Eventually
Carole King Lyrics


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Was a time I remember
Hope flashed and went dim
When assassins just happened
To do the right people in
And love was a slogan coincidently
And they told us they'd work it out
eventually
In the swing of changing times
A man cried out for his
And every politician said
He was telling us like it is
Yes, they walked down the angry streets
To have themselves a look- see
And they told us they'd work it out
eventually

I see the choking cities
I see them tearing up this earth
I see people feeling
That their lives have little worth
And I know that the future
Depends on you and me
I hope we can work it out
eventually

I hope we can work it out
eventually




Hey maybe someday
eventually

Overall Meaning

Carole King's song "Eventually" is a poignant commentary on the state of society during the early 1970s. The first verse reflects the disillusionment felt during that era when hope for a brighter tomorrow ebbed away as political assassinations disrupted the momentum of the civil rights movement. Love became a trite slogan used without real meaning, and people were left to believe that solutions would be found at some indeterminate future point. The second verse touches on the desperation felt by individuals who believed that their voices were not being heard by the politicians who were supposed to represent them. Angry protestors took to the streets, but little seems to come of their efforts. It appears that the politicians knew what was wrong but were too ineffective to make the necessary changes.


The final verse is a call to action, to look beyond our immediate considerations and act in ways that help to make the world a better place. Carole King sees the world's problems with unflinching realism, but she does not succumb to despair or cynicism. She recognizes that hope requires action, and it is only by working together that we can make a difference. The final repetition of the phrase, "eventually" rings out with a note of cautious optimism. With persistence and dedication, it is possible to achieve real change over time.


Line by Line Meaning

Was a time I remember
I recall a time in the past


Hope flashed and went dim
There was momentary hope followed by disappointment


When assassins just happened
Assassinations occurred spontaneously


To do the right people in
Those assassinated were innocent and worthy individuals


And love was a slogan coincidently
The idea of love was often used in a meaningless way


And they told us they'd work it out eventually
People in power promised to eventually solve issues, but didn't do so immediately


In the swing of changing times
During a time of great change


A man cried out for his
An individual expressed his desire or need


And every politician said
Politicians made statements


He was telling us like it is
They claimed to be speaking the truth


Yes, they walked down the angry streets
They went to the streets full of anger and frustration


To have themselves a look- see
To observe the situation firsthand


And they told us they'd work it out eventually
They made a promise to eventually solve the problem


I see the choking cities
I observe cities struggling and suffocating


I see them tearing up this earth
I see humans destructing the environment


I see people feeling
I observe people experiencing


That their lives have little worth
That people feel unimportant and worthless


And I know that the future
I believe that the future


Depends on you and me
Is influenced by our actions


I hope we can work it out eventually
I hope we can eventually solve our problems


I hope we can work it out eventually
I hope problems can be solved in due time


Hey maybe someday
Perhaps at some future point in time


eventually
Someday in the future, at a non-specific time




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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