Show Them The Way
Stevie Nicks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please God, on this day
Spirits all given the strength
Peace can come if you really want it
I had a fragile dream in a gray house in the Hamptons
I'd been there before, singing songs and doing benefits
Was in a room alone putting on my makeupLike so many things that come to me
The dress came across the Persian carpet
As I fell into the dress, a thought came to me
Into my heart, I have a dream
And a door opened
I turned to face the music
I was ready for the Kennedy's
I don't know if it was 1960 or 1963
Everything was timeless, even me
I wasn't old, I wasn't young, I was just part of their dream
A shadow walked with me down the hall, it was Martin Luther King
All in shadow, all before me, overwhelmed by
Destiny, someone said, "Sing us a song
There's a piano" and handed me a drink
The room was full of hope, a song would set them free
And I said
Please God, show 'em the way
Please God, on this day
Spirits all given the strength
Peace can come if you really want it
I sat at the piano, stared out of the shadows
I sang the words, "I have a dream"
He wasn't my old friend John, I didn't know him thenBut he smiled at me, and I sang these words
Whatever it takes
Whatever it takes to be free
No, I didn't know these men
But they knew me
It was all symbolic, nothing was as it seemed
They all left us in a single shot but they didn't take the dream
They were there in that house, discussing the future
And drinking champagne, I was just a piano player
The voice, part of their dream
I was thirty five and maybe I was fifteen
It was just another night in the presence of Martin Luther King
I was just a dreamer, I was ready for the Kennedy's
And I said
Please God, show 'em the way
Please God, on this day
Light the fire, start it over
Tell the world about the dream
Start it up and make it real
Please God
Show him the way
Please God
Show her the way
Please God
Show them the way
Please God
Back in the room where it all began
My heart began to heal, I believe it
I remember the beauty of the Hamptons
Shadows playing in the sun
A voice said, "The dream is not over, no
The dream has just begun"
I spun around to see another shadow
Slipping through the door
And my eyes opened wide, "What is this all for?"
And the shadow said, "Don't forget it, don't forget
What we were fighting for, don't forget it"
And I said
Please God, show 'em the way
(It's just another night)
Please God, on this day
(Martin Luther King)
Spirits all given the strength
(Sing us a song)
Peace can come if you fight for it
(Don't forget it)
Think we're just in time to say
(Ooh, and said, oh said)
Please God, show 'em the way
(All in shadow)
Please God, on this day
(All before me)
Spirits all given the strength
Peace can come if you fight for it
Think we're just in time to say this
Set them free
Room was full of hope
Please God, show 'em the way
(I believe it)
Please God, on this day
(Don't forget it)
Spirits all given the strength
(Don't forget what
We were fighting for)
Think we're just in time to say
Peace can come if you fight for it
Peace can come if you try harder
Peace can come, ooh, if you really want it
The dream
Don't forget it, please God
Show them the way
The song "Show Them The Way" is one of Stevie Nicks's most powerful and passionate tracks ever released. The lyrics seem to be addressing God, asking for guidance and strength to bring about peace and freedom. She references a dream she had of singing for Martin Luther King Jr. and the Kennedys, two of the most influential figures in American politics and civil rights history. Nicks relates this dream to the present day, using her experiences to implore listeners to fight for a better future.
The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of the dream Nicks had, with references to a gray house in the Hamptons, Persian carpets, and a piano. She describes feeling overwhelmed by the presence of these historical figures and the weight of their dreams. As she sings, "Whatever it takes, whatever it takes to be free," she is urging listeners to do whatever they can to bring about positive change in the world.
One of the most interesting aspects of this song is the fact that Nicks wrote it nearly two decades ago, but only recently recorded it for release. She has cited the Black Lives Matter movement and the current political climate as the inspiration for finally sharing the song with the world. Additionally, the song features legendary musician and producer Dave Stewart, who co-wrote and co-produced the track with Nicks. Stewart is best known for being one-half of the duo Eurythmics, and also produced albums for well-known artists like Mick Jagger and Tom Petty.
Line by Line Meaning
Please God, show 'em the way
Asking God for guidance in how to achieve peace and harmony in the world.
Please God, on this day
Asking God for guidance on this particular day in hopes that progress can be made.
Spirits all given the strength
Hope and determination that everyone can find the strength to come together for a common goal.
Peace can come if you really want it
If we work together and truly want peace and unity, it can be achieved.
I had a fragile dream in a gray house in the Hamptons
The singer had a hopeful but vulnerable vision of a more harmonious world, which came to her while in a particular set and setting.
I'd been there before, singing songs and doing benefits
The singer had previously used her art to try and make a difference in the world.
Was in a room alone putting on my makeup
The process of preparing for public performance.
Like so many things that come to me
Artistic inspiration.
The dress came across the Persian carpet
An item representing glamour that the singer wore during performances.
As I fell into the dress, a thought came to me Into my heart, I have a dream
The singer's artistic inspiration led to a vision of a more harmonious world.
And a door opened I turned to face the music
A new opportunity arose for the singer in her quest to make a difference through her art.
I was ready for the Kennedy's
The singer was poised for a momentous occasion where she could use her art for good, particularly invoking the spirit of President Kennedy's ideals.
I don't know if it was 1960 or 1963 Everything was timeless, even me
The memories have such a powerful and timeless quality that the singer can't quite place them on a specific timeline.
I wasn't old, I wasn't young, I was just part of their dream
The singer is part of a collective effort to realize a better future.
A shadow walked with me down the hall, it was Martin Luther King
The influential civil rights leader was a powerful figure in the process of building a better world.
All in shadow, all before me, overwhelmed by Destiny
The forces of history and fate weigh heavily on the singer's mind as she prepares for her role in the movement.
Someone said, 'Sing us a song There's a piano' and handed me a drink
The singer is called upon to use her ability to create music to build and inspire in the moment.
The room was full of hope, a song would set them free
The moment was charged with energy and anticipation, a chance for something freeing and positive to occur.
Please God, show 'em the way Please God, on this day
The singer continues to petition for divine guidance on this powerful day.
Light the fire, start it over Tell the world about the dream Start it up and make it real
A vision of the world on fire with the energy and power of people working toward a common goal.
Whatever it takes Whatever it takes to be free
A commitment to do whatever it takes to realize the vision of freedom and unity.
No, I didn't know these men But they knew me
The sense of connection between people devoted to a shared ideal, despite never having met before.
It was all symbolic, nothing was as it seemed
The moments that appeared small and insignificant at the time were actually rich with symbolic meaning and importance in hindsight.
They all left us in a single shot but they didn't take the dream
The powerful figures who have suffered tragedies and losses did not take the vision of a better world, but passed it on to those who remain to carry on the work.
They were there in that house, discussing the future And drinking champagne, I was just a piano player The voice, part of their dream
Powerful, behind-the-scenes figures were discussing the future of the movement, while the singer herself was just a cog in the larger effort.
I was thirty five and maybe I was fifteen
In this moment, she felt both young and old, as though the memories were from years past and decades to come all at once.
It was just another night in the presence of Martin Luther King
The singer had the profound honor of performing and creating art in the presence of the great Civil Rights leader.
Back in the room where it all began My heart began to heal, I believe it
Returning to the physical location where she first experienced the vision of a better world helped the singer work through emotions and begin healing.
I remember the beauty of the Hamptons Shadows playing in the sun A voice said, 'The dream is not over, no The dream has just begun'
The movement is one that seeks to create a beautiful, harmonious world, even in the darkest of shadows.
I spun around to see another shadow Slipping through the door And my eyes opened wide, 'What is this all for?'
The all-consuming idea of working toward a better world felt overwhelming, and even insurmountable.
And the shadow said, 'Don't forget it, don't forget What we were fighting for, don't forget it'
A voice urging the singer to never lose sight of the cause or give up fighting for what is right.
Think we're just in time to say Peace can come if you fight for it Peace can come if you try harder Peace can come, ooh, if you really want it
Peace and harmony are achievable if people are willing to work hard enough and truly believe in the cause.
The dream Don't forget it, please God Show them the way
A passionate call to remain dedicated to the dream and show others how to achieve it.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Greg Kurstin, Stephanie Nicks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KarloughPersonal
Please God, show 'em the way
Please God, on this day
Spirits all given the strength
Peace can come if you really want it
I had a fragile dream in a gray house in the Hamptons
I'd been there before, singing songs and doing benefits
Was in a room alone putting on my makeup
Like so many things that come to me, the dress came across the Persian carpet
As I fell into the dress, a thought came to me
Into my heart, I have a dream
And a door opened
I turned to face the music
I was ready for the Kennedys
I don't know if it was 1960 or 1963
Everything was timeless, even me
I wasn't old, I wasn't young, I was just part of their dream
A shadow walked with me down the hall, it was Martin Luther King
All in shadow, all before me, overwhelmed by
Destiny, someone said, "Sing us a song
There's a piano" and handed me a drink
The room was full of hope, a song would set them free
And I said
Please God, show 'em the way
Please God, on this day
Spirits all given the strength
Peace can come if you really want it
I sat at the piano, stared out of the shadows
I sang the words, "I have a dream"
He wasn't my old friend John, I didn't know him then
But he smiled at me, and I sang these words
Whatever it takes
Whatever it takes to be free
No, I didn't know these men
But they knew me
It was all symbolic, nothing was as it seemed
They all left us in a single shot but they didn't take the dream
They were there in that house, discussing the future
And drinking champagne, I was just a piano player
The voice, part of their dream
I was thirty five and maybe I was fifteen
It was just another night in the presence of Martin Luther King
I was just a dreamer, I was ready for the Kennedys
And I said
Please God, show 'em the way
Please God, on this day
Light the fire, start it over
Tell the world about the dream
Start it up and make it real
Please God
Show him the way
Please God
Show her the way
Please God
Show them the way
Please God
Back in the room where it all began
My heart began to heal, I believe it
I remember the beauty of the Hamptons
Shadows playing in the sun
A voice said, "The dream is not over, no
The dream has just begun"
I spun around to see another shadow
Slipping through the door
And my eyes opened wide, "What is this all for?"
And the shadow said, "Don't forget it, don't forget
What we were fighting for, don't forget it"
And I said
Please God, show 'em the way
(It's just another night)
Please God, on this day
(Martin Luther King)
Spirits all given the strength
(Sing us a song)
Peace can come if you fight for it
(Don't forget it)
Think we're just in time to say
(Ooh, and said, oh said)
Please God, show 'em the way
(All in shadow)
Please God, on this day
(All before me)
Spirits all given the strength
Peace can come if you fight for it
Think we're just in time to say this
Set them free
Room was full of hope
Please God, show 'em the way
(I believe it)
Please God, on this day
(Don't forget it)
Spirits all given the strength
(Don't forget what
We were fighting for)
Think we're just in time to say
Peace can come if you fight for it
Peace can come if you try harder
Peace can come, ooh, if you really want it
The dream
Don't forget it, please God
Show them the way
@LuchoVega68
Iโm here September 27, 2024 after listening Stevieโs new anthem The Lighthouse. Stevie is unstoppable.
@Milaperadotti
๐
@CruisingDystopia
Likewise! She is killing me. In a perfect way.
@CindaUSA
Sheโs the Energizer Bunny, keeps on ticking on.
@a.karatas953
We need this song today more, than ever... STOP WAR! LIVE PEACE and FREEDOM.
@AlexNagy-q9x
Thank you, Stevie, for singing truth. I have turned to you my entire 67 years
@oldskool4612
I was born in 60 and now I am 60. Thanks Stevie for the lifescape. I pray for our Democracy and Humanity ๐
@CruisingDystopia
I honor what you've lived. I'm 45. To age feels like it makes you invisible. Stevie helps me feel seen. We have seen things and lived...the Clinton and RGB had me bawling. Actually, the whole thing does. I need this in vinyl.
@marynweidman
Stevie you've given many a women the drive to not go back!
@michaelmaletz2548
From her lips to God's ear. Powerful song, Powerful message from an amazing musical storyteller.