American Boy

Song meaning of American Boy by Estelle

John Legend, Estelle's mentor, advised that she write a song about meeting a man from the United States, which is how the song came to be.

The song hit at number one in Belgium and Estelle's home country of the United Kingdom, and it made it to the top five in several European markets. It was successful in the US as well, reaching a high of number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

Estelle, will i am, John Legend, Kanye West, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, and Keith Harris wrote the song "American Boy". will i am produced it as well.

In a 2008 interview with Pete Lewis of Blues and Soul Estelle explained how the song came to fruition: "We were just messing about in the studio, joking around. And John (Legend) just said to me 'Why don't you write a song about meeting an American boy?'. So I was like 'Well, that's pretty easy' - because I have a lot of male friends out there in New York. And I unwittingly ended up creating a new ladies' anthem!" She also spoke about West's involvement on the song, commenting "Kanye basically just brought his own cheeky self to the track, his own sense of humour. At first he was like 'How can you rap over a dance beat?' - and now he's DONE it!"

American Boy lyrics by Estelle

[Kanye West:]

This a number-one champion sound.

Yeah, Estelle, we 'bout to get down, get down.

Who the hottest in the world right now.

Just touched down in London town.

Bet they give me a pound.

Tell them put the money in my hand right now.

Yes.

Tell the promoter we need more seats.

We just sold out all the floor seats.

[Estelle:]

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day.

Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA.

I really want to come kick it with you.

You'll be my American boy.

He said, "Hey, sister.

It's really, really nice to meet you."

I just met this 5-foot-7 guy who's just my type.

Like the way he's speaking,

His confidence is peaking.

Don't like his baggy jeans

But I'm 'a like what's underneath them.

And, no, I ain't been to MIA.

I heard that Cali never rains and New York's wide awake.

First let's see the West End.

I'll show you to my brethren.

I'm liking this American boy, American boy.

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day.

Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA.

I really want to come kick it with you.

You'll be my American boy, American boy

[Estelle:]

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.

Will you be my American boy, American boy?

Can we get away this weekend?

Take me to Broadway.

Let's go shopping, maybe, then we'll go to a café.

Let's go on the subway.

Take me to your hood.

I never been to Brooklyn and I'd like to see what's good.

Dress in all your fancy clothes.

Sneakers looking fresh to death.

I'm loving those Shell Toes.

Walking that walk.

Talk that slick talk.

I'm liking this American boy, American boy.

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day.

Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA.

I really want to come kick it with you.

You'll be my American boy.

Tell 'em wagwan blud.

[Kanye West:]

Who killing 'em in the UK.

Everybody gonna say, "You, K."

Reluctantly 'cause most of this press don't fuck with me.

Estelle once said to me, "Cool down, down,

Don't act a fool now, now."

I always act a fool. Oww, oww.

Ain't nothing new now now.

He crazy. I know what you thinking.

Ribena I know what you're drinking.

Rap singer. Chain blinger.

Holler at the next chick soon as you're blinking.

What's your persona

About this Americana rhymer?

Am I shallow 'cause all my clothes designer.

Dressed smart like a London bloke.

Yes.

Before he speak his suit bespoke.

And you thought he was cute before.

Look at this peacoat, tell me he's broke.

And I know you ain't into all that.

I heard your lyrics I feel your spirit.

But I still talk that cash

'Cause a lot of wags wanna hear it.

And I'm feeling like Mike at his baddest.

Like The Pips at they Gladys.

And I know they love it.

So to hell with all that rubbish.

[Estelle:]

Would you be my love, my love?

Could you be mine?

Would you be my love, my love?

Could you be mine?

Could you be my love, my love?

Would you be my American boy, American boy?

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day.

Take me to Chicago, San Francisco Bay.

I really want to come kick it with you.

You'll be my American boy, be my American boy.

American boy.

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day.

Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA.

I really want to come kick it with you.

You'll be my American boy.

American boy.

[Estelle:]

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.

Will you be my American boy?