Nancy Wilson Speaks Out: Why Being an American Feels More Embarrassing Than Ever

Nancy Wilson, the legendary guitarist and singer of Heart, is voicing her frustration over the state of America, saying she feels more embarrassed than ever to be an American. In a recent interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wilson reflected on how the lyrics to Heart’s 1975 hit Crazy on You were inspired by the disillusionment she felt during the Vietnam War era. Now, she believes things have only gotten worse.

Looking Back: Vietnam War and Disillusionment

Wilson recalled how Crazy on You was written during a time when she and her bandmates were deeply troubled by the country’s involvement in Vietnam. “We were kind of embarrassed at that time to call ourselves American because of the dirty politics of the Vietnam War,” she said.

She pointed to lyrics like “No way to breathe easy” and “So afraid of someone who’s so afraid of you” as a direct reflection of the frustration she felt then. However, she believes the state of the country today is even more distressing. “To be as subtle as possible, it’s more embarrassing now,” Wilson added.

The Meaning Behind “Barracuda” and Today’s Culture

Wilson also spoke about Barracuda, another of Heart’s most famous songs, explaining that it was originally written about “a real sleazeball with a satin jacket” who tried to exploit the band for money. However, she sees the song as even more relevant today, especially in the context of powerful men abusing their influence.

She specifically referenced former President Donald Trump’s infamous “grab them by the p—y” comment, saying, “Salacious billionaire culture with the ‘grab them by the p—y’ mentality is exactly what Barracuda was pushing back against.”

Despite the current challenges, Wilson remains hopeful for change. “I think for women in the culture, the pendulum will come back again, and there’ll be another renaissance in the arts to push back against the oppression of the cranky old rich white guys,” she said. “I hope I am alive to see that next revolution.”

Heart’s Legacy and Their Current Tour

Despite her frustrations with the country’s direction, Wilson continues to use her music to inspire and provoke thought. Heart is currently on their Royal Flush Tour, which is making its way across North America. Their next show is scheduled for April 16 in New York City.

For Wilson, music has always been a way to challenge the status quo, and she believes it will continue to play a role in shaping the future. “Music has the power to unite people, to make them think, and to inspire change,” she said. “That’s something I’ll never stop believing in.”