Lyrics Page
American Dream
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Jul 18, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Casting Crowns' song 'American Dream' critiques the pursuit of material success at the expense of family and faith. It tells the story of a man who prioritizes work and wealth, believing he is providing for his family, but gradually realizes he is losing what matters most. The lyrics contrast building a 'castle made with sand' with the lasting value of relationships and a life grounded in God. The song echoes the biblical question of gaining the world but losing one's soul, urging listeners to reconsider their priorities and invest in eternal rather than temporary things.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
All work no play may have made Jack a dull boy
But all work no God has left Jack with a lost soul
But he's moving on full steam
He's chasing the American dream
And he's gonna give his family the finer things
Not this time son I've no time to waste
Maybe tomorrow we'll have time to play
And then he slips into his new BMW
And drives farther and farther and farter away
So He works all day and tries to sleep at night
He says things will get better;
Better in time
'Cause he works and he builds with his own two hands
And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand
But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands
His American Dream is beginning to seem
More and more like a nightmare
With every passing day
"Daddy, can you come to my game?"
"Oh Baby, please don't work late."
Another wasted weekend
And they are slipping away
'Cause he works all day and lies awake at night
he tells them things will get better
It'll just take a little more time
He used to say, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins"
But if he loses his soul, what has he gained in the end
I'll take a shack on a rock
Over a castle in the sand
Now he works all day and cries alone at night
It's not getting any better
Looks like he's running out of time
'Cause he worked and he built with his own two hands
And he poured all he had in a castle made with sand
But the wind and the rain are coming crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands
All they really wanted was you
All they really wanted was you
All they really wanted was you