Angela
John Lennon and Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band with Elephants Memory & Invisible Strings 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. The track is from their album "Some Time in New York City," which was released in 1972. The song starts with the lyrics "Sister, there's a wind that never dies," which is a metaphor for the power of sisterhood and solidarity. It's about the bond between women and how we should always stand by each other.
The next line, "Sister, we're breathing together," is a sentiment of shared humanity among all people. It is an acknowledgement that we are all in this world together, and we need to recognize and support one another. The lyrics go on to say that despite the slow pace of progress, love and hope will continue to move forward in our world.
The chorus of the song shifts to the injustice and inequalities faced by Angela Davis as a political prisoner. The lyrics "They gave you everything but the jailhouse key" and "They gave you everything but equality" highlight the systemic racism and oppression Davis faced. Yet, despite this, the song suggests that the earth keeps turning and the world is watching. Angela Davis is not alone and will soon return to her sisters and brothers in the world.
Overall, "Angela" is a song of unity, hope, and support. It recognizes the struggles faced by political prisoners like Angela Davis and encourages us to stand together in solidarity against injustice and inequality.
Line by Line Meaning
Sister, there's a wind that never dies
No matter what happens, hope and perseverance never dies
Sister, we're breathing together
Regardless of differences in experience or background, we all share a common bond
Sister, our love and hopes forever keep on moving oh so slowly in the world
Despite the slow pace of progress, love and hope continue to push us forward
They gave you sunshine
The system gives us surface level rewards and distractions
They gave you sea
The system gives us pleasure and moments of tranquility
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
Despite offering us many things, the system still suppresses and oppresses us
They gave you coffee
The system gives us temporary energy and stimulation
They gave you tea
The system offers us moments of relaxation and calm
They gave you everything but equality
The system fails to provide us with true equality and justice
Angela, can you hear the earth is turning?
Even while facing hardship and injustice, life goes on
Angela, the world watches you
The world is aware of the struggles faced by political prisoners like Angela Davis
Angela, you soon will be returning to your sisters and brothers in the world
There is hope for the eventual release and freedom of political prisoners like Angela Davis
Sister, you're still a people teacher
Those who speak out and fight for justice continue to inspire and educate others
Sister, your word reaches far
The impact of those who speak out for justice can extend beyond one's immediate surroundings
Sister, there's a million different races but we all share the same future in the world
Regardless of race or background, we all have a shared future
Angela, they put you in prison
Angela Davis was unjustly imprisoned for her political beliefs
Angela, they shot down your man
Angela Davis faced personal tragedy and loss as a result of her political beliefs
Angela, you're one of the millions of political prisoners in the world
Angela Davis is one of many people around the world who have been imprisoned unjustly for their beliefs
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, YOKO ONO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind