The Stone Cutter
Susan Trump Lyrics
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He said "I cut these stones to size, just as my master bids."
"I am a lowly stone-cutter", this bitter man did cry:
"And I'll be working at this job until the day I die."
A man was chopping at a stone, I asked him what he did
He said "I cut these stones to size, just as my master bids."
"I am a loving father, and a husband to my wife:"
A man was chopping at a stone, I asked him what he did
He said "I cut these stones to size, just as my master bids."
He raised his eyes unto the skies, his vision shined so clear
"I'm building a cathedral to last a thousand years."
Building a cathedral, or cutting up a stone
We make these choices every day, at work and in our homes.
Throughout our life-long journey, wherever we may roam
We're building a cathedral, or cutting up a stone.
The lyrics of "The Stone Cutter" by Susan Trump tells the story of a man who is a stone cutter. The man is asked what he does, and he replies that he is cutting stones to size as per his master's instructions. The man feels bitter about his job and believes that he would be doing the same job until the day he dies. The second stanza introduces a more positive aspect of the stone cutter's life. Here, he reveals that he is a loving father and husband who wants to do the best job possible to give the stones he cuts a good life. In the final verse, the man no longer seems bitter or resigned. Instead, he looks up and says that he is building a cathedral, which will last for a thousand years.
The lyrics offer a message of hope for those who may feel stuck in their jobs or lives. The stone cutter can be seen as a metaphor for any job that might seem monotonous or unimportant but, through hard work and dedication, can be transformed into a cathedral. The song highlights the importance of finding meaning and purpose in what one does, even when the task might seem insignificant.
Line by Line Meaning
A man was chopping at a stone, I asked him what he did
This line sets the scene for the story and introduces the main character - a man who is cutting a stone.
He said 'I cut these stones to size, just as my master bids.'
The man explains that he is a stone cutter, and his job is to cut stones to a specific size according to the orders of his boss.
"I am a loving father, and a husband to my wife:
The man adds that he is not just a stone cutter, but also a husband and father who works hard to provide for his family.
"I shape these stones the best I can to give them a good life."
The man takes pride in his work, and strives to create the best possible product for his customers.
"I'm building a cathedral to last a thousand years."
This line suggests that the man's work is not just about cutting stones, but is part of a larger project - the construction of a cathedral that will stand for centuries.
Building a cathedral, or cutting up a stone
This line highlights the idea that our daily actions, no matter how small they may seem, contribute to a larger goal or purpose.
We make these choices every day, at work and in our homes.
The song reminds us that our actions and choices, both in our professional and personal lives, have consequences and can impact others.
Throughout our life-long journey, wherever we may roam
This line speaks to the universal nature of the song's message - that we are all on a journey, and our choices and actions affect that journey.
We're building a cathedral, or cutting up a stone.
The final line summarizes the message of the song - that our daily actions are part of something larger and we have the power to impact the world, whether we are building a cathedral or simply cutting a stone.
Contributed by Micah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.