Up Where We Belong
Various Artists Lyrics


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I'll take these storms away
Start a brand new story
I'll make it through each day
Singing death or glory
Lord won't answer me
I won't let it bring me down
I know these times are grave
And I'm living under
I know I'll be okay
With the rain or thunder
I hear it calling me
I will march into the sound
I just get the feeling you're holding me down
And the answers needed
I guess there being smothered by the sounds
Of all this emotion and all of this hate
Still I keep searching for something to put my faith in
To find my place so I keep singing
I'll take these storms away
Start a brand new story
I'll make it through each day
Singing death or glory
Lord won't answer me
I won't let it bring me down
Hold on, hold on
We'll move along
Where we belong
Where we belong
My heart, my soul
I don't need a vision, I like to embrace
And I don't need false promises, hopes and wishes
To find my place so I keep singing
I'll take these storms away
Start a brand new story
I'll make it through each day
Singing death or glory
Lord won't answer me
I won't let it bring me down
Where we belong
Where we belong
My heart, my soul
We stand alone
Hold on, hold on
Where we belong
My heart, my soul
We stand alone
Hold on, hold on
Where we belong
My heart, my soul
We stand alone
Hold on, hold on
Where we belong
My heart, my soul
I'll take these storms away
(Where we belong)
Start a brand new story
I'll make it through each day
(Where we belong)
Singing death or glory
Lord won't answer me




(My heart, my soul)
I won't let it bring me down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Up Where We Belong" by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes talk about overcoming life's challenges and finding one's place in the world. The singer expresses a sense of determination to weather any storms, start anew, and push through each day with a spirit of hope, courage, and resilience. Even though he feels unheard and answered by the Lord, he refuses to let that bring him down. He understands the gravity of the times and the overwhelming emotions and hate around him, but he looks for something to put his faith in, to believe in. He is searching for a sense of belonging, a place where he can be himself and feel alive. And he finds that place in singing death or glory, in embracing life in all its complexities and uncertainties, in standing alone but holding on to the hope that someday he will meet his destiny.


The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea of belonging, of finding a place in the world where one's heart and soul feel free and alive. The repeated phrase "where we belong" suggests that this place is not just for one person but for all who are searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in life. The singer affirms that he doesn't need visions, false promises, hopes, and wishes to find his place; he simply keeps singing, keeps pushing himself to be better, to do better.


Overall, "Up Where We Belong" is a powerful anthem of hope and perseverance, reminding us that even in the toughest times, we can make it through by holding on to our dreams and finding our place in the world.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll take these storms away
I will overcome the challenges and difficulties in my life.


Start a brand new story
I will create a new and better future for myself.


I'll make it through each day
I will persevere and overcome any obstacles that come my way.


Singing death or glory
I will face life's challenges head-on, regardless of the outcome.


Lord won't answer me
Even when I feel lost and helpless, I won't lose my faith.


I won't let it bring me down
I won't let the hardships of life defeat me or break my spirit.


Hold on, hold on
I will stay strong and resilient, no matter what comes my way.


Where we belong
There is a place in the world for everyone to belong and feel accepted.


My heart, my soul
My innermost being and my essence are strong and resilient.


We stand alone
We may be alone at times, but we are strong and capable.




Writer(s): Buffy Sainte-Marie, Jack Nitzsche, Will Jennings

Contributed by David L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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