Common Ground
Rhythm Corps Lyrics
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Are our views so far apart
there's no room to be found
Can we speak without the sound
Of a world gone quite insane
Can we start settling down
I'll not play the scene where the
You'll not have to scream
'cause we're not that stupid
Are your walls all brick and stone
and far from tumbling down
Can we seat ourselves around
A table for a while and talk like
friends we have found
We'll not have to dream
of a peaceful one day
Are our views so far apart that
there's no room to be found
Tell me can we meet on common ground
In Rhythm Corps's song "Common Ground" the lyrics speak to the idea of finding a way to come together despite differing viewpoints and opinions. The singer questions whether it is possible to "meet on common ground" and whether their views are so opposing that there seems to be no room for compromise. They long for a world where people can speak without the noise of chaos and settle down. The singer acknowledges that when things get heated, it is easy to resort to threats and screaming, but they remind the listener that they are not stupid and can find a better way to communicate. They question whether the barriers people build, both physical and metaphorical, are too strong to be torn down, yet they hold onto the hope that they can sit down together like old friends and find a way towards peace, without having to merely dream of it.
The song is a beautiful plea for unity and has become particularly relevant in today's divided political climate. It speaks to the idea that although people may have differing views and beliefs, it is possible to find common ground and a way forward. It is a reminder that change begins on an individual level and that each person can make a difference by choosing kindness and understanding over anger and hostility.
Line by Line Meaning
Can we meet on common ground
Can we find a shared perspective or agreement?
Are our views so far apart
Are we so different in opinion?
there's no room to be found
Is there no way for us to come together?
Can we speak without the sound
Can we communicate without getting lost in the noise?
Of a world gone quite insane
In this chaotic world we live in
Can we start settling down
Can we find some peace and stability?
I'll not play the scene where the
I won't engage in the conflict where
threats start flying
threats and accusations are thrown around
You'll not have to scream
You won't need to raise your voice
'cause we're not that stupid
because we're intelligent enough to find a better way
Are your walls all brick and stone
Is your emotional barrier impenetrable?
and far from tumbling down
seeming to never come down
Can we seat ourselves around
Can we come together and sit?
A table for a while and talk like
share some quality time and talk as
friends we have found
friends we've always been, but never acknowledged
We'll not have to dream
We won't have to hope for
of a peaceful one day
peace and harmony that we hope for one day
Are our views so far apart that
Is our perspective so different that
there's no room to be found
we can't find a common ground?
Tell me can we meet on common ground
Can we find a shared perspective or agreement? Please tell me we can.
Contributed by Ryan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dickfitzwell1557
A song that is still stuck in my head for over 30 years.
@jasonburris33904
Great songs do. I can’t believe know one has re done it?? It’s just a great song
@misterwesstuff
Me too
@markdoss1045
Yep!! I still love this song!!
@ryanallen1396
I still own this on vinyl. I saw them live a few times. Great shows!
@wadewalker4973
I know what you mean. It's incredible and has such amazing lyrics!
@louised6790
YES!!!! Found it!!! I can not believe what I am listening too! This song never aged! Literally never gets old.
@marilynbelcher8171
Went to high school with 2 of the guys! Always had a crush on Richie Lovsin, the drummer since 9th grade, he was a senior. LOVE this song!! Very appropriate for the times we are going through!!! So happy people are still listening!!! Peace. We should try to get them to play this on the radio again!!!!
@suz4359
Are they from Michigan? I saw them in the late 80s at the Nectarine Ballroom in Ann Arbor.
@tracistrunk7977
Marilyn, you I work in Houston major market radio...I to love this song, unfortunately they tell us what to play!