When the people lead
The leaders they will have to follow
And all their lies and their alibis
They will have to swallow
And it's you that has the authority
For the one who is right
Is the majority

When the people lead
People take the lead
Children you've got to take your lead
Or you shall be led astray

So as long as someone else
Controls your history
The truth shall remain just a mystery
For you can lead a horse to the water
But you cannot make him drink
You can put a man through school
But you cannot make him think

When the people lead
People take the lead
Children you've got to take your lead
Or you shall be led astray

Watch them try to hide
This world's imposition
But like disease that has come round from remission
When it seems
As if it has left your person
All the while it has only worsened

When the people lead
People take the lead
Children you've got to take your lead
Or you shall be led astray

Overall Meaning

Ben Harper's song "People Lead" is a powerful call to action for people to take control of their lives and play an active role in leading society towards positive change. Harper argues that the key to accomplishing this lies in the hands of ordinary people, and when they take the lead, the leaders must follow or face the consequences of their lies and alibis.

The chorus repeats the message of taking the lead to avoid being led astray by others. The verse about controlling history can be interpreted as a call to examine and challenge dominant narratives that may not reflect the reality of people's experiences. The verse about leading a horse to water but not making him drink speaks to the importance of individual agency and decision making in personal growth and development.

The song also addresses the challenge of confronting and uncovering widespread societal issues that have been hidden and ignored for too long. Harper urges people to resist the urge to hide from these problems and instead face them head-on, even when it is difficult.

Overall, "People Lead" is an inspiring and thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to take action and become leaders in their own lives and communities.

Line by Line Meaning

When the people lead
When individuals unite and take charge

The leaders they will have to follow
Those in charge must comply with what the people demand

And all their lies and their alibis
The excuses and dishonesty of leaders will be exposed

They will have to swallow
Leaders will have to accept the consequences of their actions

And it's you that has the authority
The power lies with the people

For the one who is right
The majority who are correct

Is the majority
Hold the power in creating change

Children you've got to take your lead
Youth must step up and be part of change

Or you shall be led astray
Otherwise, one may follow others blindly

So as long as someone else
As long as others hold the power

Controls your history
Dictate what we learn and interpret in our histories

The truth shall remain just a mystery
The full understanding of the past remains elusive

For you can lead a horse to the water
You cannot force someone to do something against their will

But you cannot make him drink
You cannot control what someone ultimately chooses

You can put a man through school
Giving someone education is futile if they fail to think critically

But you cannot make him think
Individuals must choose to be open-minded and think for themselves

Watch them try to hide
Notice how those in power try to obscure injustices

This world's imposition
The problems that were created by those in power

But like disease that has come round from remission
A recurring problem

When it seems
When it appears

As if it has left your person
As if the situation is resolved and not affecting you anymore

All the while it has only worsened
All along, the problem has been getting worse.

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