In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Jesse Jackson
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He was marching next to martin when he died
Working face to face in cuba and managua nicaragua
He did not yet beat the devil, but he tried
Chorus:
Hold on brother, jesse jackson
There's a better world a'coming
You just keep right on believing
In the better side of human
They ain't ready for it yet, but it's a start
And you move'em when you hit'em in the heart
We must bring it all together we must start right from the bottom
Back to helping one another when we can
'cause if he's hungry and he's human and he's fighting for his freedom
Then he shouldn't be too hard to understand
Chorus:
Hold on brother, jesse jackson
There's a better world a'coming
Where a man can hope a man will show some heart
You just keep right on believing
In the better side of human
They ain't ready for you yet, but it's a start
And you move'em when you hit'em in the heart
Chorus:
Hold on brother, jesse jackson
There's a better world a'coming
Where a man can hope a man will show some heart
You just keep right on believing
In the better side of human
They ain't ready for you yet, but it's a start
And you move'em when you hit'em in the heart
The lyrics of "Jesse Jackson" serve as a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, an American politician, civil rights activist, and Baptist minister known for his work in the Civil Rights Movement. The song acknowledges Jackson's prominent presence in various civil rights moments, including marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. during the Selma to Montgomery marches in Alabama and being present when King was assassinated.
The chorus encourages Jesse Jackson to keep fighting for a better world, even though it may take some time to achieve. The song's overall message is one of hope that a better world is possible if people show compassion and understanding and work together for the greater good. The stanza "We must bring it all together we must start right from the bottom/Back to helping one another when we can" highlights this idea of collective responsibility and emphasizes the importance of being there for one another, especially during tough times.
Overall, "Jesse Jackson" is a powerful and inspiring song that highlights the importance of activism and working for social justice. It is a reminder that change takes time, but it is possible with dedication, perseverance, and a belief in the better side of human nature.
Line by Line Meaning
He was walking with your brother on the streets of alabama
Jesse Jackson was a vital figure in the Civil Rights Movement, walking alongside those fighting for equal rights on the dangerous streets of Alabama.
He was marching next to martin when he died
Jesse Jackson stood by Martin Luther King Jr.'s side during the historic civil rights march in Memphis when he was assassinated.
Working face to face in cuba and managua nicaragua
Jackson was also a advocate for democracy and human rights, working directly with leaders in Cuba and Nicaragua.
He did not yet beat the devil, but he tried
Though Jackson has not achieved all of his goals for social justice, he has fought tirelessly to make progress towards a better world.
Chorus:
The chorus repeats the message that even though change may be slow in coming, it is important to hold on to hope and keep working towards a brighter future.
Hold on brother, jesse jackson
There's a better world a'coming
Where a man can hope a man will show some heart
The better world Jackson envisions is one where empathy and compassion are valued above all else.
You just keep right on believing
Jackson encourages his fellow activists to hold fast to their beliefs even in the face of adversity.
In the better side of human
He believes in the inherent goodness of people and strives to bring out the best in humanity.
They ain't ready for it yet, but it's a start
Jackson acknowledges that real progress takes time, but any steps towards change are worthy of celebration.
And you move'em when you hit'em in the heart
He recognizes the power of inspiring people through emotional connection and believes that stirring hearts is key to creating real change.
We must bring it all together we must start right from the bottom
Jackson emphasizes the importance of grassroots, community-driven efforts to create lasting change.
Back to helping one another when we can
He advocates for mutual aid and support within communities to bring about cooperation and progress.
'cause if he's hungry and he's human and he's fighting for his freedom
For Jackson, social justice includes addressing issues like poverty and hunger that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Then he shouldn't be too hard to understand
Jackson reminds us that everyone deserves dignity and respect, and that it is our duty to understand and stand with those who are struggling for justice.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind