1]
Oh say can you see, this is the American Dream
Young girl, hustlin'
On the other side of the ocean
You can be anything at all
In America, America
I say, can't see
Just close your eyes and breathe
[Chorus] + [Refrain] x2
[Verse 2]
Oh say can you see, this is the American Dream
Young boy, hustlin'
Tryna get the wheels in motion
But he can be anything at all
In America, America
I say, can't see
Just close your eyes and breathe
[Chorus]
[Bridge] x4
This is the new America
We are the new America
[Chorus] + [Refrain] x2 + [Bridge] x2
American Oxygen
American Oxygen stands as a defining track from Rihanna's 2015 album Anti, marking a significant departure from her earlier pop dominance. The song showcases a raw, atmospheric production style that blends R&B sensibilities with a moody, minimalist arrangement. As part of a record that emphasized artistic experimentation over commercial calculation, the recording highlights Rihanna's vocal versatility and willingness to explore darker, more introspective themes. The track contributes to the album's cohesive sonic landscape, reflecting a period where the artist prioritized creative risk-taking. Its inclusion in the Anti catalogue underscores a shift toward a more mature sound, solidifying the album's reputation as a bold statement in her extensive discography.