“Grew up under yellow light on the street
Putting too much faith in the make believe
Another highschool football team
The neighbor’s brother came home in a box
But he wanted to go, so maybe it was his fault
Another red heart taken by the American dream
And I feel you there
In the middle of the night
When the lights go out
And I’m all alone again
Say what you want, but say it like you mean it
With your fists for once, a long cold war
With your kids at the front
Just give it one more day then you’re done
I do what I want, crying in the bleachers
And I said it was fun
I don’t need anything from anyone
It’s just not my year, but I’m all good out here…”
Ethel Cain. Lyrics to “American Teenager.” 2021.