When I Die
Sweet Honey In The Rock Lyrics


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When I die (when I die)
When I'm (dead and gone)
There'll be one child born
And a whole wide world to carry on

And when I die (and when I die)
And I'm (dead and gone)
There'll be one child born
And a whole wide world to carry on

I'm not scared of dying and I don't really fear
If it's peace you find in dying, well, then let the time be near
If it's peace you find in dying, when dying time is here
Just you bundle up my coffin cause I hear it's cold way down there

When I die (when I die)
When I'm (dead and gone)
There'll be one child born
And a whole wide world to carry on

My troubles here are many, deep as a well
Got me wonderin' about heaven, each day I live in hell
If you worry about heaven, if you're wonderin' 'bout hell
You won't only know by living, only dying will tell

And when I die (and when I die)
When I'm dead (dead and gone)
There'll be one child born
And a whole wide world to carry on

Just give me my freedom for as long as I be
All I ask of my living is to have no chains on me
All I ask of my living is to have no chains on me
All I ask of dying is to go naturally

And when I die (and when I die)
When I'm dead (dead and gone)
There'll be one child born
And a whole wide world to carry on

And when I die (and when I die)
When I'm dead (dead and gone)
There'll be one child born
And a whole wide world to carry on

There'll be one child born
And a whole wide world to carry on





There'll be one child born when I die

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sweet Honey In The Rock’s song “When I Die” touch on themes of mortality, the cycle of life, and the hope for a better world. The repetition of the phrase “when I die” is not morbid, but rather suggests the inevitability of death as a part of a larger process. The following line, “when I’m dead and gone,” then underscores this passing and the idea that, though one person may die, the world continues to move forward. As it is repeated, “there’ll be one child born and a whole wide world to carry on” encapsulates the sense of regeneration and continuity at play.


The song’s lyrics also touch on the singer’s personal reflection on death. They are not afraid of dying and even seem to welcome it as a form of peace. The mention of bundling up their coffin in preparation for the cold below suggests a belief in an afterlife that might not be warm and comforting.


The song shifts to more secular concerns as it continues, touching on the worldly troubles that plague the singer. The lyrics hint at a sense that this world can be a form of “hell” and that the salvation of an afterlife is uncertain. The response is to strive for freedom from societal constraints and expectations while asking for a natural and peaceful death.


Overall, “When I Die” is a moving and meditative song that grapples with themes of mortality, hope, and freedom.


Line by Line Meaning

When I die (when I die)
The event of my death


When I'm (dead and gone)
After I'm no longer living


There'll be one child born
A new life will emerge after my death


And a whole wide world to carry on
The world will continue moving forward without me


I'm not scared of dying and I don't really fear
I have no fear of death


If it's peace you find in dying, well, then let the time be near
If death brings peace, then I'm ready for it


If it's peace you find in dying, when dying time is here
When it's time for me to die, if it brings me peace, then I accept it


Just you bundle up my coffin cause I hear it's cold way down there
Prepare my coffin well for the coldness of the afterlife


My troubles here are many, deep as a well
I have many troubles and they are profound


Got me wonderin' about heaven, each day I live in hell
My troubles make me question heaven and feel like I'm living in hell


If you worry about heaven, if you're wonderin' 'bout hell
If you think about the afterlife, both good and bad


You won't only know by living, only dying will tell
You can't truly know about the afterlife while you're still alive, only death can reveal it


Just give me my freedom for as long as I be
Allow me to live in freedom while I'm still alive


All I ask of my living is to have no chains on me
I want to be free while I'm still alive


All I ask of dying is to go naturally
When I die, I wish to do so naturally


There'll be one child born when I die
A new life will emerge after my death




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Laura Nyro

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Barbara Barnett


on Young and Positive

what are the lyrics to im young and im positive

Amado Mc. G


on The little Shekere

The Little Shekere Lyrics: I Use to be a squash in Aminatta’s field Until the day she decided to collect her yield I was so afraid that she would come and choose me but since I couldn’t run away, I had to wait and see She went back and forth and up and down every row then without choosing me she decided to go I was so relieved I began to shout! Which made her turn around and see me so she picked me out! When she wrapped me in her sack and place me on her head and started walking toward her village, I was filled with dread Many of my friends and family had left the land but never knowing where they went I did not understand That a whole new life was just ahead of me as a calabash, moraccas, agbe, axatse. I never knew a squash could be so many things full of colors and designs and beaded down with strings When we reached the house they took me out of the sack I wanted to go home! (somebody take me back!) But as I look around I just could not believe my eyes I saw my friends and family, what a nice surprise! They were happy to see me and they were looking good and when they started to talk, that’s when I understood Even though each one was different in color and shape when they all played together the music was great. My life was just beginning in the musical world I’d be a shekere for these young boys and girls A Shekere! (A Shekere!) A Shekere! (A Shekere!) So listen everybody to my family and friends we’re gonna sing this song for you from begin to end A Shekere! (A Shekere!) A Shekere! (A Shekere!) *Shekeres Playing* Shekere!

Ahfor Taitu


on I Be Your Water

I BE YOUR WATER-LYRICS

i————
i be your shelter
i be your rain
i be your everything
i be your friend
i be your water
when your thirsty and dry…

i woke up mourning in a crowded sick place
surrounded by evil, protected by grace
there were these hands, hundreds reaching for me
they knew exactly who and what i should be
each way i turned, had me stronger than the last
which would i choose & how could i pass

then i heard whispers (be still -be still -be still)
from deep inside me (be still -be still -be still)
then i heard whispers (be still -be still -be still)
from deep inside me (be still -be still -be still)

as i gave power to the sound of my own voice
a way broke before me, i followed my choice
i walked along the way others lives had been
til’ i came to what seemed like an end
again these hands, reaching beckoning for me
they knew exactly who and what i should be

again the whispers (be still -be still -be still)
keeping me steady (be still -be still -be still)
again the whispers (be still -be still -be still)
keeping me steady (be still -be still -be still)

way before me was mine to make
there was no road, no path to take
as i had my life, through this muddy walk way
others toiled beside me for a justice new day
still i have felt lonely most of the time
walking this sweet freedom struggle of mine
still i have felt lonely most of the time
walking this sweet freedom struggle of mine

saved by the whispers (be still -be still -be still)
keeping me steady (be still -be still -be still)
saved by the whispers (be still -be still -be still)
keeping me steady (be still -be still -be still)

yesterday i stumbled around the bend
i saw you standing, you reached me your hand
i seen you before, oh many of times
why your life had plowed the road, right next to mine
now you make the sun rise in my sky
you rock my cradle hunny, you make me fly
you keep me company
now you make the sun rise in my sky
you rock my cradle hunny, you make me fly
you keep me company

i————
I be your shelter
i be your rain
i be your everything
i be your friend
i be your water
when your thirsty and dry…

Brenda Nelson


on Long Journey Home

Does anyone have lyrics for this song...long journey home ....by sweet honey in the rock?

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