American Life (song)

"American Life" is a song by American singer Madonna from her ninth studio album of the same name (2003). Following the September 11 attacks, Madonna began working on the album with French producer Mirwais Ahmadzaï. They wrote and produced the title track, an experimental folktronica song with lyrics that criticize the so-called American Dream under the presidency of George W. Bush, and denounce Madonna's past "shallow" behavior. One part has the singer rapping. Official remixes were created by Felix da Housecat, Missy Elliott, Paul Oakenfold, and Peter Rauhofer.

"American Life" was released as the parent album's lead single on March 22, 2003. Upon release, critics reacted negatively towards the song, with many panning its lyrics and the rap; Blender magazine named it the ninth worst song of all time. Retrospective reviews have been more positive, with critics deeming it an underrated and brave single. In the United States, it became the first song ever to enter Billboard's Hot Singles Sales chart based on internet sales alone and peaked at number 37 on the Hot 100. "American Life" became Madonna's 29th number one on the Dance Club Play chart. In Europe, it reached the second spot in the United Kingdom and the top 10 in multiple countries.

The music video was directed by Jonas Åkerlund. It shows Madonna crashing a military-themed fashion show, throwing a grenade at a Bush look-alike, which he uses to light a cigar. Prior to its release, the video caused controversy regarding its political "anti-Bush" implications, leading Madonna to release a statement explaining its concept. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq started, and due to the country's political climate at the time, Madonna decided to cancel the release of the video. An alternate version, showing her performing in front of a backdrop of flags, was released instead. Madonna sang "American Life" on her Re-Invention (2004) and Madame X (2019–2020) concert tours. She also sang it on the promotional concerts offered for the parent album in March and April 2003, the Miami stop of her 2016 Tears of a Clown show, and on her set at Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019.