" American Dream " was recorded as the band 's first music video . The video was directed by Karl Horstmann and produced by John Hembree . The video depicts a man 's crumbling relationship as he neglects his family in pursuit of his career ; the video interspaces the story with the band performing at a baseball field , Hall walking through the streets of a city , and the man unsuccessfully trying to maintain a sandcastle as the tide comes in to shore . The music video was included on their live album '' Live from Atlanta '' . as well as the ' Gift Edition ' and DualDisc version of '' Casting Crowns '' and the DVD version of '' WOW Hits 2005 '' . Tony Cummings of '' Cross Rhythms '' described the video as " rather effective " , praising the video 's imagery of " a businessman futilely trying to make a sandcastle as the tide rushes in " . The music video for " American Dream " was nominated for Short Form Music Video of the Year at the 36th GMA Dove Awards ; it ultimately lost to the music video for Switchfoot 's " Dare You to Move "
36th GMA Dove Awards
36th GMA Dove Awards
American Dream (Casting Crowns song)