Eurythmics - The King and Queen of America

“The King and Queen of America” — Eurythmics

Musical Style
The song The King and Queen of America of Eurythmics , released in 1990, is an upbeat and energetic pop-rock song. The song has a catchy melody, combined with a typical '80s sound, in which electronic elements and rock influences are clearly heard. Annie Lennox's powerful and expressive vocals are supported by Dave Stewart's guitar lines, giving the song its distinctive dynamism.

Text and Theme
The text of The King and Queen of America is a satire of American culture and the obsession with fame, power and success. The song paints a picture of an illusory America centered on the fairy tale of the American Dream. Lennox and Stewart play on the idea of how people in the United States are seen as royal figures in their own stories, even when they are actually struggling with superficiality and materialism. The lyrics ask questions about identity and national pride, but wrapped in a humorous tone.

Success and Impact
Although the song did not reach the major charts in the United States, it did become a popular song in Europe and had success in the UK charts. It was one of the standout tracks on their album We Too Are One , which reached the top of the charts in the United Kingdom at the time.

Video clip
The music video, directed by Sophie Muller, shows Lennox and Stewart dressed as different stereotypes of American celebrities and historical figures, reinforcing the song's satirical message. The visual style of the clip is exuberant and caricatural, adding to the song's playful, yet critical undertone.