Some people live the life that was given
Some people just get by
Some people never learned how to be driven
Some people don’t even try
But some people know what their heart desires
Some people lead with a passionate fire
And some people know that they’re destined
To fly
I’ll go all out, ace every test
No doubt, outdo all the rest
Don’t pout or settle for second best
So I won’t stop, and won’t lose my cool
Don’t flop 'cause Harvard’s no fool
And who’ll love me
If I’m not the top of my school
She’s the top (she’s the top)
She’s the top (she’s the top)
She’s the top (she’s the-)
Top of our, top of our school
Maybe my friends will say I’m overzealous
Maybe I try too hard (Maybe she tries too hard)
Maybe they’ll just have to learn to be jealous
Watching me shine like a star
'Cause maybe I know what my heart desires
Maybe I’ll lead with a passionate fire
'Cause baby, I know that I’m destined
To fly
But if I hadn’t earned a dollar
What would you think of your dear daughter
Would it be pity or dishonour
To ensue
And if I failed to earn blue ribbon
How could I ever be forgiven?
Tell me, what love would still be given
From you?
I’ll go all out, ace every test
No doubt, outdo all the rest
Don’t pout or settle for second best
So I won’t stop, and won’t lose my cool
Don’t flop 'cause Harvard’s no fool
And who’ll love me
If I’m not the top of my school
///////////////////////////////////
David has a bachelor’s and master’s degree
David’s married, soon to have a family of three
David makes six figures, and what about me?
Yeah, call me a ‘wannabe’
Mom says, “Ditch the hobbies, find a job to pursue”
Dad says, “Don’t go chasing dreams that you can’t go through
David couldn’t do it, so neither could you”
Now I’ve got something to prove
'Cause I’m so sick of second best
I’m so sick of not impressed
This family’s obsessed, with validation and reputation
American Dream (American Dream)
Tell me, what’s the price of perfection?
Tell me why I crave your affection
When excellence is expected, praise is a luxury
American Dream (American Dream)
Why do my achievements define me?
Why does life feel so damn confining?
When success is respected, there’s no room for mediocrity
I overcompensate in everything that I do
I bring home all the trophies that I won just for you
You see a starving musician in debt from tuition
I’m never enough for you
'Cause I’m so sick of being stressed
Working hard at your request
This family’s obsessed, with validation and reputation
American Dream (American Dream)
Tell me, what’s the price of perfection?
Tell me why I crave your affection
When excellence is expected, praise is a luxury
American Dream (American Dream)
Why do my achievements define me?
Why does life feel so damn confining?
When success is respected, there’s no room for mediocrity
You’ve lived a life of sacrifice
Nothing I do could dare suffice
I’ll never stop trying and trying to be enough
Enough for you
(Da, da, da, da, da, da, da)
(Da, da, da, da, da, da)
American Dream (American Dream)
Tell me, what’s the price of perfection?
Tell me why I crave your affection
When excellence is expected, praise is a luxury
American Dream (American Dream)
Why do my achievements define me?
Why does life feel so damn confining?
When success is respected, there’s no room for mediocrity
