Dave Barnes is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter (born June 20, 1978). Th… Read Full Bio ↴Dave Barnes is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter (born June 20, 1978). There are strong elements of soul and R&B in Dave's new material, indicative of the diverse influences exerted on him during his childhood in the deep south.

Here is some background information on Dave Barnes from the Mine To Love Songfacts: Barnes gained a lot of recognition after his song "God Gave Me You" became a hit single for Blake Shelton. Barnes' fifth album, Stories To Tell was his first release since his breakthrough. The album was recorded in Los Angeles with producer John Fields, marking the first time Barnes had recorded outside of his home town Nashville. It was released on March 13, 2012.

Brothers and Sisters
Dave Barnes Lyrics

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This is not the way
I thought that this would be
With me holding back something
Isn't love generosity
Not fists up and pumping

What good is a helping hand if it's rolled up tight and clenched?
How can I give when I still must be convinced?

I believe that we can change the world

This could be the way we want it to
For all the brokenhearted
What we've done, love can still undo
To bring it back to how it started

What good is a helping hand if it's rolled up tight and clenched?
How can I give when I still must be convinced?

I believe that we can change the world

Forgive me know for trying to change your mind
Maybe this is just for me

But somewhere deep in these shadows
Are our brothers and sisters dying to be free

Overall Meaning

Dave Barnes's song "Brothers and Sisters" is a powerful call for love, openness, and generosity in our relationships with one another. The opening lines reveal a sense of disappointment, as the singer laments that things have not turned out how he had hoped. He then questions the usefulness of a "helping hand" that is tightly clenched rather than open and giving. In essence, he is saying that true love involves generosity and a willingness to give of oneself freely, rather than holding back or being aggressive.

The chorus of the song offers a message of hope and redemption, as the singer believes that we can still change the world and make it a better place. He speaks of the brokenhearted and how love can still undo the damage that has been wrought. He is not giving up, even though he acknowledges that changing someone's mind can be difficult. The final lines bring the message home, as he speaks of the "brothers and sisters" who are trapped in darkness and oppression, longing to be free. The implication is that we have a responsibility to reach out to those in need and show them the love and generosity that will set them free.

Overall, "Brothers and Sisters" is a deeply moving song that speaks to the power of love to overcome division and hate. It reminds us that we are all connected and that we have a responsibility to one another, especially those who are suffering. Ultimately, it calls us to be open-hearted and generous in our relationships, recognizing that this is the only way to truly change the world and bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

Line by Line Meaning

This is not the way
This is not how I expected things to be

I thought that this would be
I had a different idea of how this would turn out

With me holding back something
I am keeping something inside

Isn't love generosity
Shouldn't love be about giving and being generous

Not fists up and pumping
Instead of being aggressive and forceful

What good is a helping hand if it's rolled up tight and clenched?
What good is an offer of help if it comes with conditions and restrictions?

How can I give when I still must be convinced?
How can I give freely if I still have doubts and reservations?

I believe that we can change the world
I have faith that we have the power to make a difference

This could be the way we want it to
We have the ability to shape the future the way we desire

For all the brokenhearted
For those suffering and in pain

What we've done, love can still undo
Love has the capacity to heal and fix our mistakes

To bring it back to how it started
To return to the original state of things

Forgive me know for trying to change your mind
I hope you can forgive me for attempting to influence your thoughts

Maybe this is just for me
Perhaps my desire to change things is only personal

But somewhere deep in these shadows
There is a hidden place within us

Are our brothers and sisters dying to be free
Where our fellow human beings are yearning for liberation and peace

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVE BARNES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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