Get Together
Noel Paul Stookey Lyrics
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You can make the mountains ring, or make the angels cry
Tho' the bird is on the wing, and you may not know why
C'mon people now, smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together try to love one another right now
Right now, right now
C'mon people now, smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together try to love one another right now
Some may come and some may go, and it will surely pass
When the one that left us here, returns for us as last
We are but a moment's sunlight, fading in the grass
C'mon people, smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together try to love one another right now
Right now, right now
C'mon people, smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together try to love one another right now
Right now, right now
If you hear the song we sing, you will understand
Hold the key to love and fear all in you trembling hand
One key unlocks the door, it's at your command
C'mon people, smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together try to love one another right now
Right now, right now
C'mon people, smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together try to love one another right now
Right now, right now
Noel Paul Stookey's song “Get Together” is all about the power of love in bringing people together. Through the use of metaphors, the song explores the idea that love is like a song that we sing, and fear is the way we die. The opening line, “Love is but a song we sing, and fear’s the way we die,” suggests that love is a powerful force that can bring us together and help us overcome our fears. The metaphor of singing a song is often used to describe the idea of people coming together, and Stookey suggests that love can create a similar sense of togetherness.
The second verse reflects on the idea of mortality and how we are all only here for a short time. The lyrics “We are but a moment’s sunlight, fading in the grass” remind us of our impermanence while also urging us to cherish the time we have with one another. The song's central message is reinforced in the final verse: “If you hear the song we sing, you will understand / Hold the key to love and fear all in your trembling hand / One key unlocks them both, it's at your command.” This final verse reinforces the idea that love is the answer to the world's problems, and urges people to unite and love one another.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is but a song we sing, and fear's the way we die
Love is a beautiful expression of humanity while fear is an obstacle that stops us from showing love
You can make the mountains ring, or make the angels cry
Your actions have the power to create emotions of joy or sadness
Tho' the bird is on the wing, and you may not know why
Sometimes things happen beyond our understanding or explanation.
C'mon people now, smile on your brother
We should treat each other with kindness and care, like family.
Ev'rybody get together try to love one another right now
Everyone should unite with the common goal of showing love and compassion towards each other.
Some may come and some may go, and it will surely pass
Life is a temporary journey with a beginning and an end, and there will be changes along the way.
When the one that left us here, returns for us as last
When we pass on, we will be reunited with loved ones who have already passed away.
We are but a moment's sunlight, fading in the grass
Our time on earth is brief, like a fading moment in the grand scheme of things.
If you hear the song we sing, you will understand
When you listen to the message of the song, you will learn what it means to love each other.
Hold the key to love and fear all in your trembling hand
We have the power to choose between love and fear, and that choice can change our lives.
One key unlocks the door, it's at your command
Love is the key to opening the door for happiness and understanding, and we have the power to use it.
Contributed by Aiden D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.