Redemption Song
The Mescaleros & Joe Strummer Lyrics
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Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the Almighty
We forward in this generation
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever had
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it
We got to fulfill the book
So won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever had
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fulfill the book
So won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever had
These songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever had
Redemption songs
These songs of freedom
These songs of freedom
The lyrics to "Redemption Song" by The Mescaleros & Joe Strummer paint a vivid picture of resilience, resistance, and the pursuit of freedom. The singer reflects on being a victim of oppression, symbolized by the image of old pirates robbing and selling them to merchant ships. Despite this initial act of injustice, the singer finds strength in their faith, as expressed through the line "But my hand was made strong by the hand of the Almighty." This imagery suggests a belief in divine protection and empowerment to face adversity.
The theme of generational progress and perseverance is also prominent in the lyrics, with the singer proclaiming "We forward in this generation triumphantly." It reflects a determination to overcome the trials of the past and continue the fight for freedom and justice. The call for collective action is emphasized as the singer urges others to join in singing "These songs of freedom," indicating the importance of unity and solidarity in the struggle against oppression.
The lyrics also touch upon the concept of mental liberation, urging individuals to "emancipate yourselves from mental slavery." This message highlights the need for self-awareness, critical thinking, and breaking free from societal constraints that limit individual autonomy and growth. The mention of not fearing atomic energy and the inability for external forces to stop time conveys a sense of defiance and resilience in the face of systemic challenges.
The repeated references to prophets being killed and the need to fulfill the book suggest a deep reflection on the cyclical nature of oppression and the importance of taking a stand against injustice. The song serves as a powerful anthem for social change and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for redemption and freedom. The urgent call to action to sing "These songs of freedom" resonates as a plea for unity, resistance, and the unyielding pursuit of a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
In the past, pirates took advantage of me
Sold I to the merchant ships
I was sold to slave traders
Minutes after they took I
I was taken away without delay
From the bottomless pit
From a dark and hopeless place
But my hand was made strong
I found strength within myself
By the hand of the Almighty
With help from a higher power
We forward in this generation
We move forward in our time
Triumphantly
With success and victory
Won't you help to sing
Can you join me in singing
These songs of freedom
Songs that speak of liberation
'Cause all I ever had
It's all I possess
Redemption songs
Songs of salvation and absolution
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
Break free from mental constraints
None but ourselves can free our minds
Only we can liberate our own thoughts
Have no fear for atomic energy
Don't be afraid of nuclear power
'Cause none of them can stop the time
Because they cannot control time
How long shall they kill our prophets
How much longer will our leaders be murdered
While we stand aside and look?
While we do nothing to intervene
Some say it's just a part of it
Some believe it's an inevitable aspect
We've got to fulfill the book
We must fulfill our destiny
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@peterblum613
My wife and I saw Joe play just before he died -- at a casino in Atlantic City. (There's a film of that day showing Joe on the boardwalk approaching passers-by and asking them to come to the show.) The irony of the venue was not lost on Joe; he had a twinkle in his eye the whole evening. Before one of his political numbers, he said, "This next one is a love song." My wife yelled to him, "Sing it to me, Joe." Joe looked at her, smiled, and said, "It doesn't make any sense, but I'll try."
@jenniferbeetz7335
I saw him play after he died and it was revelatory
@Infntpaccout1100.3x
Joe strummer the future is unwritten is a great film
@TheAdvencherContinues2022
I caught him in columbus just before he passed. Thankfully!
@kimbaldunsmore4633
That's a lovely story mate. I think he was a good bloke with a kind heart, more than just a musician. I remember the day we lost him very clearly and I was gutted. I hope he is in a good place with fiends now. Remembering you Joe.
@FitzgeraldStanburyWeissV
I wish I could've seen him live. I loved The Clash and I loved him with the Mescaleros...
RIP Joe Strummer
@briski2429
"And I'll keep listening to the great Joe Strummer 'Cause through music, we can live forever." -Tim Armstrong. R.I.P
@PAul.paUL.PaUL.
And I know
I'm indestructible
@justinkline1294
2:03 Big Tim looking good.
@TigerKhukhbar
A plaza named by Joe Strummer, in honour of him, was inaugurated in the Spainish city Granada last week, hope you people who love Joe come and visit this plaza.