Angela
John Lennon & Yoko Ono (Plastic Ono Band) Lyrics
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Angela, they shot down your man
Angela, you're one of the millions
Of political prisoners in the world
Sister, there's a wind that never dies
Sister, we're breathing together
Sister, our love and hopes forever
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, 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 John Lennon & Yoko Ono (Plastic Ono Band)'s song "Angela" speak directly to Angela Davis, a prominent political activist and academic who was wrongly imprisoned and charged with murder in 1970. The song addresses the injustice and oppression faced by political prisoners like Angela, expressing solidarity and support for her and others in similar situations.
The repetition of her name throughout the song emphasizes her significance and serves as a call to attention. The lyrics acknowledge the loss and pain Angela experienced when her partner, George Jackson, was shot and killed in prison. They also highlight the large number of political prisoners worldwide, suggesting that Angela's situation is emblematic of a larger problem.
The song depicts Angela as a symbol of resistance and resilience. The reference to a never-ending wind represents the enduring spirit and strength of those fighting for justice. It emphasizes the bond between Angela and others who share the same values and hopes. Despite the slow progress and challenges they face, the lyrics express a belief in the eventual return of Angela to join her fellow activists and continue their collective struggle.
Overall, "Angela" is a powerful and poignant song that amplifies the unjust treatment of Angela Davis and others like her, while also serving as a rallying cry for solidarity and the pursuit of equality.
Line by Line Meaning
Angela, they put you in prison
Angela, you were unjustly incarcerated
Angela, they shot down your man
Angela, they killed your partner in a violent manner
Angela, you're one of the millions
Angela, you are one of the countless individuals
Of political prisoners in the world
Who are imprisoned due to their political beliefs worldwide
Sister, there's a wind that never dies
Sister, there is an enduring force
Sister, we're breathing together
Sister, we are united in our existence
Sister, our love and hopes forever
Sister, our affection and aspirations are eternal
Keep on moving, oh, so slowly in the world
Persist in advancing, albeit at a gradual pace in the world
They gave you sunshine
They provided you with rays of sunshine
They gave you sea
They granted you access to the vast ocean
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
They provided you with everything except liberation from prison
They gave you coffee
They bestowed upon you cups of coffee
They gave you tea
They offered you cups of tea
They gave you everything but equality
They provided you with everything except equal rights and fairness
Angela, can you hear the earth is turning?
Angela, are you aware that the world keeps evolving?
Angela, the world watches you
Angela, the world observes your actions
Angela, you soon will be returning
Angela, you will come back soon
To your sisters and brothers in the world
To your fellow companions across the globe
Sister, you're still a people teacher
Sister, you continue to educate the masses
Sister, your word reaches far
Sister, your message resonates widely
Sister, there's a million different races
Sister, there are numerous distinct ethnicities
But we all share the same future in the world
Yet, we all collectively envision a shared destiny in the world
They gave you sunshine
They provided you with rays of sunshine
They gave you sea
They granted you access to the vast ocean
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
They provided you with everything except liberation from prison
They gave you coffee
They bestowed upon you cups of coffee
They gave you tea
They offered you cups of tea
They gave you everything but equality
They provided you with everything except equal rights and fairness
Angela, they put you in prison
Angela, you were unjustly incarcerated
Angela, they shot down your man
Angela, they killed your partner in a violent manner
Angela, you're one of the millions
Angela, you are one of the countless individuals
Of political prisoners in the world
Who are imprisoned due to their political beliefs worldwide
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Yoko Ono
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind