Momo Boyd’s “American Love Song” and The Bigger Meaning

Image via soundcloud.com

“American Love Song” (2025) is truly a song of the times. This is the first solo release for Momo Boyd; she’s most known for her role in the soft rock band Infinity Song with her three other siblings. “American Love Song,” to me, questions the overarching independence we put on ourselves to deal with life and, more specifically, love. On Instagram, she shared a message about the release of the song “A True Heartbreak Song.” That also asks the questions that no one seems to be asking about modern love in our culture. Does our emphasis on individualism hinder our ability to love with real meaning? Can the humility that love requires and our desire to always come out on top co-exist? Or are they impossible to reconcile? Community? Or, self over everything? I don’t have the answers, but an artist should always open the floor for reflection. So I hope you’re listening, crying and questioning!!!

In the chorus of the song, she sings, “If I wasn’t so American / I might love you more / But giving up my independence / Goes against my core.” Now, obviously, on the first listen, it plays off the American stereotype of this built-strong independence. Additionally, it reinvigorates what Boyd talked about on Instagram. People are so caught up in their own world, doing what they feel is right for them, and don’t care who they’re hurting in the process. In our generation, there’s this hyperfixation on being independent and making love a priority through that, but also not letting it define you or life in general. Our generation seems to be in this juxtaposition where everyone wants to be in love, but everyone wants to still be overly independent at the same time; no one has really found the true balance in that. 

Now, love can look like many different things depending on the person you’re dealing with. But love for me is something that has to take away from your independence and become codependence. When you’re sharing something so sacred with someone, there’s a level of bearing the two parties have to do to become one. I think as a generation, we aren’t comfortable doing so because of the fear of failure. Are people right in feeling that way? Of course, but how can we bridge the gap between the two? Randi Gunther, via Psychology Today, spoke on how to change a “me” into “we.” She writes, “The deepest question asked when a single person commits to a treasured other is, ‘How do I balance my personal choices with caring for my partner’s needs?’” There is a freedom in being single that many are loath to lose. They like deciding what they want to eat, where they want to go, who they want to spend time with, and even which side of the bed they want to sleep on. Being with someone or being alone allows them to have as much or as little closeness as they wish, given their options. There is also a beautiful scenario when people joyfully commit to a long-term relationship. Sharing experiences over time, creating a secret language that is only their own, learning each other’s secrets and preferences, and knowing they share an emotional home are magical experiences in beloved partnerships.” 

Love is meant to be sacred and not fleeting, just because you have self-government that allows you to move throughout this, just as you see fit. If you’re going to involve yourself with someone in any capacity, let it be something of understanding and substance. Momo Boyd’s “American Love Song” is a victim of what could happen if that isn’t the case. 

Isaiah Ireland 4th-Year Media and Culture Major