We Can Swing Together
Alan Hull Lyrics
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Just to pass a little bit of time, play some human games.
Some were smoking 'roll your owns', while others they had none,
Ev'rybody was holding hands, and singing this little song.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
We can swing together, we can swing all through the night.
There was a screeching of brakes, dogs barking outside, and a hammering on the door.
Then the voice of officialdom, saying 'Open in the name of the law',
But we just kept on holding hands, and singing this song some more.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
We can swing together, we can swing all through the night.
Then they broke down all the doors, and kicked the windows in,
They let their doggies off the leads, and they ransacked everything.
They stood us all against the wall, their faces split with grins,
And then they linked each others' handcuffs and they merrily began to sing.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
We can swing together, we can swing all through the night.
They took us to see the County Judge, with a wig-hat on his head,
He heard our case with a smile on his face, and this is what he said:
I'll have to send you all to jail, for doing this terrible thing.
And as I walked down to the cells, I swear I heard him sing.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
We can swing together, we can swing all through the night.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
We can swing together, we can swing all through the night.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
We can swing together, we can swing all through the night.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
We can swing together, we can swing all through the night.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
We can swing together, we can swing all through the night.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
We can swing together, we can swing all through the night.
The lyrics of Alan Hull's song "We Can Swing Together" tell the story of a group of friends gathering to spend time together, playing games and singing. They are having a carefree and joyful time without worrying about critiques or complaints. Some of them are smoking, while others are not, but they all hold hands and sing the song "We Can Swing Together." They sing this song because they feel they are doing the right thing and want to keep the harmonious and joyful atmosphere.
However, their joy is interrupted by the arrival of the authorities, who come to investigate and break up their gathering. Despite the intrusion, the group continues to hold hands and sing the same song they were singing before. The authorities use force and violence, breaking down doors and windows and even unleashing their dogs on the group. They take everyone to jail, and the judge decides to punish them severely. Still, as they walk to their cells, they keep singing "We Can Swing Together," perhaps remaining united in their defiance against the injustice of the system.
The lyrics of the song suggest a theme of friendship, unity, and resistance against the establishment's norms and values. The song's chorus, which repeats throughout the song, serves as a sort of anthem that unites the group and gives them a sense of purpose and belonging. The song can be interpreted as a call for people to come together and stand up against oppression and injustice, challenging the status quo and asserting their right to joy and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
No-one came to criticise, no-one to complain,
No one was there to judge or disapprove; everyone was just seeking to have fun and enjoy the company of others.
Just to pass a little bit of time, play some human games.
The gathering was simply to engage in social activities and enjoy the moment without the pressure of any other obligations.
Some were smoking 'roll your owns', while others they had none,
Individuals had varying levels of resources and preferences, but they all found ways to participate and feel included.
Ev'rybody was holding hands, and singing this little song.
Despite any differences, everyone was united and connected through simple gestures and shared experiences, like singing and holding hands.
We can swing together, 'cause we feel we're doing it right.
The repeated chorus emphasizes the group's sense of solidarity and confidence in their approach to enjoying life and each other's company.
Then when things were happening, around about ten to four,
The lyrics set the scene of a moment in time when an outside disturbance threatens the peaceful gathering's activities and mood.
There was a screeching of brakes, dogs barking outside, and a hammering on the door.
The sudden noises and commotion outside abruptly interrupt the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the gathering.
Then the voice of officialdom, saying 'Open in the name of the law',
The arrival of law enforcement officers adds a sense of tension and anxiety as the attendees try to decide how to react to the unexpected intrusion.
But we just kept on holding hands, and singing this song some more.
Despite the alarming situation, they choose to maintain their sense of unity and joy by continuing to sing and hold hands.
Then they broke down all the doors, and kicked the windows in,
The authorities respond with force and aggression, using their power to assert control over the situation.
They let their doggies off the leads, and they ransacked everything.
The use of dogs and destruction of property add to the perceived brutality and chaos of the situation.
They stood us all against the wall, their faces split with grins,
The joy and glee expressed by the officers suggests a perverse pleasure in being able to exert their authority over the peaceful gathering.
And then they linked each others' handcuffs and they merrily began to sing.
The officers' actions further emphasize their sense of shared purpose and camaraderie as they revel in their show of power.
They took us to see the County Judge, with a wig-hat on his head,
The lyrics describe the process of being taken to a court of law, which is depicted as being removed from reality or absurd, represented by the judge's headwear.
He heard our case with a smile on his face, and this is what he said:
The judge's apparent lack of concern or seriousness, as indicated by his smiling demeanor, further underscores the impression that the authorities see the situation as merely a game or an exercise in asserting power.
I'll have to send you all to jail, for doing this terrible thing.
The judgement appears to be based on arbitrary and unwarranted grounds, leaving the attendees feeling wronged and baffled by the punishment.
And as I walked down to the cells, I swear I heard him sing.
The final line echoes the chorus, suggesting that even the judge recognizes the spirit of unity and resilience exhibited by the attendees, and that it cannot be crushed by authority or punishment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES A. HULL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind