We Shall Overcome
[unknown] Lyrics


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We shall overcome

We shall overcome, we shall overcome
We shall overcome someday
Oh deep in my heart, I do believe
That we shall overcome someday

We'll walk hand in hand, we'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand someday
Oh deep in my heart, I do believe
That we shall overcome someday

We shall live in peace, we shall live in peace
We shall live in peace someday
Oh deep in my heart, I do believe
That we shall overcome someday

We shall brothers be, we shall brothers be
We shall brothers be someday
Oh deep in my heart, I do believe
That we shall overcome someday

The truth shall make us free, truth shall make us free
The truth shall make us free someday
Oh deep in my heart, I do believe
That we shall overcome someday

We are not afraid, we are not afraid
We are not afraid today
Oh deep in my heart, I do believe
That we shall overcome someday

@freedom
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Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "We Shall Overcome" are a powerful representation of the human desire for justice and equality. The song originated in the 1940s as a gospel hymn, "I'll Overcome Someday," and was adapted by African American civil rights activists in the 1950s and 1960s as an anthem for the movement. The lyrics express a deep conviction that, despite the obstacles facing marginalized communities, they will eventually achieve freedom, peace, and brotherhood.


The repeated phrase "we shall overcome" is a testament to the perseverance and hope of those engaged in the struggle for justice. The song acknowledges the difficulties of the journey, but affirms the belief that the ultimate goal of freedom is worth the effort. The lyric "the truth shall make us free" also reflects the idea that exposing injustice and telling the stories of those who suffer can bring about social change.


The imagery of walking hand in hand and the reference to becoming brothers emphasizes the idea of solidarity and community, that the struggle for justice is not just an individual effort but a collective one. The song suggests that overcoming oppression and achieving equality requires both individual action and the support and strength of a community.


Line by Line Meaning

We shall overcome, we shall overcome
We will be victorious, we will be victorious


We shall overcome someday
One day, we will triumph


Oh deep in my heart, I do believe
I have a strong conviction


That we shall overcome someday
That we will achieve success in the future


We'll walk hand in hand, we'll walk hand in hand
We will walk together, we will walk together


We'll walk hand in hand someday
We will unite and come together in the future


We shall live in peace, we shall live in peace
The world will be a peaceful place, the world will be a peaceful place


We shall live in peace someday
We will achieve a world of peace in the future


We shall brothers be, we shall brothers be
We will be united as brothers, we will be united as brothers


We shall brothers be someday
We will achieve brotherhood and unity in the future


The truth shall make us free, truth shall make us free
The truth will bring us freedom, the truth will bring us freedom


The truth shall make us free someday
We will achieve freedom through honesty and truth in the future


We are not afraid, we are not afraid
We are fearless, we are fearless


We are not afraid today
We are unafraid and undaunted in the present


Oh deep in my heart, I do believe
I have a strong conviction


That we shall overcome someday
That we will achieve success in the future


@freedom
A call to action and a reminder of the ultimate goal




Contributed by Kennedy F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@darrenyoung5172

sang this song for about 8 straight hours at MLK's funeral procession. Still brings tears to me especially when it's sung as beautifully as this. leave it to his alma mater for this fantastic post

@adorabellenamigadde6605

Wow! Thanks for sharing.

@lambertkim124

Were you at the funeral in person?

@christinharmon7249

You are loved.

@jacksonconnoyer6435

welcome to fact or cap where we test these theories

@christinedubois5954

That’s amazing! It’s so sad that a Champion of Civil Rights was Assassinated for what he truly believed in. RIP Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2 More Replies...

@japanesesen

β€œFaith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase.” 
― Martin Luther King Jr.

@mattrogers5188

According to the Quote Investigator, Marian Wright Edelman recalled King saying, "Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step," during his first speech at Spelman College.

@pucksaad9031

It' s BEAUTIFULL !!!

@KadenaTate

I am moved to tears, "No one is free until we are all free!"ο»Ώ

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