Let It Ring
Indigo Girls Lyrics

Sticks and stones
Amidst the intense conflict and violence, words and actions that are meant to hurt can seem trivial and meaningless.

Battle zones
When there is such a vast array of conflicts and turmoil, everything can feel like a battleground.

A single light bulb
In the darkest of situations, the smallest of things can bring hope and comfort.

On a single thread for the black
A small light source providing hope and comfort can seem inadequate in the midst of darkness and shadows.

Sirens wail
Amidst the chaos, the sound of emergency services can be a calming influence, and can represent the hope and care that people offer each other in dark times.

History fails
The mistakes and ignorance of the past does not prepare us for the struggles of the present, and the sense of stability is lost.

Rose-colored glass
The optimism of the past is fading and seems unrealistic amidst today's troubles.

Begins to age and crack
The past's optimism begins to fade under the harsh reality of the present.

While the politicians shadowbox
While the politicians 'fight' and argue over policy agenda's, they do not seem to be making any progress on the true challenges of society.

The power ring
The center of political power which is fought over does not seem to be helping anyone.

In an endless split decision
The center of political power is in constant battle, but nothing definitive comes out of it.

Never solve anything
The political power struggle achieves no progress in solving society's problems.

From a neighbor's distant land
Unexpectedly, hope can come from unexpected sources, far away from us.

I heard the strain of the common man
The struggles of people and their cries for help are heard across the distance.

Let it be me (this is not a fighting song) Let it be me (not a wrong for a wrong) Let it be me If the world is night Shine my life like a light
Instead of blaming others or joining the fight, the singer is willing to be a light, bringing hope and comfort to herself and others in uncertain times.

Well the world seems spent
Society seems to have given all it can.

And the president Has no good idea Of who the masses are
The political leadership is out of touch with the people.

Well I'm one of them And I'm among friends
The singer is part of the mass of people struggling and trying to find hope.

We're trying to see beyond The fences in our own backyards
We are trying to look beyond our own worries and challenges to find common ground with others.

I've seen the kingdoms blow Like ashes in the winds of change
The institutions and structures of power throughout history are fragile, especially in the face of change.

But the power of truth Is the fuel for the flame
The truth provides the necessary fuel to sustain the fight for what is right.

So the darker the ages get There's a stronger beacon yet
The harder the struggles become, the more light and hope people must create to find their way through.

In the kind word you speak In the turn of the cheek When your vision stays clear In the face of your fear
The smallest acts of love, courage, and clarity in the face of fear and hate can create a chain of hope.

Then you see turning out a light switch Is their only power
The only real power or influence possessed by people is the power to choose to bring light to others.

When we stand like spotlights In a mighty tower
When individuals come together as one powerful unit, they can bring even more light and hope to the world.

All for one and one for all Then we sing the common call
When people put aside their differences and stand together, they can sing out as one voice, united in hope and determination.