The song starts with a ramble of familiar voices – what sounds like a medley of protesters, presidential ceremonies, and speeches. As the samples fade away, a soothing voice traces a folky melody over a raw acoustic progression. The twang of an electric guitar decorates the shape of the singer’s voice. A striking stanza follows a short instrumental break…
1987 and I didn't know it then
Reagan was selling weapons to the leaders of Iran
And it won't be the first time and, baby, it won't be the end
They were all American made
But I was just a child unaware of the effects
Raised on sports and Jesus and all the usual suspects
So tell me, Mr. Petty, what do you think will happen next
That's all American made.
-Margo Price
The song ends with a familiar overlap of speech samples. The powerful voice of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King stands out from the chatter: “All we say to America is, be true to what you said on paper.”