I bought a diploma Spent four years in a coma And every penny since they gave it to me You hid behind my eyes Dressed up your dreams, disguised them as mine But "only wanted what was best for me" This American dream is a nightmare This American dream is a nightmare I could sit behind a wooden desk But this guitar and these songs make me die a bit less I've got a voice I'm gonna goddamn sing I dragged myself through hell for you The flames ate away everything but the truth To be asleep is the only way to believe This American dream is a nightmare This American dream is a nightmare