The bridge in Your Best American Girl is one of the greatest bridges (or series) in popular music history IMHO. Both musically and lyrically it does exactly what a bridge is supposed to. Musically it is dramatic and bold, but arises completely naturally from the song. It takes the song to a whole new, unforeseen but inevitable plane. The lyrics are so moving they still hit me every single time. She is working out her issues with her mother and insecurities about her place in the world in real time… figuring it out, showing her work, then freaking proclaiming it. I feel like she’s starting the bridge in that awful, insecure dampening of ourselves we do when young to fit in, but immediately gathering strength and casting that shit off- almost aggressively but certainly confidently and very, very beautifully. And this new found confidence is coming not from her figuring out this romantic relationship in front of her, but by reflecting and figuring out her relationship with her mother. She gives use chapters of backstory with the efficiency of a master poet. In the brief progression of this line and the reprise, we get the the previous doubts, blaming, shame and confusion around that relationship resolved epiphany style and she immediately uses it to walk into that romantic encounter (that we *thought* the song was about) from a position of power. For the first time?
“Your mother wouldn't approve of how my mother raised me
But I do, I think I do…”
Then, at the end of the song, “…But I do, I * finally* do.” And we don’t even have time to get into the plaintive turned superhero powerful guitar the bridge! Or the delicious cacophony barely bridled! Chef’s kiss and misty eyes!
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