Peaceful
John St. John Lyrics


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Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is as cool as can be
In a peaceful world

People know this world is a wreck
We're sick and tired of being politically correct
If I see through it now but I didn't at first
The hypocrites made it worse and worse
Lookin' down their noses at what people say
These are just words and words are okay
It's what you do and not what you say
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way

Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world

Racism lives in the USA today
Better get hip to what Martin Luther King had to say
I don't want my kids being brought up this way
Hatred to each other is not okay
Well I'm not a preacher just a singer son
But I can see more work to be done
It's what you do and not what you say
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way

Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world

The money's good and the work is okay
Looks like everything is rollin our way
"Til you gotta look the devil in the eye
You know that bastard's one big lie
So be careful with your heart and what you love
Make sure that it was sent from above
It's what you do and not what you say
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way

Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world

Lay back the top and ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world

Hey yeah
Hey yeah




Hey yeah
Hey yeah

Overall Meaning

The song "Peaceful" by John St. John is about the desire for a peaceful world amidst the chaos and struggles of everyday life. The lyrics express a longing for unity and understanding, rejecting the divisive nature of societal problems such as political correctness and racism.


The opening lines, "Come on baby take a ride with me, I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee," suggest a journey that symbolizes a shift in perspective. The singer invites someone to join them on this journey, implying a shared experience and a search for something better. This could also be seen as a metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery.


The lyrics touch on the frustration with political correctness, as the singer states, "We're sick and tired of being politically correct." The song highlights the importance of actions over words, emphasizing that what people do is more significant than what they say. This sentiment is reinforced by the line, "It's what you do and not what you say, if you're not part of the future then get out of the way."


The song also addresses the issue of racism and the need to heed Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings. The singer expresses a desire for their children to be brought up in a world free from hatred and discrimination. This sentiment reflects a plea for empathy and understanding among all races and cultures.


Overall, "Peaceful" calls for a collective effort in building a harmonious world, focusing on action rather than empty words and embracing love and acceptance.


Line by Line Meaning

Come on baby take a ride with me
Join me on a journey towards understanding and unity


I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
I've traveled far to spread this message


Everything is as cool as can be
Harmony and tranquility surround us


In a peaceful world
A world where conflict is replaced by peace


People know this world is a wreck
We acknowledge the chaos and problems in our society


We're sick and tired of being politically correct
We're weary of the pressure to conform to false ideals


If I see through it now but I didn't at first
I've gained insight and perspective over time


The hypocrites made it worse and worse
Those who preach one thing but do another worsen the situation


Lookin' down their noses at what people say
Judging others and their words with arrogance


These are just words and words are okay
Words alone don't define a person's worth


It's what you do and not what you say
Actions speak louder than words


If you're not part of the future then get out of the way
If you hinder progress, step aside


Racism lives in the USA today
Racism continues to exist in our country


Better get hip to what Martin Luther King had to say
We should understand and embrace MLK's message


I don't want my kids being brought up this way
I refuse to raise my children in a culture of hatred


Hatred to each other is not okay
We cannot tolerate animosity towards one another


Well I'm not a preacher just a singer son
I may not be a religious leader, but I can still inspire change


But I can see more work to be done
There is still much progress to be made


The money's good and the work is okay
Material wealth and career satisfaction are present


Looks like everything is rollin our way
Seemingly, things are going well for us


'Til you gotta look the devil in the eye
Challenges and evil forces will confront us


You know that bastard's one big lie
The devil is deceptive and full of falsehoods


So be careful with your heart and what you love
Guard your emotions and cherished values


Make sure that it was sent from above
Ensure that your love and beliefs come from a higher source


Lay back the top and ride with me
Relax and enjoy the journey with me


Hey yeah
Expressing enthusiasm and agreement




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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