Angela
John Lennon & Yoko Ono & Plastic Ono Band 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 song Angela by John Lennon and Yoko Ono is a tribute to political activist Angela Davis, who was a member of the Communist Party and a professor at UCLA. She was charged with conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder in connection with an attempted courthouse escape by three prisoners, one of whom was her former student. The lyrics of the song speak of Sister Angela's strength and resilience in the face of persecution and injustice. The refrain of "They gave you everything but the jailhouse key" speaks to the systemic inequality and oppression that Angela, and so many others like her, faced.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics, with the repeated use of the word "Sister" creating a sense of solidarity between the listener and Angela. The idea that "our love and hopes forever keep on moving oh so slowly in the world" speaks to the slow progress towards equality that activists like Angela have been fighting for. The chorus of the song speaks directly to Angela, with the repeated use of her name and the message that "the world watches you" conveying the idea that her struggle is not just her own, but is emblematic of the larger struggle for justice and equality around the world.
Overall, the lyrics to Angela are a powerful tribute to a remarkable activist, and a call to continue the fight for justice and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
Sister, there's a wind that never dies
There's a constant force pushing us forward, Sister
Sister, we're breathing together
We're all in this journey of life together, Sister
Sister, our love and hopes forever keep on moving oh so slowly in the world
Our love and hopes move forward despite the slow pace of progress in the world, Sister
They gave you sunshine
They gave you the good things in life
They gave you sea
They gave you the beauty of nature
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
They gave you everything but freedom
They gave you coffee
They offered you comfort
They gave you tea
They offered you solace
They gave you everything but equality
They denied you equality
Angela, can you hear the earth is turning?
Are you aware of the constant change happening in the world, Angela?
Angela, the world watches you
The world is paying attention to your plight, Angela
Angela, you soon will be returning to your sisters and brothers in the world
You will soon be reunited with your fellow humans, Angela
Sister, you're still a people teacher
You still have much to teach us, Sister
Sister, your word reaches far
Your message has a wide audience, Sister
Sister, there's a million different races but we all share the same future in the world
Despite our differences, we all have a stake in the future, Sister
Angela, they put you in prison
You were unjustly imprisoned, Angela
Angela, they shot down your man
Your partner was killed in a violent manner, Angela
Angela, you're one of the millions of political prisoners in the world
You're not alone in your struggle, Angela
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JOHN LENNON, YOKO ONO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind