Well May The World Go
Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger Lyrics
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Well may the world go,
The world go, the world go,
Well may the world go,
When I'm far away.
Well may the skiers turn,
The swimmers churn, the lovers burn
When I'm far away.
[Chorus]
Sweet may the fiddle sound
The banjo play the old hoe down
Dancers swing round and round
When I'm far away.
[Chorus]
Fresh may the breezes blow
Clear may the streams flow
Blue above, green below
When I'm far away.
[Chorus]
The opening lines "Well may the world go, the world go, the world go" is a recurring chorus, which is a wishful thinking that everything remains stable, good, and peaceful in this world while the singer is away. It is a hopeful message that despite being away, people hope that the world and the people of the world stay well and they can return to a better world.
In the later part of the song, the lyrics talk about different activities in life that the singer wishes to continue in his absence. The skiers turn and the swimmers churn, depicting a continuation of the activities people partake in without any significant change or disruption. The lovers burn could also represent love in absence, where people continue to feel love, passion, and emotions despite physical distance. The lyrics "Peace, may the generals learn" is a plea for peace in the world, and it implies that people wish to see an end to wars.
The lines "sweet may the fiddle sound, the banjo play the old hoe down" evokes happiness and joy in the form of music. The singer wishes that people continue to celebrate with music and dance, even in his absence. The final stanza talks about nature, the beauty that surrounds us, and how we should treasure it. The fresh breeze, clear streams, blue sky, and greenery symbolize the essence and magnificence of nature.
Overall, the lyrics of "Well May The World Go" express a message of hope, love, peace, and appreciation for everything beautiful that surrounds us.
Line by Line Meaning
Well may the world go
May the world continue to function and thrive
The world go, the world go
May the world continue to turn and progress
When I'm far away.
Even when I am not present to witness it
Well may the skiers turn,
May skiers continue to enjoy their sport
The swimmers churn, the lovers burn
May those who love and those who swim continue to find joy and fulfillment
Peace, may the generals learn
May those who hold power and authority learn the value and importance of peace
Sweet may the fiddle sound
May the sound of the fiddle continue to bring joy and happiness
The banjo play the old hoe down
May the banjo continue to play lively, traditional music
Dancers swing round and round
May the art of dance continue to bring people together to celebrate
Fresh may the breezes blow
May the air stay pure and cleansing
Clear may the streams flow
May the water stay fresh and uncontaminated
Blue above, green below
May the sky remain clear and the earth remain lush with life
When I'm far away.
Even when I am not present to witness it
Well may the world go
May the world continue to function and thrive
The world go, the world go
May the world continue to turn and progress
Well may the world go
May the world continue to function and thrive
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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