Power
The Doobie Brothers John Hall & James Taylor Lyrics


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Just give me the warm power of the sun
Give me the steady flow of a waterfall
Give me the spirit of living things as they return to clay
Just give me the restless power of the wind
Give me the comforting glow of a wood fire
But won't you take all your atomic poison power away

Everybody needs some power I'm told
To shield them from the darkness and the cold
Some may seek a way to take control when it's bought and sold
I know that lives are at stake
Yours and mine of our descendants in time




There's so much to gain and so much to lose
Everyone of us has to choose

Overall Meaning

The song Power, as performed by The Doobie Brothers, John Hall, and James Taylor, is a plea for power that is sustainable, organic, and life-affirming. The lyrics articulate the desire for natural sources of power, such as the sun, water, and wind, while rejecting the more destructive, man-made forms of power, such as atomic energy. The song suggests that power is necessary, but there are better ways to obtain it than through technologies that are dangerous and have long-term consequences.


The repeated refrain of "Everybody needs some power, I'm told/To shield them from the darkness and the cold" emphasizes the universal need for power, but also acknowledges the fear and vulnerability that make people seek out power at any cost. The line "Some may seek a way to take control when it's bought and sold" highlights the danger of power when it is seen as a commodity that can be bought and sold, rather than a means of sustenance that exists in nature.


The final verse of the song reminds us that the consequences of our choices around power extend beyond our own lives, affecting our descendants and future generations. The lyrics suggest that the choice between natural and man-made power is not only an individual decision, but also a moral one. The song remains relevant today, as debates about energy policy, climate change, and sustainability continue to shape our world.


Line by Line Meaning

Just give me the warm power of the sun
I desire the life-giving energy of the sun in my life


Give me the steady flow of a waterfall
I want the peaceful and constant flow of water like a waterfall


Give me the spirit of living things as they return to clay
I welcome the cycle of life and death, and the natural order of things


Just give me the restless power of the wind
I want the energy and unpredictability of the wind


Give me the comforting glow of a wood fire
I desire the warmth and security of a fire


But won't you take all your atomic poison power away
I reject destructive and harmful forms of power, like nuclear energy


Everybody needs some power I'm told
Power is necessary for survival and progress according to popular belief


To shield them from the darkness and the cold
Power provides protection from the hardships of life


Some may seek a way to take control when it's bought and sold
Some will seek to gain power through manipulation and deceit


I know that lives are at stake
I am aware that the consequences of decisions made with power can be life-altering


Yours and mine of our descendants in time
The impact of power extends beyond our lifetime to future generations


There's so much to gain and so much to lose
Power can bring immense benefits, but also great risks and consequences


Everyone of us has to choose
We all have to make our own decisions about how much power we seek and how we use it




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: QUINN GARDENER-KANE, MICHAEL JOHN RICHARDSON, ROBERT MACINTYRE DEXTER, GLENN ANDREW MILLEN, JOHN WILLIAM HALL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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