Angela
Invisible Strings/John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band/John Lennon Lyrics
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Sister, we're breathing together
Sister, our love and hopes forever keep on moving oh so slowly 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 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 to "Angela" by John Lennon are a tribute to Angela Davis, a political activist who was imprisoned for 16 months on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder. The song starts with the idea of invisible strings that tie people together, an idea that represents the connection that Sister Angela has with the world despite being imprisoned. Lennon sings about the injustice that Angela, and many like her, faced at the hands of the government and the society. He talks about how everything was given to her except for the jailhouse key and equality.
In the chorus, Lennon addresses Angela, reminding her that she is not alone and that the world is watching her. He tells her that she will soon be free and will return to her sisters and brothers in the world. The song ends with Lennon acknowledging Angela's impact as a people's teacher and how her words have reached far beyond her prison walls.
The lyrics to "Angela" showcase Lennon's political activism and his support for the civil rights movement. The song was a part of John Lennon's solo album, "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band," which was released in 1970. The melody has a haunting quality that adds to the emotional impact of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Sister, there's a wind that never dies
Sisters, there is a persevering force that cannot be stopped.
Sister, we're breathing together
Sisters, we are connected and share the same breath.
Sister, our love and hopes forever keep on moving oh so slowly in the world
Our love and aspirations persist slowly over time, creating change in the world.
They gave you sunshine
People provided you with happiness.
They gave you sea
People granted you vastness and freedom.
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
People gave everything except for the liberty to pursue life as one wishes.
They gave you coffee
People offered you comfort.
They gave you tea
People supplied you with solace.
They gave you everything but equality
People granted everything except fairness.
Angela, can you hear the earth is turning?
Angela, are you able to perceive the perpetuity of the earth's rotation?
Angela, the world watches you
Angela, the world observes your struggle.
Angela, you soon will be returning to your sisters and brothers in the world
Angela, you will soon unite with your siblings in the world.
Sister, you're still a people teacher
Sister, you continue to teach us important lessons.
Sister, your word reaches far
Sister, your message resonates widely.
Sister, there's a million different races but we all share the same future in the world
Sisters, we come in diverse groups but have a collective destiny.
Angela, they put you in prison
Angela, they incarcerated you.
Angela, they shot down your man
Angela, they murdered your partner.
Angela, you're one of the millions of political prisoners in the world
Angela, you are one of the many individuals held captive for political reasons worldwide.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, YOKO ONO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind