Medicine Man
The Osmonds Lyrics


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Hey, man, quick as you can call up the medicine man.
Hey, son, put down your gun, no time to be on the run.
Who'll be right and who'll be wrong?
And who'll be left to see tomorrow after we are gone?

Hey there, better beware, a lot of smoke in the air.
So son, put down your gun before you lose what you are.
Who'll be right and who'll be wrong?
And who'll be left to see tomorrow after we are gone?

This legend of today, was he our hero yesterday?
The children cry, for tomorrow will they live on after we are gone?




Will they live on after we are gone?
Will they live on after we are gone?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Osmonds's song "Medicine Man" explore the themes of conflict, violence, and the fragile nature of existence. The song begins with a call to the medicine man, presumably to heal the wounds of those affected by violence. The urgency of the situation is highlighted in the line "quick as you can," and the need for a remedy is emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "medicine man."


The song then addresses a younger generation, possibly soldiers or rebels involved in a conflict. The singer implores them to put down their weapons and avoid being swept up in the violent cycle of their predecessors. The line "Who'll be right and who'll be wrong?" suggests that there may not be a clear winner or loser in these conflicts, and that the cost of violence is borne by all parties involved. Similarly, "Who'll be left to see tomorrow after we are gone?" highlights the devastating consequences of violence.


As the song progresses, it questions the legacy that is being left for future generations. The line "This legend of today, was he our hero yesterday?" suggests that those who are glorified or celebrated in the present may be viewed differently in the future. The children's cries for tomorrow serve as a reminder that the actions of the present have consequences beyond the immediate moment. The final repetition of "Will they live on after we are gone?" is a haunting reminder of how finite our existence is, and the responsibility we have to the world we leave behind.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey, man, quick as you can call up the medicine man.
Hurry up and call the medicine man to help us heal from the troubles we face.


Hey, son, put down your gun, no time to be on the run.
Stop running away from the problems and confront them without using weapons.


Who'll be right and who'll be wrong?
Uncertainty arises as we question the morality of the actions taken by all involved in this conflict.


And who'll be left to see tomorrow after we are gone?
What will be the state of the world once we have passed away, leaving it to future generations?


Hey there, better beware, a lot of smoke in the air.
The situation is becoming dangerous and it's important to keep a watchful eye.


So son, put down your gun before you lose what you are.
Halt the violent behaviour or risk compromising your own identity.


This legend of today, was he our hero yesterday?
Is this highly regarded figure of the present day someone who was also revered in the past?


The children cry, for tomorrow will they live on after we are gone?
The youth are worried for their future if we don't take responsibility for creating a better world.


Will they live on after we are gone?
Will future generations continue to thrive once we are no longer here to guide them?


Will they live on after we are gone?
Will our legacy and impact carry on once we have passed away?




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALAN RALPH OSMOND, MERRILL DAVIS OSMOND, WAYNE OSMOND

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