{{use American English|date=January 2025}} {{Short description|2022 single by Ethel Cain}} {{good article}} {{about||the 2024 non-fiction book|American Teenager (book)|other uses|American Teen (disambiguation)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}} {{Infobox song | name = American Teenager | cover = American Teenager.jpg | alt = A young woman standing on football bleachers in front of a blue sky and stadium light | caption = | type = single | artist = Ethel Cain | album = Preacher's Daughter | written = | released = {{start date|2022|4|21}} | recorded = | studio = | genre = * Heartland rock * pop | length = 4:18 | label = Daughters of Cain | writer = * Hayden Silas Anhedönia * Steven Mark Colyer | producer = Ethel Cain | prev_title = Strangers | prev_year = 2022 | next_title = Famous Last Words (An Ode to Eaters) | next_year = 2023 | misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|9Ed_WWmFy9I|"American Teenager"}}}} }} "'''American Teenager'''" is a song by American singer-songwriter and record producer Ethel Cain from her debut studio album, ''Preacher's Daughter'' (2022). It was released through her record label, Daughters of Cain, on April 21, 2022, as the third and final single from the album. Cain produced the song and wrote it with Steven Mark Colyer.
Inspired by photographs of her mother's time as a high school cheerleader, she wrote the song to criticize the unrealistic expectations of being a teenager in the United States. She was initially concerned that making pop music would undermine her non-pop songs, but later decided to not let this affect her. It is a heartland rock and pop song driven by synthesizers, guitar, and drums. A song about intergenerational trauma, its lyricism offers cultural commentary criticizing gun culture in the United States, unraveling the concept of the "American Dream", and expresses anti-war themes. Numerous reviewers compared the track's sound to other musicians, especially Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen; Cain has cited the latter as a longtime inspiration.
Upon its release, "American Teenager" was positively received by music critics, several of whom deemed it a standout from ''Preacher's Daughter''. Critics enjoyed the emotional contrast between the upbeat production and the melancholic lyrics, the song's lyrical complexity, emotional depth and imagery, the song's blend of genres, and Cain's ability to make an accessible track while maintaining a distinct sound. Several publications deemed it one of the best songs of 2022, and it also made select mid-decade lists. It also appeared in ''Rolling Stone''{{'s}} 2023 list of the most inspirational LGBTQ songs of all time and ''Billboard''{{'s}} 2024 list of the best LGBTQ anthems of all time. Former President of the United States Barack Obama named it one of his favorite songs of 2022, and American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams recorded a cover version of the song in February 2024.
Cain directed and edited the music video for "American Teenager", which was filmed by Silken Weinberg in Cain's hometown of Perry, Florida. She wore her mother's cheerleading uniform to the city's high school football field to take after her. The video pays homage to the emo band American Football and contains footage of the September 11 attacks. Cain performed "American Teenager" live at several festivals and included it in the setlists of the Freezer Bride Tour in 2022 and the Blood Stained Blonde Tour in 2023.
== Background and release == After leaving her family's home in Florida when she was age 18, Cain began her gender transition process and began working on her debut album, ''Preacher's Daughter'' (2022).<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine |last=Daw |first=Stephen |date=May 12, 2022 |title=The Book of Ethel Cain: How the Alternative Phenom Built Up Her Own Reality Only to Tear It Down |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/ethel-cain-interview-preachers-daughter-1235060712/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512170317/https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/ethel-cain-interview-preachers-daughter-1235060712/ |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> She had been working on the album's story throughout the majority of her life;<ref name=":1" /> its narrative revolves around an American girl that runs away from her home only to meet a violent end with a cannibal.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Tom |date=May 19, 2022 |title=Album Review: Ethel Cain – Preacher's Daughter |url=https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-ethel-cain-preachers-daughter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519041845/https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-ethel-cain-preachers-daughter/ |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Beats Per Minute}}</ref> She announced the album alongside the release of its lead single, "Gibson Girl", on March 17, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMullen |first=Chase |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain smolders across the gloriously slow burn "Gibson Girl", announces debut album |url=https://beatsperminute.com/ethel-cain-smolders-across-the-gloriously-slow-burn-gibson-girl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317174215/https://beatsperminute.com/ethel-cain-smolders-across-the-gloriously-slow-burn-gibson-girl/ |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Beats Per Minute}}</ref> It was followed by the second single, "Strangers", on April 7.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Linzinmeir |first=Taylor |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain releases "Strangers" ahead of debut album 'Preacher's Daughter'—listen |url=https://www.altpress.com/ethel-cain-strangers-preachers-daughter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627014639/https://www.altpress.com/ethel-cain-strangers-preachers-daughter/ |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Alternative Press}}</ref> "American Teenager" was released as the third and final single from the album on April 21, through her record label, Daughters of Cain. It was released alongside a visualizer, which depicts Cain sitting on a picnic table, drinking cans of Budweiser, and appearing tired on a sunny day. Alongside the release of the single, she also announced the Freezer Bride Tour and revealed its North American dates for July 2022.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Helfand |first=Raphael |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain drops new song "American Teenager" with visualizer |url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/04/21/ethel-cain-american-teenager |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421170618/https://www.thefader.com/2022/04/21/ethel-cain-american-teenager |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=The Fader}}</ref>
Cain was inspired to write "American Teenager" after looking at old photographs of her mother's time as a cheerleader in high school.<ref name=":8">{{cite web |last1=Raza-Sheikh |first1=Zoya |date=July 22, 2022 |title=Watch Ethel Cain's new video for American Teenager |url=https://www.kerrang.com/watch-ethel-cains-official-video-for-american-teenager |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722193848/https://www.kerrang.com/watch-ethel-cains-official-video-for-american-teenager |archive-date=July 22, 2022 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=Kerrang!}}</ref> She wrote the song to criticize the unrealistic expectations of being a teenager in the United States. She stated that she was surrounded by "visions of NASCAR, rock'n'roll, and being the one who would change everything" when growing up. She also commented on how the people around her growing up made her believe that everything is achievable, though did not tell her that "you need your neighbor more than your country needs you".<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain Shares New Song "American Teenager": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/ethel-cain-shares-new-song-american-teenager-listen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421131625/https://pitchfork.com/news/ethel-cain-shares-new-song-american-teenager-listen/ |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> Commenting on making a song with a more mainstream sound than the rest of her discography, Cain stated she was "scared that if [she] made pop music, [she] wouldn't be taken seriously for the non-pop songs", but later felt as if she was "getting to the point where [she] [does not] care".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schartz |first=Emma |date=2023-06-21 |title=Ethel Cain and Kiernan Shipka on Nihilism and Nightmares |url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/ethel-cain-and-kiernan-shipka-on-nihilism-and-nightmares |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621182113/https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/ethel-cain-and-kiernan-shipka-on-nihilism-and-nightmares |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=Interview |language=en-US}}</ref> Cain produced the song herself and wrote it with Steven Mark Colyer.<ref name="Spotify">{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2022 |title=American Teenager - song and lyrics by Ethel Cain |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/5R2PieOoPtl5ktzMAhOUed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013170531/https://open.spotify.com/track/5R2PieOoPtl5ktzMAhOUed |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |publisher=Spotify}}</ref>{{efn|Cain is credited by her real name, Hayden Silas Anhedönia.<ref name="Spotify" />}}
== Music and lyrics == {{Listen | filename = Ethel Cain - American Teenager.ogg | title = "American Teenager" | description = The chorus of "American Teenager", displaying the song's synthesizers, guitar, and drums, as well as Ethel Cain's reverbed vocals. | pos = left }} "American Teenager" is 4 minutes and 18 seconds long.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2022 |title=American Teenager - Single - Album by Ethel Cain |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/american-teenager-single/1615940237 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422155125/https://music.apple.com/us/album/american-teenager-single/1615940237 |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |publisher=Apple Music}}</ref> It is a heartland rock{{efn|Attributed to ''Pitchfork''{{'}}s Evan Rytlewski,<ref name=":11" /> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Shaad D'Souza,<ref name="guardian" /> ''Paper''{{'}}s Jacqueline Codiga,<ref name="codiga">{{Cite web |last=Codiga |first=Jacqueline |date=June 29, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain: All-American Girl |url=https://www.papermag.com/ethel-cain-cover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117211034/https://www.papermag.com/ethel-cain-cover |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Paper}}</ref> ''American Songwriter''{{'}}s Em Casalena,<ref name=":3" /> and ''Paste''{{'}}s Clare Martin.<ref name=":17" />}} and pop{{efn|Attributed to ''Clash''{{'}}s Oshen Douglas-McCormick,<ref name="clash" /> ''DIY''{{'}}s Ben Tipple and Elly Watson,<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":9" /> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Phil Mongredien,<ref name="mongredien">{{Cite web |last=Mongredien |first=Phil |date=May 14, 2022 |title=One to watch: Ethel Cain |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/may/14/one-to-watch-ethel-cain-preachers-daughter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514131737/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/may/14/one-to-watch-ethel-cain-preachers-daughter |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> and ''Pitchfork''{{'}}s Nadine Smith.<ref name=":5" />}} song with elements of country rock<ref name=":2" /> and folk music.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Casalena |first=Em |date=December 1, 2024 |title=4 of the Best Rock Songs of the 2020s (So Far) |url=https://americansongwriter.com/4-of-the-best-rock-songs-of-the-2020s-so-far/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201210921/https://americansongwriter.com/4-of-the-best-rock-songs-of-the-2020s-so-far/ |archive-date=December 1, 2024 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=American Songwriter}}</ref> It has also been described as an ambient pop,<ref>{{cite web |last=L. |first=Jasper |date=May 15, 2022 |title=Review: Ethel Cain - Preacher's Daughter |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/84855/Ethel-Cain-Preachers-Daughter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827053943/https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/84855/Ethel-Cain-Preachers-Daughter/ |archive-date=August 27, 2023 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |work=Sputnikmusic}}</ref> indie folk,<ref name="RS LGBTQ+">{{cite magazine |author=Rolling Stone Staff |date=June 28, 2023 |title=The 50 Most Inspirational LGBTQ Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-inspirational-lgbtq-anthems-pride-songs-1234773829/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628131420/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-inspirational-lgbtq-anthems-pride-songs-1234773829/ |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |access-date=September 1, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> pop rock,<ref name=":18">{{Cite magazine |last1=Billboard Staff |last2=Unterberger |first2=Andrew |date=December 7, 2022 |title=The 100 Best Songs of 2022: Staff List |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-songs-2022/zach-bryan-something-in-the-orange/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207171708/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-songs-2022/tariq-the-gregory-brothers-recess-therapy-its-corn/ |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> and arena rock<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reilly |first=Dan |date=January 7, 2025 |title=37 Albums We Can't Wait to Hear in 2025 |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/new-albums-released-2025-music-preview.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108122120/https://www.vulture.com/article/new-albums-released-2025-music-preview.html |archive-date=January 8, 2025 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=Vulture}}</ref> track by select music publications. It is driven by synthesizers, guitar, and drums with a hook reminiscent of rock music from the 1980s.<ref name="clash">{{cite web |last=Douglas-McCormick |first=Oshen |date=May 18, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain - Preacher's Daughter |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523210029/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |access-date=January 2, 2024 |work=Clash}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Chodzin |first=Devon |date=May 11, 2022 |title=On Preacher's Daughter, Ethel Cain's Jarring, Beautiful Vision Comes to Life |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/ethel-cain/preachers-daughter-album-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511181552/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/ethel-cain/preachers-daughter-album-review |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |website=Paste}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Bridgewater |first=Paul |date=May 11, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain builds a world of her own on the impressive debut Preacher's Daughter |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/ethel-cain-builds-a-world-of-her-own-on-the-impressive-debut-preachers-daug |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511231106/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/ethel-cain-builds-a-world-of-her-own-on-the-impressive-debut-preachers-daug |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |website=The Line of Best Fit}}</ref> Cain's vocals, and the track itself, contain considerable amounts of reverb.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Erickson |first=Steve |date=December 6, 2022 |title=The 50 Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/the-50-best-songs-of-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207061054/https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/the-50-best-songs-of-2022/ |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Slant Magazine}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Reanna |date=December 15, 2022 |title=The 100 Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/12/15/1135803900/100-best-songs-2022-page-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215130944/https://www.npr.org/2022/12/15/1135803900/100-best-songs-2022-page-4 |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |publisher=NPR Music}}</ref> Its guitar riff is a sample of the song "Don't Stop Believin'{{-"}} (1981) by the American rock band Journey.<ref name=":19">{{cite web |last=Pitchfork |date=September 30, 2024 |title=The 100 Best Songs of the 2020s So Far |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-100-best-songs-of-the-2020s-so-far/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930132529/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-100-best-songs-of-the-2020s-so-far/ |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> "American Teenager" is the most upbeat song on ''Preacher's Daughter<ref name=":12" />'' and was seen as its most commercially appealing track by Paul Bridgewater from ''The Line of Best Fit''.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Bridgewater |first=Paul |date=December 19, 2022 |title=The Best Songs of 2022 Ranked |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/best-songs-2022-ranked?page=5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320133114/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/best-songs-2022-ranked?page=5 |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=The Line of Best Fit}}</ref> ''Pitchfork''{{'s}} Olivia Horn deemed it Cain's "closest brush with pop's mainstream".<ref name=":19" /> Writing for ''Billboard'', Stephen Daw felt it had a more uplifting sound compared to Cain's previous material.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Daw |first=Stephen |date=April 22, 2022 |title=First Out: New Music From 070 Shake, Ethel Cain, Isaac Dunbar & More |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/first-out-new-music-070-shake-ethel-cain-isaac-dunbar-1235062411/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422174224/https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/first-out-new-music-070-shake-ethel-cain-isaac-dunbar-1235062411/ |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
"American Teenager" is about intergenerational trauma,<ref name=":3" /> with lyrics that offer cultural commentary criticizing gun culture in the United States,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Roisin |date=2022-12-24 |title=Ethel Cain responds after Obama includes her song on his end-of-year playlist |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ethel-cain-obama-playlist-2022-b2251080.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224130759/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ethel-cain-obama-playlist-2022-b2251080.html |archive-date=December 24, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> unraveling the concept of the "American Dream",<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Tipple |first=Ben |date=May 13, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain - Preacher's Daughter review |url=https://diymag.com/review/album/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter-album-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215104030/https://diymag.com/review/album/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter-album-review |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=DIY}}</ref> as well as expressing anti-war themes.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Aroesti |first=Rachel |date=May 13, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain: Preacher's Daughter review – evocative goth-pop with emotional heft |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/may/13/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513080606/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/may/13/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter-review |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> The lyric "The neighbor's brother came home in a box" challenges the idea of a person serving their country, while "Jesus, if you're there, why do I feel alone in this room with you?" questions the idea of a person loving their god.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last1=Watson |first1=Elly |last2=Swann |first2=Emma |last3=Wright |first3=Lisa |last4=Pilley |first4=Max |last5=Jamieson |first5=Sarah |date=December 22, 2022 |title=DIY's Tracks of 2022 |url=https://diymag.com/feature/diy-best-tracks-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215075455/https://diymag.com/feature/diy-best-tracks-2022 |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=DIY}}</ref> The song evokes imagery of a high school football team,<ref name=":7" /> nights that went wrong, and prayers to Jesus.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Nadine |date=December 5, 2022 |title=The 100 Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-songs-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205143013/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-songs-2022/ |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref> Its isolation-influenced lyrics about crying on a set of bleachers and witnessing caskets come back from war are used in a way to promote her sense of self-determination.<ref name=":10">{{Cite magazine |last=Kim |first=Michelle Hyun |date=2022-12-05 |title=The 100 Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-2022-list-1234632381/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205153654/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-2022-list-1234632381/ |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> Cain references the American racing driver Dale Earnhardt in the lyric "I do it for my daddy and I do it for Dale",<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Clare |date=October 16, 2024 |title=The 100 Best Songs of the 2020s So Far |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/best-songs/the-100-best-songs-of-the-2020s-so-far |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241021113754/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/best-songs/the-100-best-songs-of-the-2020s-so-far |archive-date=October 21, 2024 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Paste}}</ref> and the song ends with the line "I'm doing what I want / And damn, I'm doing it well / For me", showing that the one thing Cain believes in is herself.<ref name=":10" /> Bridgewater highlighted that the track, alongside the album songs "Family Tree" and "Gibson Girl", contain "lyrics that paint a Southern Gothic world filled with the scent of Marlboro Reds, and waffle-house{{sic}} coffee".<ref name=":13" />
{{Multiple image | direction = horizontal | caption_align = center | image1 = Taylor Swift 2022 infobox.jpg | alt1 = A blonde woman performing on stage while holding a microphone. | image2 = SpringsteenCardiff050524 (44 of 166) (53705263503) (cropped).jpg | alt2 = A man performing the guitar on stage | total_width = 300 | footer = Numerous reviewers compared the sound of "American Teenager" to various musicians, especially Taylor Swift ''(left)'' and Bruce Springsteen ''(right)''. }}
Numerous reviewers compared the sound of "American Teenager" to various musicians, especially Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen. ''The Guardian''{{'s}} Shaad D'Souza said the track "feels indebted" to Swift and Springsteen<ref name="guardian">{{Cite news |last=D'Souza |first=Shaad |date=2023-07-07 |title='I felt like a performing monkey': Ethel Cain on fans, fainting and being 'Miss Alt-Pop Star' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/07/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708044003/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/07/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter-interview |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=2023-09-01 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and jokingly called it "the year's best Taylor Swift song".<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last1=Bugel |first1=Safi |last2=D'Souza |first2=Shaad |last3=Snapes |first3=Laura |date=December 5, 2022 |title=The 20 best songs of 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/dec/05/the-20-best-songs-of-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205062207/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/dec/05/the-20-best-songs-of-2022 |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Similarly, Michelle Hyun Kim of ''Rolling Stone'' said it is reminiscent of Springsteen, Swift, and the emo band American Football.<ref name=":10" /> Devon Chodzin from ''Paste'' commented on the track's "Springsteen-like curiosity around Americana, but even more biting criticism".<ref name=":12" /> Tom Williams noticed similarities with Swift's second studio album, ''Fearless'' (2008), in a review for ''Beats Per Minute''.<ref name=":7" /> Similarly, Evan Rytlewski of ''Pitchfork'' observed similarities between the song and ''Speak Now'' (2010), Swift's third studio album.<ref name=":11">{{cite web |last1=Rytlewski |first1=Evan |date=May 18, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain: Preacher's Daughter Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518040423/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/ethel-cain-preachers-daughter/ |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> Steve Erickson from ''Slant Magazine'' wrote that the song's "huge drums and vocals drowned in reverb" could be played next to Swift's songs on Top 40 radio,<ref name=":15" /> while Reanna Cruz of NPR Music felt the song's guitar tones were inspired by Swift and the musician Tom Petty.<ref name=":16" /> ''Paper''{{'s}} Jacqueline Codiga highlighted similarities between "American Teenager" and Swift's 2008 song "Love Story",<ref name="codiga" /> while Rayne Fisher-Quann of ''i-D'' commented on the song's "Springsteen-inflected heartland rock".<ref name=":25" /> Writing for ''Business Insider'', Callie Ahlgrim felt that the song "scratches a similar itch" that Lana Del Rey's song "Born to Die" (2012) did, "but swaps [Del Rey's] heavy-handed nihilism for a snapshot of youth that's far more complex and authentic".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |date=December 10, 2022 |title=The best songs of 2022 |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/best-songs-this-year-ranked-2022-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208155658/https://www.businessinsider.com/best-songs-this-year-ranked-2022-12 |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Business Insider}}</ref> A writer for ''Billboard'' felt the "ethereal regions of [Cain's] voice" were reminiscent of the Irish rock band the Cranberries.<ref name=":14">{{cite magazine |last1=Billboard Staff |last2=Lynch |first2=Joe |last3=Daw |first3=Stephen |last4=Dailey |first4=Hannah |date=June 2, 2023 |title=Best LGBTQ Anthems of All Time: 70 Queer Song Classics |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/lgbtq-anthems-queer-pride-songs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018015116/https://www.billboard.com/lists/lgbtq-anthems-queer-pride-songs/ |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> In an interview with ''Paper'', Cain cited Springsteen as a longtime inspiration.<ref name="codiga" />
== Reception ==
=== Critical response === Upon its release, "American Teenager" received positive reviews from music publications. Several critics considered it a standout track from ''Preacher's Daughter''.{{efn|Attributed to ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Phil Mongredien,<ref name="mongredien" /> ''Paste''{{'}}s Scott Russell,<ref name="pastemv" /> ''American Songwriter''{{'}}s Em Casalena,<ref name=":3" /> ''Clash''{{'}}s Oshen Douglas-McCormick,<ref name="clash" /> and ''British GQ''{{'}}s Lucy Ford and Jessie Atkinson.<ref name="gq" />}} Some reviewers highlighted the emotional contrast between the upbeat production and the melancholic lyrics.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Renshaw |first=David |date=December 15, 2022 |title=The 100 best songs of 2022 |url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/12/15/the-100-best-songs-of-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215190522/https://www.thefader.com/2022/12/15/the-100-best-songs-of-2022 |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=The Fader}}</ref> Rytlewski commended the song's ability to effectively establish the album's recurring themes.<ref name=":11" /> Some critics applauded the song's lyrical complexity, emotional depth, and imagery.{{efn|Attributed to ''The Line of Best Fit''{{'}}s Paul Bridgewater,<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":13" /> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Shaad D'Souza,<ref name=":21" /> and ''Paste''{{'}}s Jacqueline Codiga.<ref name="pasteeoy" />}} ''DIY''{{'s}} Ben Tipple considered it "perfect epic pop",<ref name=":4" /> while Bridgewater felt it was one of the album's "tent-pole tracks".<ref name=":13" /> Critics enjoyed the song's blend of genres<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":10" /> and Cain's ability to make an accessible track while maintaining a distinct sound.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Consequence Staff |date=December 5, 2022 |title=Top 50 Songs of 2022 |url=https://consequence.net/2022/12/top-50-songs-2022-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205162422/https://consequence.net/2022/12/top-50-songs-2022-list/ |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Consequence}}</ref>
==== Rankings ==== Several publications deemed "American Teenager" one of the best songs of 2022. It appeared in the top 25 spots in lists from ''Business Insider'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |date=December 22, 2022 |title=The 5 best and 5 worst songs of 2022 |url=https://www.insider.com/best-worst-songs-this-year-2022-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128002657/https://www.businessinsider.com/best-worst-songs-this-year-2022-12#wouldve-couldve-shouldve-by-taylor-swift-is-the-best-song-of-2022-5 |archive-date=January 28, 2025 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> ''The Line of Best Fit'',<ref name=":20" /> the ''Los Angeles Times'',<ref name="LAT">{{Cite web |last1=Brown |first1=August |last2=Draughorne |first2=Kenan |last3=Exposito |first3=Suzy |last4=Wood |first4=Mikael |date=December 4, 2022 |title=The 100 best songs of 2022 (complete with playlist!) |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-12-04/best-2022-100-songs-beyonce-taylor-swift-bad-bunny |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204143630/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-12-04/best-2022-100-songs-beyonce-taylor-swift-bad-bunny |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> ''Vulture'',<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Curto |first1=Justin |last2=Suskind |first2=Alex |date=December 7, 2022 |title=The Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/best-songs-2022.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304193357/https://www.vulture.com/article/best-songs-2022.html |archive-date=March 4, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Vulture}}</ref> ''The Guardian'',<ref name=":21" /> ''Slant Magazine'',<ref name=":15" /> ''Pitchfork'',<ref name=":5" /> ''Paste'',<ref name="pasteeoy">{{Cite web |last=Paste Staff |date=December 5, 2022 |title=The 50 Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/best-songs/best-songs-of-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205184400/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/best-songs/best-songs-of-2022 |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Paste}}</ref> ''The New York Times'',<ref name="NYT">{{Cite web |last1=Pareles |first1=Jon |author-link1=Jon Pareles |last2=Caramanica |first2=Jon |author-link2=Jon Caramanica |last3=Zoladz |first3=Lindsay |date=December 7, 2022 |title=Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/07/arts/music/best-songs-2022.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207101121/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/07/arts/music/best-songs-2022.html |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> ''DIY'',<ref name=":9" /> ''Billboard'',<ref name=":18" /> and NPR Music.<ref name=":16" /> It also received further placements in the top 100 from ''The Fader'',<ref name=":22" /> ''Consequence'',<ref name=":24" /> ''Vice'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Duncan |date=December 27, 2022 |title=The 50 Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-50-best-songs-of-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127021326/https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-50-best-songs-of-2022/ |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Vice}}</ref> and ''Rolling Stone'',<ref name=":10" /> and appeared in unranked lists from ''Slate'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Carl |date=December 9, 2022 |title=The Best Albums of 2022 |url=https://slate.com/culture/2022/12/best-albums-2022-plus-songs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209110923/https://slate.com/culture/2022/12/best-albums-2022-plus-songs.html |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Slate}}</ref> ''Nylon'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nylon |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Nylon's Favorite Songs Of 2022 |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/nylon-top-songs-of-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207095337/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/nylon-top-songs-of-2022 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Nylon}}</ref> ''Uproxx'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uproxx Music |date=December 4, 2022 |title=The Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://uproxx.com/music/best-songs-of-2022-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205063441/https://uproxx.com/music/best-songs-of-2022-list/ |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=Uproxx}}</ref> and ''British GQ''.<ref name="gq">{{Cite web |last1=Ford |first1=Lucy |last2=Atkinson |first2=Jessie |date=November 29, 2022 |title=The 22 best songs 2022 |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/best-songs-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129202639/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/best-songs-2022 |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=British GQ}}</ref> It was included in ''Rolling Stone''<nowiki/>'s 2023 list of the most inspirational LGBTQ songs of all time; Ilana Kaplan called it ''Preacher's Daughter''{{'s}} breakout song.<ref name="RSLGBTQ">{{cite magazine |last=Rolling Stone |date=June 28, 2023 |title=The 50 Most Inspirational LGBTQ Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-inspirational-lgbtq-anthems-pride-songs-1234773829/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628131420/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-inspirational-lgbtq-anthems-pride-songs-1234773829/ |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |access-date=January 2, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> Similarly, ''Billboard'' named it as one of the best LGBTQ anthems of all time in 2024, describing it as "earnest yet jaded, familiar yet fresh".<ref name=":14" />
''Pitchfork'' and ''Paste'' both featured the song in their mid-decade lists of the best songs of the 2020s. The former ranked it at number 29; Horn called it a "fist-pumping anthem of solidarity for all the young people that the American dream leaves behind".<ref name=":19" /> The latter named it the 64th best track, with Clare Martin lauding Cain's pop abilities "as she pays tribute to her Southern Baptist Florida upbringing".<ref name="pastemid">{{Cite web |last=Paste Staff |date=October 16, 2024 |title=The 100 Best Songs of the 2020s So Far |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/best-songs/the-100-best-songs-of-the-2020s-so-far |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241021113754/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/best-songs/the-100-best-songs-of-the-2020s-so-far |archive-date=October 21, 2024 |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Paste}}</ref> In 2024, ''American Songwriter'' named it the best rock song of the decade so far; Em Casalena lauded the song's folk elements, saying they made the song sound "addicting". She also commented, "It's wild how a song about intergenerational trauma can be such a delightful little slice of music".<ref name=":3" /> Both ''USA Today'' and ''Billboard'' included it in their 2024 lists of the best songs to play on the Fourth of July.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |last2=Dailey |first2=Hannah |last3=Grein |first3=Paul |date=July 1, 2024 |title=35 Top America Songs for July 4th |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-america-songs-july-4th-anthems-usa/lil-wayne-god-bless-amerika/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705014936/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-america-songs-july-4th-anthems-usa/lil-wayne-god-bless-amerika/ |archive-date=July 5, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=Sophie |date=May 24, 2024 |title=40 Fourth of July songs to add to your holiday playlist |url=https://www.today.com/life/holidays/4th-july-songs-rcna150864 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524200738/https://www.today.com/life/holidays/4th-july-songs-rcna150864 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=USA Today}}</ref> {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;" |+Select rankings of "American Teenager" ! scope="col" | Publication ! scope="col" | List ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Rank ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Ref.}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |''Billboard'' |The 100 Best Songs of 2022 |2022 |{{center|21}} |{{center|<ref name=":18" />}} |- |70 Top LGBTQ+ Anthems of All Time |2024 |{{center|46}} |{{center|<ref name=":14" /> }} |- ! rowspan="1" scope="row" |''DIY'' |Tracks of 2022 |2022 |{{center|20}} |{{center|<ref name=":9" />}} |- ! scope="row" |''The Guardian'' |The 20 Best Songs of 2022 |2022 |{{center|8}} |{{center|<ref name=":21" />}} |- ! scope="row" |''The Line of Best Fit'' |The Best Songs of 2022 |2022 |{{center|2}} |{{center|<ref name=":20" />}} |- ! scope="row" |''Los Angeles Times'' |50 Best Songs of 2022 |2022 |{{center|3}} |{{center|<ref name="LAT" />}} |- ! scope="row" |''The New York Times'' |Best Songs of 2022 |2022 |{{center|13}} |{{center|<ref name="NYT" />}} |- ! scope="row" |NPR Music |100 Best Songs of 2022 |2022 |{{center|25}} |{{center|<ref name=":16" />}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |''Paste'' |Best Songs of 2022 |2022 |{{center|13}} |{{center|<ref name="pasteeoy" />}} |- |The 100 Best Songs of the 2020s So Far |2024 |{{center|64}} |{{center|<ref name="pastemid" />}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |''Pitchfork'' |The 100 Best Songs of 2022 |2022 |{{center|11}} |{{center|<ref name=":5" />}} |- |The 100 Best Songs of the 2020s So Far |2024 |{{center|29}} |{{center|<ref name=":19" />}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |''Rolling Stone'' |100 Best Songs of 2022 |2022 |{{center|91}} |{{center|<ref name=":10" />}} |- |The 50 Most Inspirational LGBTQ Songs of All Time |2023 |{{center|49}} |{{center|<ref name="RSLGBTQ" />}} |- |}
=== Celebrity response === "American Teenager" was listed as one of former President of the United States Barack Obama's favorite songs of 2022, which prompted surprise from Cain and the media due to the song's anti-war message.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dao |first=Dan Q. |date=24 December 2022 |title=Barack Obama Listens to Ethel Cain |url=https://www.papermag.com/barack-obama-ethel-cain-pick |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901235353/https://www.papermag.com/barack-obama-ethel-cain-pick |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=Paper}}</ref> The song was included on the pre-show playlist for Swift's the Eras Tour (2023–2024).<ref>{{cite web |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |date=October 13, 2023 |title=18 details you may have missed at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour |url=https://www.insider.com/taylor-swift-eras-tour-details-easter-eggs-references-missed-photos-2023-8#the-pre-show-playlist-includes-swifts-friends-and-opening-acts-1 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503202346/https://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-eras-tour-details-easter-eggs-references-missed-photos-2023-8#the-pre-show-playlist-includes-swifts-friends-and-opening-acts-1 |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=Business Insider}}</ref> American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams covered "American Teenager" at the Sydney concert of her Good Riddance Tour in January 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Graves |first1=Shahlin |date=January 24, 2024 |title=Watch: Gracie Abrams covers Ethel Cain and Taylor Swift in Australia. |url=https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/gracie-abrams/19544 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129062249/https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/gracie-abrams/19544 |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Coup de Main}}</ref> The following month, she recorded a cover version of the song for the Australian radio station Triple J. Following its release, Abrams showed admiration for Cain; she described the song as "amazing" and stated that she enjoys Cain's songwriting and listens to her music often.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Robin |date=February 5, 2024 |title=Gracie Abrams Covers Ethel Cain's 'American Teenager' |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/gracie-abrams-covers-ethel-cains-american-teenager/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205192406/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/gracie-abrams-covers-ethel-cains-american-teenager/ |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Clash}}</ref>
=== Influence === Nico Lang named their nonfiction book, ''American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era'', after "American Teenager". They decided on the name when they heard Cain's song playing on the radio, later saying that they hoped the song would influence how readers approached their book.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Ruzova|first=Diana|date=November 6, 2024|title=A Conversation with Nico Lang About "American Teenager"|url=https://chireviewofbooks.com/2024/11/06/a-conversation-with-nico-lang-about-american-teenager/|access-date=2026-03-13|website=Chicago Review of Books|language=en-US}}</ref>
== Music video and live performances == [[File:Perry FL street01.jpg|thumb|The music video for "American Teenager" was filmed in Cain's hometown of Perry, Florida.|200x200px|alt=A photograph of a street in Perry, Florida's downtown.]] Cain directed and edited the music video for "American Teenager", which was filmed by Silken Weinberg in Cain's hometown of Perry, Florida.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last=Fisher-Quann |first=Rayne |author-link=Rayne Fisher-Quann |date=November 23, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain is subverting the idealised American Dream |url=https://i-d.co/article/ethel-cain-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250111072827/https://i-d.co/article/ethel-cain-interview/ |archive-date=January 11, 2025 |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=i-D |language=en}}</ref><ref name="pastemv" /> Cain wore her mother's cheerleading uniform to the city's high school football field, shooting the video on the same camera used for the music video of her song "God's Country" (2021).<ref name="pastemv">{{cite web |last1=Russell |first1=Scott |date=July 21, 2022 |title=Watch Ethel Cain's "American Teenager" Music Video |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/ethel-cain/american-teenager-music-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721173251/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/ethel-cain/american-teenager-music-video/ |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=Paste}}</ref> She stated that she felt it correct to follow in her mother's "footsteps" for the music video after looking at old pictures of her mother.<ref name=":8" /> The video pays homage to American Football and contains footage of the September 11 attacks. It also includes a longer intro to the song.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappis |first=Konstantinos |date=2022-07-22 |title=Ethel Cain Shares New Video for 'American Teenagers', Announces Debut UK Show |url=https://ourculturemag.com/2022/07/22/ethel-cain-shares-new-video-for-american-teenagers-announces-debut-uk-show/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730051855/https://ourculturemag.com/2022/07/22/ethel-cain-shares-new-video-for-american-teenagers-announces-debut-uk-show/ |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Our Culture Mag |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Cain performed "American Teenager" live at several festivals, including the Pitchfork Music Festival,<ref name=":23" /> Coachella,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wheeler |first1=André-Naquian |date=April 17, 2023 |title=For Her First-Ever Coachella Performance, Ethel Cain Went Full Cheerleader in Givenchy |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/for-her-first-ever-coachella-performance-ethel-cain-went-full-cheerleader-in-givenchy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417222932/https://www.vogue.com/article/for-her-first-ever-coachella-performance-ethel-cain-went-full-cheerleader-in-givenchy |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Vogue}}</ref> and Primavera Sound.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Delgado |first1=Sara |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Primavera Sound Barcelona 2024 Was the Perfect Live Summer Playlist |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/primavera-sound-barcelona-2024-recap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604031426/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/primavera-sound-barcelona-2024-recap |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=Teen Vogue}}</ref> She also included it in the set list of her first two concerts tours, the Freezer Bride Tour in 2022,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Seo |first1=Rachel |date=November 7, 2022 |title=Ethel Cain's 'Freezer Bride' U.S. Tour Concludes with Transcendent Los Angeles Show: Concert Review |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/musicians/ethel-cain-freezer-bride-tour-los-angeles-concert-review-1235424363/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107155454/https://variety.com/2022/music/musicians/ethel-cain-freezer-bride-tour-los-angeles-concert-review-1235424363/ |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Variety}}</ref> and the Blood Stained Blonde Tour in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Factora |first1=James |date=February 24, 2023 |title=Boygenius Has Announced Its First UK Tour, Including Dates With MUNA and Ethel Cain |url=https://www.them.us/story/boygenius-ethel-cain-muna-uk-tour-dates-tickets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226022023/https://www.them.us/story/boygenius-ethel-cain-muna-uk-tour-dates-tickets |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Them}}</ref>
== Certifications == {{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=American Teenager|artist=Ethel Cain|type=single|award=Gold|accessdate=May 29, 2026|relyear=2022|certyear=2026}} {{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
== References == === Notes === {{notelist}} === Citations === {{reflist}}
{{Ethel Cain}} {{Authority control}}
Category:2022 songs Category:Ethel Cain songs Category:AWAL singles Category:Heartland rock songs Category:Songs about the United States Category:Songs about teenagers Category:Songs about nostalgia Category:Songs about Florida Category:Songs about alcohol Category:Songs about the military Category:Anti-war songs Category:Barack Obama controversies Category:Southern Gothic media Category:LGBTQ-related songs