Angela
John and Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephants Memory and 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 and Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephants Memory and Invisible Strings is a tribute to Angela Davis, an American political activist and philosopher who was imprisoned in the 1970s due to her association with a murder case. The song's lyrics express solidarity with Angela and with all political prisoners in the world who are fighting for equality and justice. The opening lines of the song, "Sister, there's a wind that never dies/Sister, we're breathing together/Sister, our love and hopes forever keep on moving oh so slowly in the world" convey a sense of unity and hope for a better world.
The second verse of the song highlights the injustice faced by Angela and other political prisoners who are denied basic rights like freedom and equality. The lines, "They gave you everything but the jailhouse key/They gave you everything but equality" suggest that despite all the privileges and amenities that the society offers, it fails to provide basic human rights to those who fight for justice. The chorus of the song is a call to action, urging Angela to return to the world and continue her fight for justice.
Overall, the song "Angela" is a powerful tribute to Angela Davis and to all political prisoners who fight for justice and equality. It conveys a message of hope and unity, urging people to stand together and fight for a better world.
Line by Line Meaning
Sister, there's a wind that never dies
The enduring forces of nature mirror the enduring bond of sisterhood
Sister, we're breathing together
The act of breathing symbolizes unity and shared experience
Sister, our love and hopes forever keep on moving oh so slowly in the world
Although progress may be slow, sisterhood and the desire for a better future persist
They gave you sunshine
Those in power may offer superficial comforts as a means of manipulation
They gave you sea
Material possessions may distract from larger issues of inequality and injustice
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
The illusion of freedom and choice is maintained even under oppressive systems
They gave you coffee
Small tokens of generosity serve as a façade for larger systems of oppression
They gave you tea
The oppressor may offer small comforts to maintain control
They gave you everything but equality
Surface-level generosity does not compensate for systemic inequality
Angela, can you hear the earth is turning?
The world continues on despite individual struggles and injustices
Angela, the world watches you
Individuals who stand up against oppression become symbols of resistance
Angela, you soon will be returning to your sisters and brothers in the world
Even in the face of adversity, the support and connection of others persists
Sister, you're still a people teacher
The power of teaching and spreading knowledge is a vital tool for social change
Sister, your word reaches far
Even small actions and words have the potential to make a difference
Sister, there's a million different races but we all share the same future in the world
Despite apparent differences, humanity is inherently connected and linked by a common future
Angela, they put you in prison
Individuals who resist oppression are often punished and silenced
Angela, they shot down your man
Oppressive forces will use violence and intimidation to maintain their power
Angela, you're one of the millions of political prisoners in the world
Individual struggles against injustice are part of a larger global struggle
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, YOKO ONO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind