Krieger has the distinction of being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song three times in the same year, when three of his compositions for the film version of Dreamgirls received nominations - "Listen", "Love You I Do", and "Patience".
Patience
Henry Krieger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Same ones as me
How long has it been?
How long will it be?
When will come the morning
To drive the night away?
When will come the morning
Patience, little sisters
Patience, little brothers
Patience, patience
Take each other by the hand
Patience, little sisters
Patience, little brothers
Let us walk together
To the Promised Land
There's a river to cross
And a mountain to climb
Patience, patience
It's gonna take some time
We must walk in peace
It's the only way
If we want to see the morning
Of a brighter day
Patience, little sisters
Patience, little brothers
Patience, patience
We're gonna find a way
Patience, little sisters
Patience, little brothers
Until the morning
Of a brighter day, hey
Patience, patience
'Til that brighter day
Patience, patience
'Til that brighter day
The song "Patience" by Henry Krieger talks about the universal human longing for a bright and better day. The lyrics express that this desire for a better day is not only personal, but shared by others who are on a similar journey. This is indicated in the lines "I know you have questions/ Same ones as me." The lyrics explore the theme of waiting and patience for this better day to come.
The song is characterised by its advocacy for hope and perseverance, encouraging listeners to hold on and support one another as they navigate the obstacles towards the "brighter day." The lyrics assert that walking in peace is the only way to reach this destination. The metaphor of crossing a river and climbing a mountain suggest that the journey will be arduous, but with patience and mutual support, it can be achieved.
In many ways, "Patience" is a song of reassurance and comfort, providing solace to those who may be struggling or discouraged. It champions the power of community, and the importance of individuals supporting each other on this shared journey towards a brighter day.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you have questions
I understand that you have the same questions as I do.
Same ones as me
The questions you have are identical to the ones I have.
How long has it been?
How much time has passed since we started this journey?
How long will it be?
How much longer must we continue on this path?
When will come the morning
When will the dawn arrive?
To drive the night away?
To dispel this darkness that surrounds us?
When will come the morning
When will the sun rise on a better tomorrow?
Of a brighter day?
Of a day filled with hope and promise?
Patience, little sisters
Be patient, my dear female companions.
Patience, little brothers
Be patient, my dear male companions.
Patience, patience
We must have patience, no matter how difficult it may be.
Take each other by the hand
Let us support one another and move forward together.
Let us walk together
We shall journey side by side, hand in hand.
To the Promised Land
We shall continue on to the land of our dreams and aspirations.
There's a river to cross
There's an obstacle in front of us that we must overcome.
And a mountain to climb
There's a challenge ahead that we must rise to meet.
It's gonna take some time
We must be patient, as this will not be an easy or quick journey.
We must walk in peace
We must proceed in a calm and harmonious manner, without violence or conflict.
It's the only way
This is the sole path that we can take to achieve our goals.
If we want to see the morning
If we desire to see a brighter tomorrow,
Of a brighter day
One filled with promise and opportunity.
We're gonna find a way
We will discover a path forward, no matter how difficult or arduous it may be.
Until the morning
Until the day dawns...
Of a brighter day, hey
...when we can embrace a bright and hopeful future.
Patience, patience
We must be patient, even if the going gets tough.
'Til that brighter day
Until we bask in the glow of a better tomorrow
Patience, patience
We must remain patient, come what may.
'Til that brighter day
Until we see the light of a new and better day.
Writer(s): William Reale, Henry Krieger Copyright: Black Chick Music Publishing Company, Miroku Music, Sony/ATV Harmony, Williamson Music Co., Skg Songs
Contributed by Audrey O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.