Due to the multi-layered and largely cryptic messages used by musical sensation Miley Cyrus* in her compositions, I’ve decided to provide a Rosetta-Stone-esque primer for one of her songs: “Party in the U.S.A.” This thought-provoking piece has had me ensnared by its complex lyrics since I first heard it last spring.**
Countless hours of work spent deciphering “Party in the U.S.A.” have paid off, as I proudly present the lyrical analysis you see below. My one and only hope is that it will make Cyrus’ often enigmatic music more accessible to a wider audience, helping to bring her songs out of hipster cafes and upper-level music theory classes and into the mainstream.
Here, now, a narrative explanation of “Party in the U.S.A.”
I arrived in the Los Angeles International Airport with my career aspirations (and a sweater that buttons down the front) in tow. I realized immediately that this city puts a premium on notoriety and indulgence. That realization sparked feelings of insecurity as to my ability to conform to the expectations of the local sub-culture.
I took a taxi from the airport, noticing the iconic “Hollywood” sign on my right as I made my way to my destination. I felt a bit overwhelmed, particularly by the ubiquitousness of celebrities.
Suddenly, I realize that I’m actually nauseated by the stress of my new environs. What I wouldn’t give to be back home at this very moment. Fortunately for me, the cab driver decided to turn on his car stereo, and a Jay-Z song was playing. A Jay-Z song was playing. Just to reiterate: a Jay-Z song was playing.
I begin to dance to the music in recognition of the fact that the song in question has an emotional connection to me. It reminds me of home and assuages my fears and self-doubts. My head bobs and my feet move in time with the beat. I am reassured by this music. This is a celebration of a uniquely American character. Indeed, this is a celebration of a uniquely American character.
When the cab arrived at the night club, I felt the judgmental stares of the Angelinos the moment I passed through their collective field of vision, their attention settling on my questionable footwear. They realized instantly that I was an outsider.
What a difficult night this will be without my friends from back home. I would feel so much safer were this party on my turf. Unlike me, all the women here are wearing stiletto heels. Word about this aspect of the L. A. dress code apparently didn’t reach me in time.
I once again feel nauseated by a stressful situation. What I wouldn’t give to be back home right now. Fortunately for me, the club’s disc jockey played a Britney Spears song. He played a Britney Spears song. In case I haven’t made this clear, he played a Britney Spears song.
I begin to dance to the music in recognition of the fact that the song in question has an emotional connection to me. It reminds me of home and assuages my fears and self-doubts. My head bobs and my feet move in time with the beat. I am reassured by this music. This is a celebration of a uniquely American character. Indeed, this is a celebration of a uniquely American character.
Despite all the foregoing, I nonetheless continue to long for a return flight home. That is, of course, until I hear a familiar song again, at which point I return to some feeling of normalcy.
I begin to dance to the music in recognition of the fact that the song in question has an emotional connection to me. It reminds me of home and assuages my fears and self-doubts. My head bobs and my feet move in time with the beat. I am reassured by this music. This is a celebration of a uniquely American character. Indeed, this is a celebration of a uniquely American character.
I begin to dance to the music in recognition of the fact that the song in question has an emotional connection to me. It reminds me of home and assuages my fears and self-doubts. My head bobs and my feet move in time with the beat. I am reassured by this music. This is a celebration of a uniquely American character. Indeed, this is a celebration of a uniquely American character.
__________________________________
*Cyrus is the daughter of legendary country and western musician Billy Ray Cyrus.
The Axis of Ego 
Hilare.
This is so funny! Miley fans and non-Miley fans alike can enjoy this humor!
– Jillian
Thanks, Jillian. I appreciate it.
This was hilarious! I love it!
Thank you for reading!
I have not heard any song from the excellent Miley Cyrus right through. I must surf the 29 Music channels on the Sky package to study her work with greater diligence.
I am fascinated, despite myself, by Hollywood culture, by the fluency in mobile-technology of today’s teens (who are much more sophisticated generally than during my 1950s teens) and by watching E Entertainment News (for about 20 minutes, then I am full).
From overhearing young ladies (I do not seek out such occasions, but it is always absorbing when it happens) on the buses or in the cinemas here in Bournemouth, I can report that English teen girls use the same Valley Talk that one catches in snatches in the American product, in TV trailers, or in surfing through sitcoms.
Enviably top class writing, Mister Garrett.
Thanks very much for your thoughtful and articulate response. Great insights.
Props on being freshly pressed. This was great!
Thanks a lot. The funny thing is, I didn’t fully grasp what that meant (I’m new around here, so cut me some slack on not being savvy) until after it happened. I’m very happy now that I understand it!
Awesome! Thank you, thank you for this.
Captain Valor’s sign language interpretation of Party in the USA frickin’ rocks too!
And thank you!
Thank you. I… I didn’t realize… I’ve really got to give this artsy-fartsy music more of a chance. I’ll check out some more of your site in a minute… gotta find a pencil so I can write this artist’s name down…..
I know. I don’t usually go in for a fusion of metaphor and intellectualism, but I must admit that Party in the USA has made me reconsider that stance. Thanks for reading!
This is hilarious! You should write for The Onion.
Oh, to dream . . . 🙂
Thanks for reading!
This was so good!
This song kinda gets under my skin and I love how you translated it!
It’s a catchy song, and, as I said below, I actually think it’s great for what it is. A guilty pleasure, so to speak. Thanks for reading!
This was hilarious. I saw this on the wordpress main page and it drew my attention, i wondered, how would someone create a narrative lyrical analysis out of miley cyrus’ song. Now i know.
Knowing is +/- half the battle. Thanks!
Oh, you have no idea how hard I’m laughing right now 🙂 Brilliant!!!!
Glad to hear it!
Hilarious! I was extra-excited when you said this is going to be a regular feature–you’ve made a reader out of me. As funny as your interpretation of the lyrics was, though, what really got me laughing was, “helping to bring her songs out of hipster cafes and upper-level music theory classes and into the mainstream.” Teehee. 🙂 Seriously, great stuff!
I like the word “extra-excited.” Thanks!
This reads like an Elfriede Jelinek novel. What next for Miley Cyrus – Nobel Prize for Literature?!!!
We can only hope!
Great stuff, one of the most clever posts I’ve ever seen on Freshly Pressed! Can’t wait to check the rest of your blog.
What a great compliment! I appreciate it.
Bahahaha! This was absolutely brilliant! I applaud you! 🙂
Thank you very much.
Your rendition of a popular, non-sensical song was hilarious. I may have to find my own song to analyze in “celebration of a uniquely” wonderful blog.
Go for it! And thanks.
I applaud you.
I would suggest Justin Bieber for your next attempt, but part of me thinks that the content is too banal (i. e. Baby, baby, baby, no / Like baby, baby, baby, oh / Baby, baby, baby, baby / Thought you’d always be mine. (Repeat!))
Thanks, and I’ll take that under advisement. 🙂
Yes! I vote for Justin Bieber (consider my other recommendations second to “the Beeb”)! I desperately need to understand him! I’m losing cultural relevance at an astonishing rate! Yes, yes, please help us all by analyzing his lyrics.
LOVE THE SARCASM!!! Adore your writing!
Thanks, Maggie!
Thank you for dissecting the complex lyrics of this sure-to-be future American classic. I think this should be a regular feature on your blog 🙂
Given the response, I think it’s inevitable that this will become a regular feature – whether I like it or not. 😉
As the mother of an 8-year-old girl, I thank you! I will be printing this and having her memorize the new lyrics to expand her vocabulary and wit; two things Miley lacks.
I’ll always support expanding the vocabularies of young people. Thanks for reading!
How does one type a very broad grin with emoticons? Well played!
I tip my cap to you in thanks.
Hahahahahahahaha Awesome!!!
This was amazing.
You’re very clever.
That’s very kind. Thank you!
Brilliant post! I would have never thought to do something like this. Amazing.
Thanks, Elena!
I sensed some sarcasm in my close reading of this – am I way off?
Trace amounts only. You have a nose for this stuff!
This. Was. Spectacular.
(I’m now going to spend the remainder of the day/night/evening on your blog. Be honoured).
I am absolutely honored. No joke.
But I can’t concede that “u.” I’m American. 😉
Haha! Loved this! Reposted on FB 🙂 Well done mate.
Thanks much!
Awesome!
From chaos order and from the shallows depth. Ah why not? Great job!
I thank you.
Thanks for the interpretation 😉
I nver saw it like that ^^
This is absolutely hilarious. I’m glad I found you on freshly pressed – otherwise I might have had a go at these sophisticated song lyrics in my own blog. But who knows – maybe I would find a deeper meaning or message if I only tried – maybe I should… Oh no…. I guess you said it all.
Thanks, you made my day.
Greetings from Germany, Uta
Danke!
Oooh, bitte schön! :)))
Okay, I have to admit this blog has been somewhat genius. You really did a great job by ‘translating’ this all. I laughed anyways.
On the other hand, I do feel like people are being to hard on Miley every now and then. No matter what happens, she is only a teenage girl, doing foolish things that fit her age. Haven’t we all be there people?
I have nothing against her, and, believe it or not, I actually think the song is a very catchy and well-produced piece of pop music (i.e. “good for what it is”). But deconstructions of things that should simply be taken at face value always amuse me. Thanks for reading, and for the feedback!
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“Indeed, this is a celebration of a uniquely American character.” And an awesome analysis!
Thanks, JD.
This was truly deep and thought-provoking. This was truly deep and thought-provoking. And, just in case you didn’t get that, this was truly deep and thought-provoking.
Haha, well done. Seriously, I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time. Keep on keeping on 🙂
Thank you! Thank you! To reiterate: Thank you!
this is GREAT!
🙂
Thank you!
HAHAHAHA! Love your analysis, love your analysis, and again, LOVE you analysis! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed. 😉
Thanks very much! I appreciate it.
Beautiful. I laughed. I cried. I hurled.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
*Brilliant* 😀
Thanks, Jenny!
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so THAT’S what the song is about… 🙂
too good. I think you’ve expressed what Miley herself couldn’t. Brava.
Amazing, so good.
Thanks!
Ha, I enjoyed reading this!
Appreciated!
LMAO!! Genius!
Thank you very much!
This is very amusing and creative.
I hope that young Miley escapes from her popularity prison, because she does have talent. Sadly, it is usually covered up with wigs, heavy mascara, and exaggerated “acting”.
Thanks, and I agree.
Those lyrics are full of deep meaning LOL, thanks for the exercise in repetition!
http://wordsonmusicmyblog.wordpress.com/
I appreciate it!
Do you do any Eminem???
hahaha!! Wouldn’t that be something?
I can’t wait for that.
Great Analysis!
Miley Cyrus-Yet another reason to not let the Hollywood types be your kids role models.
Agreed. Well said, J. Roycroft!