John Brown
Honeydogs Lyrics
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Suspend all disbelief
Walking through the bad part of town
Can you turn the other cheek
Can you forget that you were chattel
Bones in our closet always rattle
Caught in a steel trap
Old John Brown
Can we keep from goin' down
Old John Brown
Can we keep from goin' down
A zealous one, born too soon
Could he see his city on a hill ruins
Caught in a steel trap
Memory serves, it's never gonna pass
Old John Brown
Can we keep from goin' down
Old John Brown
Can we keep from goin' down
Can you pray
Can you take that walk
From Harper's Ferry to Little Rock
Old John Brown
Can we keep from goin' down
Old John Brown
Can we keep from goin' down
The Honeydogs' song "John Brown" is a reflection on the legacy of the abolitionist who fought for the end of slavery in the United States. The lyrics pose questions to the listener about their own ability to confront systemic injustices and to reconcile with the nation's past. The first verse challenges the listener to imagine encountering a powerful figure, such as a king, in a vulnerable and dangerous place, and asks if they would react with fear or with compassion. The lyrics then shift to reference slavery and the ongoing echoes of that history, represented by bones in the closet that continue to rattle.
The chorus of the song asks if society can avoid descending into chaos and destruction, and whether the legacy of John Brown - a zealot who believed armed insurrection was necessary to end slavery - can provide any guidance or inspiration.
The second verse recounts Brown's life and his vision of a just society that remained unrealized during his lifetime. His idealism and his commitment to the cause are praised, but the song acknowledges that he was "born too soon" and that his efforts were not enough to prevent the Civil War and the continued oppression of black Americans.
In the final lines, the song asks the listener to consider whether they have the courage and faith required to confront injustice, and whether they can make the journey from Harper's Ferry - where Brown staged his failed revolt - to Little Rock, where the struggle for civil rights continued for generations.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you see a king
Are you able to see past societal hierarchies and treat everyone as equals?
Suspend all disbelief
Are you willing to let go of preconceived notions and give something/someone a chance?
Walking through the bad part of town
Are you willing to venture into places that are deemed ‘unsafe’ to help those in need?
Can you turn the other cheek
Are you able to forgive those who wronged you and take the higher road?
Can you forget that you were chattel
Are you able to move past and heal from the collective trauma of being treated as property by society?
Bones in our closet always rattle
The past always has a way of coming back to haunt us and affect our present and future.
Caught in a steel trap
Trapped and bound by societal norms and expectations that prevent growth and change.
Memory serves, it's never gonna pass
The traumatic memories will always be present and affect us in some way.
Old John Brown
The historical figure serves as an example of radical change and sacrifice for a cause greater than oneself.
Can we keep from goin' down
Can we prevent societal regression and continue moving towards positive progress?
A zealous one, born too soon
John Brown was a visionary ahead of his time, passionate about abolishing slavery in a society that wasn't quite ready to change.
Could he see his city on a hill ruins
Could he see past the idealistic image of America and recognize the harsh reality of the country's flaws, particularly the institution of slavery?
Can you pray
Do you have faith in a higher power, or do you believe in something greater than yourself?
Can you take that walk
Are you willing to make sacrifices and take risks in pursuit of a greater cause?
From Harper's Ferry to Little Rock
From the location of an infamous slave revolt to a key city in the American Civil Rights Movement, the line symbolizes the journey towards progress and justice in America.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM L. LEVY, NOAH LEVY, THOMAS BORSCHEID, TRENT NORTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind