Now or Never
John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band; Yoko Ono Lyrics
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Are we gonna keep driving them insane?
Are we gonna keep laying empty words and fists?
Are we gonna be remembered as the century that failed?
People of America
When will we learn?
It's now or never
Are we gonna keep sending our youths to war?
Are we gonna keep scarring rice fields and infants?
Are we gonna keep watching dead bodies over dinner?
Are we gonna be known as the century that kills?
People of America
When will we stop?
It's now or never
There's no time to waste
Are we gonna keep pretending things are all right?
Are we gonna keep our mouths closed just in case?
Are we gonna keep putting off until it's too late?
Are we gonna be known as the century of fear?
People of America
When will we see?
It's now or never
We've no time to lose
People of America
When will we see?
It's now or never
We've no time to lose
Are we gonna keep digging oil wells and gold?
Are we gonna keep shooting the ones that tries to change?
Are we gonna keep thinking it won't happen to us?
Are we gonna be known as the century that kills?
People of America
Please listen to your soul
We can change the times
To century of hope
'Cause dream you dream alone is only a dream
But dream we dream together is reality
Yoko Ono's song "Now or Never" is a powerful call to action urging Americans to reassess their priorities before it is too late. The lyrics express concern over the direction society is headed, highlighting issues such as drug use, war, and environmental degradation. The repetition of questions such as "Are we gonna keep pushing our children to drugs?" and "Are we gonna keep pretending things are all right?" emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The song also emphasizes the power of collective action, suggesting that positive change can only be achieved by coming together and working towards a common goal.
The title "Now or Never" and the repeated reference to time running out underscore the sense of urgency and the need for immediate action. The song also suggests that it is not too late to change the direction of society, but that time is running out.
Line by Line Meaning
Are we gonna keep pushing our children to drugs?
Will we continue to encourage our children to use drugs?
Are we gonna keep driving them insane?
Will we cause them to become mentally unstable?
Are we gonna keep laying empty words and fists?
Will we keep creating conflict without reason or substance?
Are we gonna be remembered as the century that failed?
Will future generations view us as the era that fell short?
People of America
Citizens of the United States of America
When will we learn?
When shall we acquire knowledge?
It's now or never
We must take action immediately or lose the opportunity
There's no time to lose
We cannot afford to waste any time
Are we gonna keep sending our youths to war?
Will we continue to involve our young people in wars?
Are we gonna keep scarring rice fields and infants?
Will we continue to cause harm and suffering to innocent people?
Are we gonna keep watching dead bodies over dinner?
Will we be indifferent to violence and death?
Are we gonna be known as the century that kills?
Will history recall us as the era that caused death and destruction?
Are we gonna keep pretending things are all right?
Will we act as if everything is fine when it is not?
Are we gonna keep our mouths closed just in case?
Will we remain silent for fear of repercussions?
Are we gonna keep putting off until it's too late?
Will we delay until the point of no return?
Are we gonna be known as the century of fear?
Will history label us as the era of terror?
People of America
Citizens of the United States of America
When will we see?
When will we perceive, understand?
We've no time to lose
We must act quickly, urgently
Please listen to your soul
Pay attention to what your spirit, conscience tells you
We can change the times
We have the ability to alter the course of history
To century of hope
Towards a future filled with optimism and positivity
'Cause dream you dream alone is only a dream
An individual's dream is merely a wish without collaboration and shared vision
But dream we dream together is reality
Working together to achieve a shared dream makes it a reality
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Yoko Ono
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jorge Espinosa
Yoko Ono was undoubtedly the inspiration behind John Lennon's idealism.
G.I.C.
"Cause dream you dream alone is only a dream, but dream we dream together is reality".... BEAUTIFUL 🙏❤️
John Smith
One of my all time favorite tunes. It never grows old.
Dean Prescott
Stunning Lyrics. Beautiful melody. Should have been #1 when it original came out in 1971. This version is awesome Yoko.
Elias Bartos
Very poetic song, I thoroughly enjoyed.
Shaaron .Murphy
This is exactly what we need, thank you Yoko.❤️
Robert allan
I have loved Yoko for many years, beautiful song Yoko, I love the original also.
Eliézer Aames
BRILLIANT! This is magnificent. Love you, Yoko! ♥
rain sunshine
Yoko this is a great time for this song. I just hope people would stop fighting . Time to realize we all are in this together. Your song our song touches deeply in the soul. I pray our song touches all who listens. Love u thank you!!!
The Daanii Music
Love your music and your lyrics sis Yoko.