So American By Olivia Rodrigo: A Transatlantic Love Story in Six Strings

24th March, 2024

Olivia Rodrigo, the queen of capturing teenage heartbreak with raw vulnerability, takes a sharp turn on So American, the electrifying bonus track from her critically acclaimed debut album “SOUR.” Released as part of the deluxe version of her sophomore album “GUTS (Spilled)” on March 22, 2024, this song ditches the melancholic piano ballads for a punchy, pop-rock anthem that explores the intoxicating whirlwind of new love.

Head Over Heels (and Across the Pond):

The song opens with a telling detail: “Drivin’ on the right-side road.” This sets the scene for a budding romance that transcends borders. The object of Rodrigo’s affection is likely someone from outside the US, a detail emphasised by the repeated line, “he says I’m so American.” This seemingly simple phrase takes on layers of meaning. Is it a playful observation about cultural differences? A compliment on her confidence and vibrancy? Perhaps it hints at a bit of exoticism, a quality that makes him see her in a new light. Rumors suggest that So American is inspired by Rodrigo’s relationship with English actor Louis Partridge, adding a layer of personal intrigue to the song’s narrative.

Chorus of Obsession:

The chorus explodes with unfiltered teenage infatuation. He laughs at her jokes, a seemingly insignificant detail transformed into a powerful symbol of connection. The line “I’ll go anywhere he goes” captures the all-consuming nature of new love—the willingness to drop everything and follow the one who sets your heart racing. The playful vulgarity of “sh*t up” adds a layer of realness, grounding the passionate lyrics in the messy emotions of adolescence.

Self-Awareness with a Side of Swoon:

Verse two injects a dose of self-deprecating humour. Rodrigo admits to being “boring and rude,” a stark contrast to the seemingly perfect persona she sees in him. This line hints at insecurity, a vulnerability that makes her character all the more relatable. Despite her flaws, he still finds her captivating, a testament to the intoxicating power of new love. The image of her struggling to sleep “when he’s with me” paints a vivid picture of the constant buzz of infatuation.

Love in the Age of Instant Gratification:

The rapid pace of the song reflects the impatience of young love. The bridge offers a fleeting moment of self-awareness: “I apologise if it’s a little too much, just a little too soon.” But this introspection is quickly overshadowed by the overwhelming emotions. The final line, “I think I’m in love,” is delivered with a breathless finality, a declaration born not of deep understanding but of pure, intoxicating infatuation.

So American is a departure from Rodrigo’s signature heartbreak anthems. It’s a sugar rush of teenage obsession, a sonic snapshot of the exhilarating chaos of falling head over heels. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, this song is sure to become a fan favourite, solidifying Rodrigo’s status as the voice of a generation.

You might also like:

Olivia Rodrigo So American Lyrics

Verse 1
Drivin’ on the right-side road
He says I’m pretty wearin’ his clothes
And he’s got hands that make hell seem cold
Feet on the dashboard, he’s like a poem I wish I wrote
I wish I wrote

Chorus
And he laughs at all my jokes
And he says I’m so American
Oh God, it’s just not fair of him
To make me feel this much
I’ll go anywhere he goes
And he says I’m so American
Oh God, I’m gonna marry him
If he keeps this shit up
I might just be in lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love

Verse 2
God, I’m so boring and I’m so rude
Can’t have a conversation if it’s not all about you
The way you dress and the books you read
I really love my bed, but, man, it’s hard to sleep when he’s with me
When he’s with me

Bridge
I apologize if it’s a little too much, just a little too soon
But if the conversation ever were to come up
I don’t wanna assume this stuff
But ain’t it wrong?
I think I’m in love

Outro: Dan Nigro & OliviaRodrigo
(Okay, come on, ah) Stop it, ah