Democracy
The Lumineers Lyrics


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It's coming through a hole in the air
From those nights in Tiananmen Square
It's coming from the feeling
This ain't exactly real
Or it's real, but it ain't exactly there

From the wars against disorder
From the sirens night and day
From the fires of the homeless
From the ashes of the gay
Democracy is coming to the USA

It's coming through a crack in the wall
On a visionary flood of alcohol
From the staggering account
Of the Sermon on the Mount
Which I don't pretend to understand at all
It's coming from the silence
On the dock of the bay
From the brave, the bold, the battered
Heart of Chevrolet
Democracy is coming to the USA

It's coming from the sorrow in the street

The holy places where the races meet
From the homicidal bitchin'
That goes down in every kitchen
To determine who will serve and who will eat
From the wells of disappointment
Where the women kneel to pray
For the grace of God in the desert here
And the desert far away
Democracy is coming to the USA

Sail on, sail on
Oh mighty ship of state!
To the shores of need
Past the reefs of greed
Through the squalls of hate
Sail on, sail on, sail on

It's coming to America first

The cradle of the best and of the worst
It's here they've got the range
And the machinery for change
And it's here they've got the spiritual thirst
It's here the family's broken
And it's here the lonely say
That the heart has got to open
In a fundamental way
Democracy is coming to the USA

It's coming from the women and the men
Oh baby, we'll be making love again
We'll be going down so deep
That the river's going to weep
And the mountain's going to shout Amen!
It's coming like the tidal flood
Beneath the lunar sway
Imperial, mysterious

In amorous array
Democracy is coming to the USA

Sail on, sail on
Oh mighty ship of state!
To the shores of need
Past the reefs of greed
Through the squalls of hate
Sail on, sail on, sail on

I'm sentimental, if you know what I mean
Oh, I love the country but I can't stand the scene
And I'm neither left or right
I'm just staying home tonight
Getting lost in that hopeless little screen
But I'm stubborn as those garbage bags
That time cannot decay
I'm junk but I'm still holding up

This little wild bouquet
Democracy is coming to the USA
To the USA




To the USA
To the USA

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Democracy" by The Lumineers speak to the longing for a more democratic and inclusive society in the United States. The song draws inspiration from various historical and societal events that have shaped the country's progress towards democracy.


The opening lines suggest a sense of disconnectedness and unreality, implying that true democracy has not yet been fully realized. The reference to the Tiananmen Square protests in China serves as a symbol for the struggle for freedom and democratic ideals. The song acknowledges the ongoing wars, inequality, and injustices faced by vulnerable groups, including the homeless and the LGBTQ+ community.


The lyrics highlight the power of democracy to bring about change and address these issues. The reference to the Sermon on the Mount, a famous sermon by Jesus Christ, suggests that the principles of love, compassion, and equality should guide the path towards democracy. Despite not fully comprehending these principles, the singer believes in their importance.


The chorus expresses hope and a plea for democracy to come to America, addressing both the flaws and potential of the nation. The imagery of sailing on a ship through difficult waters symbolizes the journey towards a more just society, navigating past greed and hate.


The song also acknowledges the vital role of women and men in bringing about democratic change, emphasizing the significance of love and intimacy. The reference to making love again suggests a rekindling of passion and unity among the people.


The final verse reflects the singer's sentimentality and frustration with the current state of affairs in the country. The reference to being neither left nor right conveys a desire for a genuine democracy that transcends political ideologies. The singer, while acknowledging the flaws, remains steadfast in their commitment to democracy, represented by the image of a junkyard flower bouquet resilient and holding up.


Overall, "Democracy" is a powerful anthem that calls for the realization of true democracy in the United States, recognizing the struggles faced by various groups and emphasizing the need for love, compassion, and unity to pave the way.


Line by Line Meaning

It's coming through a hole in the air
Change and progress are happening unexpectedly, making their way through the limitations and barriers.


From those nights in Tiananmen Square
The inspiration for change comes from the historic events and demonstrations in Tiananmen Square, where people fought for democracy.


It's coming from the feeling
The desire for change emerges from a deep emotional sense, a yearning for something better.


This ain't exactly real
The current state of affairs lacks authenticity and falls short of being truly meaningful.


Or it's real, but it ain't exactly there
Even if change is happening, it has not fully materialized or reached its full potential yet.


From the wars against disorder
Change arises from the struggles and conflicts fought against chaos and instability.


From the sirens night and day
The call for change is driven by the constant alarm and urgency coming from all directions.


From the fires of the homeless
The demand for change is fueled by the suffering and hardships faced by the homeless population.


From the ashes of the gay
Change arises from the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community, which has risen from the challenges they have faced.


Democracy is coming to the USA
The vision of a democratic society is slowly becoming a reality in the United States.


It's coming through a crack in the wall
Change and progress are breaking through the barriers and limitations, creating cracks in the existing system.


On a visionary flood of alcohol
The revolution of change is fueled by the intoxicating power of new ideas and possibilities.


From the staggering account
Change is driven by the overwhelming impact and significance of historical events.


Of the Sermon on the Mount
Change is influenced by the profound teachings and wisdom of influential figures, such as Jesus' sermon.


Which I don't pretend to understand at all
The full understanding of the profound teachings and their impact remains elusive and difficult to comprehend.


It's coming from the silence
Change arises from moments of silence, reflection, and introspection.


On the dock of the bay
Moments of quiet contemplation by the water's edge inspire change and transformation.


From the brave, the bold, the battered
Change is driven by those who show courage, daring, and resilience despite their wounds and hardships.


Heart of Chevrolet
Change arises from the core, the essence of the American spirit represented by the iconic Chevrolet brand.


It's coming from the sorrow in the street
The desire for change emerges from the collective pain and suffering experienced by people in the streets.


The holy places where the races meet
Change arises from the sacred spaces where people of different races come together, recognizing their shared humanity.


From the homicidal bitchin'
Change is demanded in response to the senseless violence and constant complaints that pervade society.


That goes down in every kitchen
Change is fueled by the discussions and debates that happen in everyday households and kitchens.


To determine who will serve and who will eat
Change is driven by the struggle for power and resources, deciding who will have a seat at the table.


From the wells of disappointment
Change arises from the depths of disillusionment and unfulfilled expectations.


Where the women kneel to pray
Change is demanded by women who seek deliverance and justice, kneeling in prayer for a better future.


For the grace of God in the desert here
In this barren and challenging desert-like environment, people yearn for the divine intervention of change and grace.


And the desert far away
Beyond this immediate landscape lies a larger world, equally in need of change and transformation.


It's coming to America first
Change is actively happening in America, as it leads the way in accepting and embracing democratic values.


The cradle of the best and of the worst
America is both the birthplace of great achievements and significant flaws, embodying the extremes of human potential.


It's here they've got the range
America possesses the diversity and variety required for change to occur and encompass a broad spectrum of ideas.


And the machinery for change
America has the infrastructure and systems in place to facilitate and bring about meaningful change.


And it's here they've got the spiritual thirst
In America, there is an inherent craving for spiritual fulfillment, which fuels the desire for change and progress.


It's here the family's broken
In America, the concept of family and its bonds have suffered fractures and disruptions.


And it's here the lonely say
In America, those who feel isolated and alone advocate for change, recognizing the need for deeper connection.


That the heart has got to open
Change is necessary for individuals to open their hearts, showing vulnerability and empathy towards one another.


In a fundamental way
The change needed in America must be profound and go to the very core of society and its values.


It's coming from the women and the men
Change is driven by both men and women, united in their pursuit of a better society.


Oh baby, we'll be making love again
The restoration of love, compassion, and unity will prevail, bringing people closer together once more.


We'll be going down so deep
Change will take people to profound depths, exploring the depths of their emotions and understanding.


That the river's going to weep
Change will be so powerful that it will move even nature itself, causing the river to shed tears of both joy and sorrow.


And the mountain's going to shout Amen!
The mountains, strong and steadfast, will join in acknowledging and celebrating the magnitude and significance of change.


It's coming like the tidal flood
Change will surge forward with the force and inevitability of a tidal wave, unstoppable and transformative.


Beneath the lunar sway
Change is influenced by the mysterious and captivating power of the moon, reflecting the ebb and flow of life.


Imperial, mysterious
Change possesses an aura of grandeur and enigma, conveying a sense of majesty and unknown possibilities.


In amorous array
Change manifests itself in a passionate and alluring manner, captivating hearts and minds.


I'm sentimental, if you know what I mean
Personally, I am driven by emotions and nostalgia, longing for a better world.


Oh, I love the country, but I can't stand the scene
While I have a deep affinity for my country, I am disappointed and frustrated with its current state and circumstances.


And I'm neither left or right
Politically, I don't align with any particular ideology or side.


I'm just staying home tonight
Instead of actively participating in the chaos outside, I choose to stay at home, seeking solace and reflection.


Getting lost in that hopeless little screen
I find myself consumed and distracted by the despair and emptiness displayed on my small electronic device.


But I'm stubborn as those garbage bags
Despite my shortcomings, I am resilient and refuse to be easily discarded, just like the stubbornness of garbage bags.


That time cannot decay
Like these garbage bags, I withstand the passage of time and do not succumb to decay or indifference.


I'm junk but I'm still holding up
Even though I may feel worthless or insignificant, I continue to persevere and endure.


This little wild bouquet
I may be unconventional and untamed, but I still possess beauty and vibrancy, like a wild bouquet of flowers.


Democracy is coming to the USA
The desire for democracy, equality, and justice is on the rise, and its realization is imminent in the United States.


Sail on, sail on Oh mighty ship of state!
Continue onwards, oh powerful vessel of the nation, sailing towards progress and a better future.


To the shores of need Past the reefs of greed Through the squalls of hate
Navigate through the challenges of societal needs, overcoming the obstacles of greed and hatred along the way.


Sail on, sail on, sail on
Persist and carry on, sailing steadfastly towards the vision of a better society.


To the USA
This journey towards change and democracy is specifically directed towards the United States.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Wesley Schultz, Jeremiah Fraites

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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