We Shall Overcome
Tao Rodriguez-Seeger Lyrics


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We shall overcome,
We shall overcome,
We shall overcome, some day.

Oh, deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day.
We'll walk hand in hand,
We'll walk hand in hand,
We'll walk hand in hand, some day.

Oh, deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day.

We shall live in peace,
We shall live in peace,
We shall live in peace, some day.

Oh, deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day.

We are not afraid,
We are not afraid,
We are not afraid, TODAY

Oh, deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day.

The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around some day

Oh, deep in my heart,




I do believe
We shall overcome, some day.

Overall Meaning

Tao Rodriguez-Seeger's song "We Shall Overcome" is a gospel-inspired civil rights anthem that has been used as a rallying cry in countless demonstrations and movements advocating equality and human rights. The theme of the song is hope and faith in the eventual triumph of justice over oppression, and the lyrics are simple but powerful.


The repeated phrase "We shall overcome" emphasizes the persistent determination of those who advocate for civil rights and expresses their belief in the possibility of a better world. The line "Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe" serves to underline the spiritual conviction that drives the struggle for justice, connecting it to a higher sense of purpose that transcends individual hardships and setbacks.


The second verse of the song speaks to the idea of unity and solidarity among all who fight for a common cause. The image of walking hand in hand conveys a sense of togetherness and mutual support, emphasizing the strength that comes from standing in solidarity with others. The third verse speaks to the ultimate goal of the civil rights struggle, which is to establish a world of peace and equality. The final verse calls for action in the present, proclaiming that those who work for change are not afraid, and emphasizing that progress towards collective goals will only come from active engagement and determination.


Line by Line Meaning

We shall overcome,
We will succeed in our struggles,


We shall overcome,
We will succeed in our struggles,


We shall overcome, some day.
Although it may not be immediate, we will eventually succeed in our struggles.


Oh, deep in my heart,
I feel confident and sincere.


I do believe
I have faith and trust.


We shall overcome, some day.
Although it may not be immediate, we will eventually succeed in our struggles.


We'll walk hand in hand,
We'll proceed together and support each other.


We'll walk hand in hand,
We'll proceed together and support each other.


We'll walk hand in hand, some day.
Although it may not be immediate, we will eventually proceed together and support each other.


Oh, deep in my heart,
I feel confident and sincere.


I do believe
I have faith and trust.


We shall overcome, some day.
Although it may not be immediate, we will eventually succeed in our struggles.


We shall live in peace,
Our society will be peaceful and harmonious.


We shall live in peace,
Our society will be peaceful and harmonious.


We shall live in peace, some day.
Although it may not be immediate, our society will eventually be peaceful and harmonious.


Oh, deep in my heart,
I feel confident and sincere.


I do believe
I have faith and trust.


We shall overcome, some day.
Although it may not be immediate, we will eventually succeed in our struggles.


We are not afraid,
We are confident and courageous.


We are not afraid,
We are confident and courageous.


We are not afraid, TODAY
Right now, we are confident, courageous, and not experiencing fear or apprehension.


Oh, deep in my heart,
I feel confident and sincere.


I do believe
I have faith and trust.


We shall overcome, some day.
Although it may not be immediate, we will eventually succeed in our struggles.


The whole wide world around
Every part of the world.


The whole wide world around
Every part of the world.


The whole wide world around some day
Although it may not be immediate, every part of the world will eventually be affected.


Oh, deep in my heart,
I feel confident and sincere.


I do believe
I have faith and trust.


We shall overcome, some day.
Although it may not be immediate, we will eventually succeed in our struggles.




Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frank Hamilton, Guy Carawan, Pete Seeger, Zilphia Horton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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