Angela
John and Yoko/The Plastic Ono Band 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 with the Plastic Ono Band and Elephant's Memory and Invisible Strings is a tribute to Angela Davis, a prominent political activist and academic. The lyrics address the injustice done to her - how she was jailed for her beliefs and her man was shot down. But the song doesn't dwell on the sadness of her story. Instead, it celebrates her strength, her teachings, and her influence.
The first verse of the song talks about the bond between sisters - a bond that holds them together even when they are far apart. The lines "our love and hopes forever keep on moving oh so slowly in the world" suggest that though progress may be slow, they will keep fighting for change. The second verse addresses the injustice done to Angela and how she was denied equality by those in power. The chorus calls out to her, reminding her that she's not alone, and that the world is watching her. It ends with a hopeful message that she will soon return to her brothers and sisters in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Sister, there's a wind that never dies
There exists a constant breeze that symbolizes unity and unending hope among sisters
Sister, we're breathing together
As sisters, we share the same air and destiny
Sister, our love and hopes forever keep on moving oh so slowly in the world
The love and hopes of sisters move forward, albeit gradually, in the world
They gave you sunshine
Society has provided material comfort
They gave you sea
Society has provided natural beauty
They gave you everything but the jailhouse key
Society has provided everything except freedom for those who are unjustly imprisoned
They gave you coffee
Society has provided stimulants
They gave you tea
Society has provided refreshments
They gave you everything but equality
Unequal treatment continues to plague society
Angela, can you hear the earth is turning?
Amidst hardship, awareness of the world persists
Angela, the world watches you
The world is aware of Angela's struggles
Angela, you soon will be returning to your sisters and brothers in the world
Hope for freedom and reunion for Angela is present
Sister, you're still a people teacher
As a sister, you continue to educate others about society's flaws and the hope for change
Sister, your word reaches far
As a sister, your message is heard and spreads widely
Sister, there's a million different races but we all share the same future in the world
Despite race, we all share the same destiny in the world
Angela, they put you in prison
Angela is imprisoned due to political injustices
Angela, they shot down your man
Angela experienced tragedy through the loss of a loved one
Angela, you're one of the millions of political prisoners in the world
Angela's situation is a common reality for many unjustly imprisoned individuals around the world
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JOHN LENNON, YOKO ONO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind