I Hear Them All
Old Crow Medicine Show Lyrics

I hear the crying of the hungry in the deserts where they're wandering.
I hear the desperate and sorrowful pleas of those who are starving and lost in the vast, empty wilderness.

Hear them crying out for heaven's own benevolence upon them.
I hear them beseeching the divine forces to show them kindness and mercy in their time of dire need.

Hear destructive power prevailing, I hear fools falsely hailing.
I hear the dominance of violent and destructive forces, as well as the foolish praises of those who support them.

To the crooked wits of tyrants when they call.
To the cunning deceptions of the ruthless rulers who manipulate and control those around them.

I hear the sounds of tearing pages and the roar of burning paper.
I hear the destruction of knowledge and information through the destruction of books and documents.

All the crimes in acquisitions turn to air and ash and vapor.
All the heinous deeds committed in the pursuit of wealth and power will ultimately come to nothing and turn to dust.

And the rattle of the shackle far beyond emancipators.
I hear the haunting sound of the chains of slavery, even long after those who fought for emancipation have passed.

And the loneliest who gather in their stalls.
I hear the quiet sorrow of those who are isolated and forgotten, but still find companionship among their own kind.

So while you sit and whistle Dixie with your money and your power.
While you enjoy your wealth and influence and remain oblivious to the suffering of others.

I can hear the flowers a-growin' in the rubble of the towers.
I can hear the beauty and resilience of nature, even in the midst of destruction and chaos.

I hear leaders quit their lying
I hear leaders finally acknowledging and ceasing their dishonesty.

I hear babies quit their crying.
I hear the relief and comfort of infants who are no longer in distress and are soothed by their caregivers.

I hear soldiers quit their dying, one and all.
I hear the end of the needless sacrifice and loss of life on the battlefield, at last.

I hear the tender words from Zion, I hear Noah's waterfall.
I hear the message of peace and love from various spiritual sources, including the peacefulness of waterfalls.

Hear the gentle lamb of Judah sleeping at the feet of Buddha.
I hear the harmony and peaceful coexistence among various religious entities, such as Jesus and Buddha.

And the prophets from Elijah to the old Paiute Wovoka.
I hear the wisdom and teachings of various prophetic figures throughout history, from the Hebrew prophet Elijah to the Native American spiritual leader Paiute Wovoka.

Take their places at the table when they're called.
All of these voices and perspectives are welcome and acknowledged at the table of humanity, and have a place in shaping our collective future.