Waiting For A Miracle
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics


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Look at them working in the hot sun
The pilloried saints and the fallen ones
Working and waiting for the night to come
And waiting for a, and waiting for a, and waiting for a miracle

Somewhere out there is a place that's cool
Where peace and balance are the rule
Working toward a future like some kind of mystic jewel
And waiting for a, and waiting for a, and waiting for a miracle

You rub your palm on the grimy pane
In the hope that you can see (when you're waiting)
You stand up proud, you pretend you're strong
In the hope that you can be (when you're waiting)
Like the ones who've cried, like the ones who've died
Trying to set the angel in us free
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a miracle

Struggle for a dollar, scuffle for a dime
Step out from the past and try to hold the line
So how come history takes such a long, long time?
When you're waiting for a
When you're waiting for a
When you're waiting for a miracle

You rub your palm on the grimy pane
In the hope that you can see (when you're waiting)
You stand up proud, you pretend you're strong
In the hope that you can be (when you're waiting)
Like the ones who've cried, like the ones who've died
Trying to set the angel in us free
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a miracle

While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a miracle

While they're waiting for a




While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a miracle

Overall Meaning

In Bruce Cockburn's song, "Waiting For A Miracle," he describes the plight of the oppressed, the marginalized, the working class, and the struggling. Some of them have been "pilloried saints and the fallen ones," punished for what they believe in or for who they are. These people are working hard under the hot sun, waiting for the day to end, so they can go back to their humble homes, but they're also waiting for a miracle. A miracle that will help them to elevate their lives above their current status quo.


Cockburn notes that "Somewhere out there is a place that's cool" that should be balanced, peaceful and fair, he postulates that they're working towards a future that is some kind of mystical jewel, and waiting for a miracle. It is a future that they hope to create where their dreams and aspirations can become a reality. He encourages people to look beyond their current limitations or shortcomings and imagine a future that is without pain, heartache or suffering. This envisioned future is what inspires people to hold on to their dreams and to wait for a miracle that can help to make their dreams come true.


The song is rounded up with the message of hope that despite the challenges and obstacles a grand miracle is possible, where the angels in us are let free, where every oppressed and marginalized are granted peace, and the future dreamt of is made a reality. There is the sense that the miracle is both imminent yet shining like a distant star, and that people will continue to work and wait for their miracle to come. It is a song that speaks for the oppressed, the downtrodden, the marginalized, and their undying hope for a miracle.


Line by Line Meaning

Look at them working in the hot sun
Witness the people diligently working in unpleasant conditions


The pilloried saints and the fallen ones
The oppressed and beaten down people


Working and waiting for the night to come
Enduring the day and waiting for the respite of nightfall


And waiting for a, and waiting for a, and waiting for a miracle
Longing for a change to their circumstances


Somewhere out there is a place that's cool
Out there exists a better place


Where peace and balance are the rule
Where serenity and equilibrium reign


Working toward a future like some kind of mystic jewel
Striving for a future that seems almost mythical


And waiting for a, and waiting for a, and waiting for a miracle
Still hoping for a miraculous change


You rub your palm on the grimy pane
You try to clear a window to see through the dirt and grime


In the hope that you can see (when you're waiting)
Optimistically trying to glimpse some ray of hope


You stand up proud, you pretend you're strong
Putting on a brave face, despite inner turmoil


In the hope that you can be (when you're waiting)
Holding onto the hope of being better than the situation


Like the ones who've cried, like the ones who've died
Similar to those who've wept or lost their lives


Trying to set the angel in us free
Attempting to liberate the goodness within us


While they're waiting for a
Despite continuous anticipation


While they're waiting for a
Even though they're waiting endlessly


While they're waiting for a miracle
Waiting for the wonders to manifest


Struggle for a dollar, scuffle for a dime
Fighting tooth and nail for mere survival


Step out from the past and try to hold the line
Leave the past behind and try to maintain stability


So how come history takes such a long, long time?
Why does progress take so much time?


When you're waiting for a
Despite the unending wait


When you're waiting for a
In the midst of a long wait


When you're waiting for a miracle
Longing for divine intervention




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bruce Cockburn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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