Whole Lot of People
Rory Gallagher Lyrics


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A whole lot of people talking, trying to make sense
Seems everybody's living on a barbed wire fence
Whole lotta people too proud to call
'Cause it won't get no help at all

Everybody's waiting for the good news day
But it seems so far away
Wonder if it's ever gonna come
'Cause the way it's been the restless one

Lot of things have gotta change
If it's not already too late
But it is worth the wait
So, let's not hang our heads
The light will shine one day
Yeah, come on

Lot of things have gotta change
If it's not already too late
But it is worth the wait
So, let's not hang our heads
The light will show through yet, yeah

Now listen baby, and listen well
I've got only one thing to tell
Don't you worry 'bout people telling lies
They're only catching flies, yeah

A whole lotta people talking, trying to make sense
Seems everybody's living on a barbed wire fence
Whole lotta people too proud to call
'Cause it won't get no, 'cause it won't get no




'Cause it won't get no help at all, help at all
Yeah, come on

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Rory Gallagher's "Whole Lot of People" talks about the struggles of people who are constantly trying to make sense of their lives. It all starts out with a lot of people talking and trying to find meaning in their lives, but it seems like many feel like they're living on a "barbed wire fence." Essentially, everyone's just surviving and trying to keep up with what's going on around them. Despite this, many people will not ask for help because they are proud, or they believe that they will not receive the help that they need. The struggle for change is a common thread throughout the song, and the singer suggests that it is not too late, but a lot of work needs to be done. The last stanza speaks directly to the listener, urging them not to listen to the lies that people will tell them, and to not be bogged down by negativity.


The meaning behind this song touches on several themes, including struggles with life, the willingness to change, and the consequences of not taking action. The lyrics highlight the sense of desperation that many people feel, and their reluctance to ask for help in spite of this. The phrase "barbed wire fence" serves as a metaphor for the challenges that confront people in their daily lives. In this case, it is almost a challenge for them to ask for help—not because there is no help available, but because of their own pride.


Rory Gallagher's "Whole Lot of People" is a song about hope, perseverance, and determination. Despite the struggles that people face, the song suggests that things can and will get better if people work together to affect change. The lyrics urge listeners not to give up hope and to remain optimistic, even when things seem bleak. The singer encourages people to keep moving forward in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

A whole lot of people talking, trying to make sense
There are many individuals trying to understand and explain the current state of affairs.


Seems everybody's living on a barbed wire fence
It feels like everyone is living in a precarious and dangerous situation.


Whole lotta people too proud to call
There are many people who are too proud to ask for help even when they need it.


'Cause it won't get no help at all
Because they believe that asking for help will not make a difference.


Everybody's waiting for the good news day
People are eagerly anticipating a time when positive developments will occur.


But it seems so far away
Unfortunately, it appears that it is not coming anytime soon.


Wonder if it's ever gonna come
There is doubt about whether or not the positive developments they are waiting for will ever occur.


'Cause the way it's been the restless one
The current situation has made people feel uneasy and impatient for change.


Lot of things have gotta change
There are many aspects of the current situation that need to be altered for things to improve.


If it's not already too late
If people have not already reached a point of no return where change is no longer possible.


But it is worth the wait
Despite the uncertainty and difficulties, it is still worthwhile to remain patient and hopeful.


So, let's not hang our heads
Therefore, we should not give up or lose morale.


The light will shine one day
Eventually, positive developments will occur and bring relief to the current situation.


Yeah, come on
Encouragement to remain optimistic and perseverant.


The light will show through yet, yeah
Eventually, hope and positivity will prevail despite the current difficulties.


Now listen baby, and listen well
Listen attentively and carefully to the following message.


I've got only one thing to tell
There is only one important message to convey.


Don't you worry 'bout people telling lies
Do not let false or negative rumors affect your morale or outlook.


They're only catching flies, yeah
Such negative individuals are only trying to trap the unwary and unwise.


'Cause it won't get no, 'cause it won't get no
Because they believe that asking for help will not make a difference.


'Cause it won't get no help at all, help at all
Because they believe that asking for help will not make a difference.


Yeah, come on
Encouragement to remain optimistic and perseverant.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RORY GALLAGHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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