Be Strong
James and the Drifters Lyrics
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~Chorus
I can see the light through the tunnel
I wish I could turn the sky blue
What you see is just for a while
What I know
I can see the future turn brighter someday
Oh oooh
~Verse 1
It doesn't matter how long you strive
As long as you don't stop dreaming
It doesn't matter how bad things might seem As long as you don't give in
It doesn't matter how long it takes
As long as you don't give up
It doesn't matter how rough it gets
As long as you hold on tight
Oh
Bridge
And when it seems like your world is gonna end
Do not fear just be strong always
And when it seems like all has gone against you
Hold on, be strong, hold on
Hook
What you see is just for a while
What I know I can see the future turn brighter someday
I can see the future turn brighter someday
Ooh oh ooh
I wish you could see the light through the tunnel
I wish I could turn the sky back to blue
What you see is just for a while
So be strong and never give up
The lyrics to James and the Drifters' Be Strong convey a sense of empathy for someone who is struggling with the difficulties of life. The song seems to be directed towards someone named "little darling belle" who is dealing with a tumultuous time in their life. The lyrics express a desire to help this person and make them feel safe and secure. They say that love is making Belle regret something, and she can't go on unless she is strong. The singer is urging Belle to be strong and to open up to them, as they are the only one who truly sees and understands her loneliness.
The singer is saying that if they could change something, they would make it so that no one is lonely. They are reassuring Belle that if she lets them hold her, she will be safe and sound. However, the lyrics also seem to acknowledge that there are some things in life that cannot be changed. Despite this, the singer still urges Belle to be strong because it is the only way to get through the difficult times. Overall, the song has a message of empathy, understanding, and reassurance in the face of life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Little darling belle with such a fragile shell
A delicate and sweet girl that is vulnerable to negative emotions.
In the powerful way that love seems to make her all regret it now
The overwhelming feeling of love has caused her to regret something in the past.
And if she'd only say what's wrong- she can't go on
If she would express her emotions and what is bothering her, she would not feel like she cannot continue.
You've got to be strong now
It is necessary to maintain courage and resilience in order to overcome the struggles she faces.
And if I come and hold you now
When I comfort you, you will feel protected and secure.
You'll be safe and sound
Your fears and worries will cease, and you will not be harmed or in danger.
Little lonely face that no one ever sees
She is alone and knows no one else understands her struggles or hardships.
You see the thing she believes is life is bittersweet if she'd
She views life as a balance between pleasure and pain, but it could be different if she were to take a chance and open up.
Open up to me, and its the only thing she dreams,
Her only aspiration is to confide in someone and express her emotions.
You gotta believe
It is important to have hope and faith that things will get better.
If I hold you now
If I embrace you in this moment.
Oh god if I could change a thing tonight we won't
If I had the power, I would alter a past event so that we would not be feeling this way.
Be lonely, ooh god if I could change a thing,
I do not want us to feel lonely and upset, and I wish I could do something about it.
Why does it have to be this way
It is frustrating and disappointing that things have turned out like this.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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