Jacksonville
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics
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He's got it right, he's got a better life coming
I don't care what the captain said
I fold it right at the top of my head
I lost my sight and the state packs in
I follow my heart and it leads me right to Jackson
Oh, Keller, oh, oh, oh
She gave us a medal, she gave us a map
Oh, Canner Row, oh, oh, oh
If seeing is right, then look where you're at
I'm not afraid of Nichol's Park
I ride the train and I ride it after dark
I'm not afraid to get it right
I turn around and I give it one more try
I said things that I meant to say
The bandstand chairs and the Dewey Day parade
I go out to the golden age
The spirit is right and the spirit doesn't change
Oh, Keller, oh, oh, oh
She gave us mirror, she gave us a map
Oh, Canner Row, oh, oh, oh
If seeing is right then look where you're at
Andrew Jackson, all I'm asking
Show us the wheel and give us the wine
Woohoo, woohoo
Raise the banner, jackson hammer
Everyone goes to the capitol line
Woohoo, woohoo
Colored preacher, nice to meet you
The spirit is here and the spirit is fine
Woohoo, woohoo
Education, ask the nation
You gave us our sight and the hearing is fine
Woohoo, woohoo
Andrew Jackson, all I'm asking
Give us the wheel and give us the wine
Sufjan Stevens's "Jacksonville" is a nostalgic song that reflects on the memories of the past in the eponymous city in Florida. The song starts with a declaration: "I'm not afraid of the black man running/ He's got it right, he's got a better life coming." These lines allude to the marginalized black communities who have fought for their rights and freedom in the face of systemic racism. Stevens is expressing his admiration for their determination and perseverance.
The singer of the song is lost and searching for guidance, but he decides to follow his heart, which leads him to Jacksonville. He refers to various places and events, including "Keller," "Canner Row," "Nichol's Park," and "Dewey Day parade." These places and events are likely to be specific to Jacksonville, evoking fond memories for Stevens. The song also mentions Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, who supposedly visited Jacksonville in 1824.
The song's chorus emphasizes the importance of seeing things clearly, both physically and metaphorically. The phrase "If seeing is right, then look where you're at" suggests that we need to examine our surroundings and where we stand to find direction in life.
Overall, "Jacksonville" is a poignant and introspective song that captures the essence of a place and time, highlighting the struggles of marginalized communities, and urging us to pay attention to our surroundings and listen to our hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not afraid of the black man running
I don't have any fear for a successful Black person.
He's got it right, he's got a better life coming
The African American has done everything correctly; hence he deserves to have a better life.
I don't care what the captain said
I'm not moved by the captain's words or opinion.
I fold it right at the top of my head
I make my decisions based on my own thoughts and beliefs.
I lost my sight and the state packs in
I have lost my vision, and the government doesn't care about it.
I follow my heart and it leads me right to Jackson
My heart directs me to travel to Jackson, and that's the path I follow.
She gave us a medal, she gave us a map
Keller has given us an award and also shown us the way to our destination.
If seeing is right, then look where you're at
If you observe and able to understand correctly, you will not regret your choices.
I'm not afraid of Nichol's Park
I'm not scared of going to Nichol's Park.
I ride the train and I ride it after dark
Even during the night, I take a train ride to a destination.
I'm not afraid to get it right
I'm confident and not scared to do the right thing.
I turn around and I give it one more try
I never give up; I try again and again until I succeed.
I said things that I meant to say
I speak only the truth and my honest opinion.
The bandstand chairs and the Dewey Day parade
The day of the parade, I focus on the bandstand chairs and the festivity around me.
I go out to the golden age
I relive my memories of the past.
The spirit is right and the spirit doesn't change
My beliefs and morals have not changed over the years.
Andrew Jackson, all I'm asking
I'm only requesting for Andrew Jackson's help.
Show us the wheel and give us the wine
Help us to create opportunities to succeed and to celebrate with us when we succeed.
Raise the banner, jackson hammer
Let's celebrate and cherish the successes and endeavors of Andrew Jackson.
Everyone goes to the capitol line
Everyone is racing towards the capital to achieve great things.
Colored preacher, nice to meet you
It's an honor to meet an African American preacher.
The spirit is here and the spirit is fine
There's an excellent vibe, and everything is good.
Education, ask the nation
Education is vital, and every country must focus on it.
You gave us our sight, and the hearing is fine
We are grateful for being able to see and hear things around us.
Give us the wheel and give us the wine
We are only asking for opportunities to attain success and to celebrate together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Sufjan Stevens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind