We Shall Overcome
Pete Seeger & Tao Rodriguez-Seeger Lyrics

The song We Shall Overcome became an anthem for the civil rights movement in the United States in the 1960s. It was originally a gospel song called "I'll Overcome Someday" and was adapted and transformed by labor activists, specifically by Frank Hamilton and Guy Carawan. The song's folk roots helped popularize it and spread it as a unifying protest voice for those fighting for equality and an end to segregation, especially among African American communities. Pete Seeger, a prominent American folk musician, learned the song from Hamilton and Carawan and is often credited with popularizing it and adding additional verses. He performed it at rallies and concerts across the country, becoming one of the most recognized voices of the civil rights movement. In the song, the repeated chorus "We shall overcome, some day" serves as a reminder to the oppressed that, while the struggles may be long and difficult, victory and progress are possible with perseverance and solidarity.

The lyrics of We Shall Overcome evoke a message of hope and determination, but also acknowledge the challenges and resistance faced by those striving for change. The verse "We are not afraid, today" serves as a rallying cry against intimidation and violence, while the line "We shall live in peace" imagines a future beyond the conflict and turmoil of the times. The image of walking hand in hand represents the unity and coalition-building necessary for the success of the civil rights movement. Deep in the heart of the singer, there is a belief in the eventual triumph over oppression and injustice. We Shall Overcome is not just a song, but a political and cultural symbol of strength, resilience, and perseverance.