This Bitter Earth
Washington Dinah Lyrics
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Well, what a fruit it bears
What good is love
Mmh, that no one shares?
And if my life is like the dust
Ooh, that hides the glow of a rose
What good am I?
Heaven only knows
Oh, this bitter earth
Yes, can it be so cold?
Today you're young
Too soon you're old
But while a voice
Within me cries
I'm sure someone
May answer my call
And this bitter earth, ooh
May not, oh be so bitter after all
In "This Bitter Earth," Dinah Washington laments that love is like the fruit of this world - beautiful and promising but ultimately unattainable. The agony of her life being akin to dust that covers the beauty of a rose, seems to ask the question "What good am I?" despite being surrounded by a world so beautiful. She wonders how earth can be so bitter despite there being so much to be grateful for. Dinah is feeling lonely and hopeless, believing that time passes too fast and brings nothing but pain.
Through it all, however, she clings to a glimmer of hope. She believes that if she calls out for help, someone might answer. This reveals a sense of faith in humanity, suggesting that although life may be bitter and cold, there is hope for a better tomorrow. The lyrics are filled with paradoxes which provide a multi-layered interpretation of the song. Dinah's voice conveys the intense emotions of hope, despair, desperation, and faith as she sings about the troubles of life.
Line by Line Meaning
This bitter earth
The world is a harsh place
Well, what a fruit it bears
It brings about unfortunate events
What good is love
What is the use of love
Mmh, that no one shares?
If no one reciprocates it
And if my life is like the dust
If my life has no meaning
Ooh, that hides the glow of a rose
Overpowered by beautiful things
What good am I?
What's the point of my existence
Heaven only knows
Only God knows why we exist
Oh, this bitter earth
The world remains harsh
Yes, can it be so cold?
Can the world be this cruel
Today you're young
Youthfulness is fleeting
Too soon you're old
A cruel reminder that youthfulness and health don't last forever
But while a voice
There's still a voice in me
Within me cries
That doesn't give up even when things are bleak
I'm sure someone
I believe there is someone
May answer my call
Who will help me when I seek it
And this bitter earth, ooh
Despite everything we go through
May not, oh be so bitter after all
Things may get better
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Clyde Lovern Otis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BrandonQ1995
"Today you're young. Too soon you're old."
Love those simple words. I'm only 20 but even still it feels like yesterday I was just a kid, playing videos game with my sister or out by the pond with my friends with no worry in the world. This song always reminds me to remember where I am and to appreciate that I'm still here because time really is the greatest commodity of all. Before you know it, it'll be time to check out whether you're ready for it or not.
@deloreslovett9275
Such a haunting song. It stays with you long after it's over.
@sachianadaum3236
I just remember sitting with two of my friends and we happened to come across this song. As soon as we played it we all fell silent, It just felt so.. full of emotion. I've never felt so much come from one song.
@cassierachelmac2832
One of the most powerful and epic voices ever to grace a microphone
@ShocknessFreak
This bitter earth What fruit it bears What good is love That no one shares But while a voice Within me cries I'm sure someone May answer my call And this bitter earth May not be so bitter after all
@NicolePoliskey
This is absolute genius!! My daughter is performing to this with her dance company and it is so hauntingly beautiful. I remember the original and cannot believe Max Richter was able to get this so perfect..with the one and only vocals of Dinah! Exquisite!
@gnidetalmonis2740
for me she is the greatest singer. the clarity of her voice. dictions. it is so pure. she dont need to shout. she is just simply amazing. Hail to the Queen.
@eitapahdumitaan
When I die. I want this song to play at my funeral.
@jp7690
Me too......
@Dutchmusicfan1992
Dinah..an underrated artist..what a voice.