American Oxygen

About this song

Rihanna previewed the song on March 5, 2015, and it became the theme song for that year's March Madness coverage. She performed it live at the March Madness Festival a month later, then released it exclusively on Jay-Z's streaming service Tidal on April 5. The release came with a political video showing scenes from American history, some controversial, including images from protests over the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Co-writer Sam Harris of X Ambassadors said it took him nearly a year to write, starting from a backing track made by producer Alex Da Kid, and he cited Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. as a major influence.

What it's about

The song takes a critical look at America, acknowledging the country's greatness and potential while calling attention to problems it doesn't always admit.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 2 other songs, like “A.P.I. (Arca Remix) by Arca”.
• Covered 2 times, including “American Oxygen by Emma Heesters”.
• Written by Kanye West, Sam Nelson, Alex da Kid, Candice Pillay and Rihanna.
• Produced by Kuk Harrell, Kanye West and Alex da Kid.