The project started in 2004 with the organization's self described goal to "inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music". The creators of the project travelled around the world to places such as New Orleans, Moscow, Zimbabwe, Tibet and using a mobile recording studio, had local musicians perform the same song, interpreted into their own local style. The project's first single Stand by Me, began with a Santa Monica street performer named Robert Ridley, who they had perform the tune. They then travelled around the world and had more musicians add their versions.
Redemption Song
Playing for Change Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the almighty
We forward in this generation
Won't you help to sing
Another songs of freedom?
'Cause all I've ever had
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it
Well we've got to fulfill the book
Won't you help me sing
Another song of freedom?
It's all I ever have
Redemption songs, yes lord
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Wap choo wap choo wah
Come on with me people
Wap choo wap choo wah
Come on with me children
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind
Have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fulfill the book
So won't you help me sing
Another song of freedom?
It's all I ever had
Redemption songs, yes lord
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Redemption songs, songs of freedom
The lyrics to Playing for Change’s “Redemption Song” tell a powerful story of overcoming oppression and the fight for freedom. The song begins by describing the experience of being sold into slavery on a merchant ship, but the singer maintains a sense of resiliency, claiming that their “hand was made strong by the hand of the almighty” and that they will move forward triumphantly. The chorus focuses on “redemption songs,” suggesting that music can be a source of strength and hope even in the bleakest of circumstances.
The second part of the song encourages listeners to “emancipate themselves from mental slavery” and to recognize that only they can “free [their] mind[s].” The lyrics go on to acknowledge the threat of atomic energy, but remain steadfast in the belief that time cannot be stopped. The final verse addresses the history of prophets being killed, and calls on listeners to help sing “another song of freedom” and to continue fulfilling the book of history.
Overall, “Redemption Song” is a tribute to the power of music as a way to overcome oppression and to continue the fight for freedom. The lyrics’ message is one of hope, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Old pirates, yes they rob I
I was robbed by pirates of old
Sold I to the merchant ships
I was sold to merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
It didn't take long for them to take me away
From the bottomless pit
I was taken from a very difficult situation
But my hand was made strong
God made me strong
By the hand of the almighty
God helped me become strong
We forward in this generation
We will continue in this generation
Triumphantly
We will be victorious
Won't you help to sing
Can you join me in singing?
Another songs of freedom?
Another song about freedom?
'Cause all I've ever had
I have always had
Redemption songs
Songs about redemption
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
Free your mind from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Only we can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
Don't be afraid of atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
Because nothing can stop time
How long shall they kill our prophets
How long will they kill our prophets?
While we stand aside and look?
While we do nothing?
Some say it's just a part of it
Some say it's inevitable
Well we've got to fulfill the book
But we have to do what needs to be done
Wap choo wap choo wah
A vocal expression of emotion
Come on with me people
Join me, everyone
Come on with me children
Join me, children
So won't you help me sing
So can you join me in singing?
Another song of freedom?
Another song about freedom?
It's all I ever have
It's all I ever had
Redemption songs, yes lord
Songs about redemption, yes Lord
Redemption songs
Songs about redemption
Redemption songs
Songs about redemption
Redemption songs, songs of freedom
Songs about redemption, songs about freedom
Contributed by Nathan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@PlayingForChange
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@theservantsofthesoul1606
Hey, I met someone you know and have performed with while I was out the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah who is a keyboardist on several of your songs. He was hanging out outside on the street with Robbie Krieger of the Doors, when I approached him. I actually recognized him and not Robbie when I first met them. Anyway, I mentioned that maybe it would be a good idea to do a cover of the Doors song "Light My Fire" since Robbie wrote that. He and Robbie thought that would be a great idea. And I mentioned that I would love to join in if they ever do it. I have a band myself in Chicago. Anyway, if there is ever an opening on one of your gigs, I would be in for sure. I love this channel. It has seriously become my go to music channel as of late.
@jackdennis3626
https://youtube.com/shorts/kB3Pn8tEUQA?feature=share
@alexiswoody
Amezing 😊
@PatrickMichaelSalomonELBEZ
Here 2023
@PlayingForChange
In this song there is a feeling of rising above the past and moving forward with love in our hearts and hope in our eyes.
@fionamcpherson2130
Was lucky to be old enough to see Bob Marley live.
Sure he would be proud of PFC!
@martinwolf5957
Ich Liebe es ! ! !
@lalalilalaaa4379
Un regal à écouter
@ShortieLeeroy
+Playing For Change I love it.