Heed the Call
Kenny Rogers The First Edition Lyrics

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Have you been listening
(Listen to the music)
Have you been sleeping
(The sermon's in the music)

(The man standing next to you)
(He must surely be your brother)

(So brother please)
Heed the call

(The piper he's still piping)
The magic in the music
(The drummer he's still drumming)
The message in the music

(Sweet songs of loving)
(You should be singing)

(So brother please)
Heed the call

Listen to the music
Listen to the music
Listen to the music

Heed the call of the music
(Listen to the music)
Heed the call of the music
(Listen to the music)
Heed the call of the music
Heed the call of the music

It's still early in our morning
There's still time for singing
Let's not waste our morning
Join in the singing

The outlaw of the midnight
He all too soon comes winging

(So brother please, please)
Heed the call

Listen to the music
Listen to the music
(Yeah)
Listen to the music
Listen to the music
(Oh, oh)

Listen to the music
(Oh)
Listen to the music

([Incomprehensible])
Listen to the music

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Kenny Rogers's song "Heed the Call" urge listeners to pay attention to the messages contained in music. The singer asks if the listener has been listening to the music and suggests that the sermon is in the music. The man standing next to the listener is called a brother, and the singer says that he must also be your brother. The singer then urges the listener to heed the call of the music. The piper and drummer in the music are still playing and sending messages of magic and love that everyone should take the time to hear. The singer asks the listener to join in singing and not waste the morning because the outlaw of the midnight comes too soon. The song ends with a repetition of "Listen to the music" and "Heed the call of the music."

The song "Heed the Call" is a celebration of music and its messages. Music is not just for entertainment but can also be used to impart messages that can inspire, teach, or console listeners. The call to listen to music and heed its message is also a message to embrace brotherhood, togetherness, and a sense of community. The singer encourages the listener to connect with others and emphasizes the importance of working together.

Line by Line Meaning

Have you been listening
Are you paying attention?

Listen to the music
The music holds a message

Have you been sleeping
Are you unaware?

The sermon's in the music
The message is in the music

The man standing next to you
The person next to you is your neighbor

He must surely be your brother
Therefore, you must treat them like family

So brother please
Dear friend, I request

Heed the call
Act upon what the music is telling you

The piper he's still piping
The music continues to speak

The magic in the music
The power of the music

The drummer he's still drumming
The message is still being delivered