Angela
Elephant's Memory/Invisible Strings/John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band Lyrics
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Angela, they shot down your man
Angela, you're one of the millions
Of political prisoners in the world
Sister, there's a wind that never dies
Sister, we're breathing together
Sister, our love and hopes forever
They gave you sunshine
They gave you sea
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
They gave you coffee
They gave you tea
They gave you everything but equality
Angela, can you hear the earth is turning?
Angela, the world watches you
Angela, you soon will be returning
To your sisters and brothers in the world
Sister, you're still a people teacher
Sister, your word reaches far
Sister, there's a million different races
But we all share the same future in the world
They gave you sunshine
They gave you sea
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
They gave you coffee
They gave you tea
They gave you everything but equality
Angela, they put you in prison
Angela, they shot down your man
Angela, you're one of the millions
Of political prisoners in the world
The lyrics of "Angela" by Elephant's Memory/Invisible Strings/John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band are a poignant tribute to political activist Angela Davis, who was imprisoned in the 1970s for her involvement in social justice movements. The song begins by addressing Angela directly, acknowledging her incarceration and the tragic loss of her partner. The repetition of her name serves to emphasize her significance and the collective struggle of political prisoners worldwide.
The reference to a "wind that never dies" symbolizes the enduring spirit of resistance and resilience that unites Angela and her supporters. The imagery of "breathing together" suggests solidarity and shared determination in the face of oppression. The lyrics convey a message of unity and tenacity, highlighting the enduring power of love and hope in the midst of adversity.
The verses lament the inequalities and injustices faced by Angela and other political prisoners. The mention of being given "everything but equality" underscores the systemic discrimination and challenges they confront. Despite being provided with material comforts like sunshine, sea, coffee, and tea, true justice and freedom remain elusive, as symbolized by the absence of the "jailhouse key."
The final verses express a sense of hope and anticipation for Angela's eventual release and reunion with her community. She is celebrated as a "people teacher" whose influence transcends boundaries, emphasizing the universal aspirations for a better world. The song's powerful refrain underscores Angela's resilience and the enduring struggle for justice and equality that she represents, while also acknowledging the broader global context of political repression and resistance.
Line by Line Meaning
Angela, they put you in prison
Angela, you were unfairly imprisoned for your beliefs
Angela, they shot down your man
Angela, they took away your partner through violence
Angela, you're one of the millions
Angela, you are just one of many political prisoners around the world
Sister, there's a wind that never dies
Sister, there is a resilience in us that cannot be extinguished
Sister, we're breathing together
Sister, we are interconnected and share the same breath
Sister, our love and hopes forever
Sister, our love and aspirations will endure eternally
Keep on moving, oh, so slowly in the world
Continue to progress, even if it is at a slow pace, in this vast world
They gave you sunshine
They tried to distract you with superficial pleasures
They gave you sea
They offered you the vastness of the sea, a false sense of freedom
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
They provided everything except for freedom from imprisonment
They gave you coffee
They gave you a temporary comfort
They gave you tea
They gave you a temporary solace
They gave you everything but equality
They failed to provide you with true equality
Angela, can you hear the earth is turning?
Angela, can you feel that change is happening in the world?
Angela, the world watches you
Angela, the world is observing your situation
Angela, you soon will be returning
Angela, you will soon be reunited with your loved ones
To your sisters and brothers in the world
To your fellow humans across the globe
Sister, you're still a people teacher
Sister, you continue to educate and inspire others
Sister, your word reaches far
Sister, your message has a wide-reaching impact
Sister, there's a million different races
Sister, people come from diverse backgrounds
But we all share the same future in the world
Despite our differences, we all have a common destiny on this planet
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Yoko Ono
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind