Neil Young’s “Lookin’ for a Leader” Lyrics Meaning

The title of this track (“Lookin’ for a Leader”) clearly sums up the message of this song. The narrator who attempts to represent the citizenry is seeking a better leader for America.

From the perspective of the narrator, the current president may not be doing such a good job, hence his search for a stronger leader. He suggests that a better president may have to be younger, either a black man or a woman; signifying his need for someone different who can bring the change that they need. The singer also highlights the point that the country is dealing with corruption among other problems and needs someone who has a tougher spirit and is capable of rooting out the problems America is fraught with.

A dig at President Donald Trump?

Neil Young re-wrote the lyrics of this song in 2020, purposely targeted at the presidency of Donald Trump. In the re-written version, Neil suggests that there is a better leader who may not necessarily fit into the status quo, but is capable of making America a better place to be.

While he commends former president Obama, he condemns the current president at the time (President Trump) particularly for his proposed border wall and for not supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

Summary

Neil Young uses this song to stress on the need for America to have a better leader fit enough to handle the country’s affairs and make it a safer and more secure place for its people.

“Lookin’ for a Leader” Facts

Writing: Exclusively done by Neil Young
Production: N. Bolas, L.A. Johnson and Young

When was Neil Young’s “Lookin’ for a Leader” released?

Neil actually released this protest track back in May of 2006. The track was initially an Anti-Bush song as it was written during the tenure of then President George W. Bush. However, he modified the song’s lyrics in 2020 to apparently take on President Trump. The song’s rewritten version is actually titled “Looking for a Leader 2020”.

The original version of the song appears on Neil’s Grammy nominated “Living with War” album of 2006.