Common Ground
Window to the Abbey Lyrics

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I been diggin' my heels in
Diggin my heels in
Diggin my heels in this common ground

And I'm planting my flag
Planting my flag
Next to yours on this common ground

Rise up, my brothers
War is done
Our swords are stained from the battles won
Let's step the dogs to the rising sun

Rest now, my sisters, while you can
And dry the tears from the Promised Land
Your Father's peace is now at hand

Woah

Well I been diggin' my heels in
Diggin my heels in
Diggin my heels in this common ground

And I been sheddin' my blood
Sheddin' my blood
Sheddin' my blood next to yours on this common ground

Woah

And I'm diggin' my heels in
Diggin' my heels in
Diggin' my heels in this common ground

And I'm planting my flag
Planting my flag
Next to yours on this common ground

Woah

Overall Meaning

The song "Common Ground" by Window to the Abbey celebrates the end of war and the coming together of people from different backgrounds and perspectives, through a powerful repetition of the phrase "diggin' my heels in this common ground." This common ground represents a shared space, an acceptance of differences and a hope for peace. The singer plants their flag next to somebody else's on this shared space, signifying a unity in their ideals.

The song begins with an urgency, calling on "brothers" to rise up and step towards a new day where war is over and the bloodshed is done. The imagery of the "swords stained from the battles won" reminds the listener of the sacrifices that have been made towards this common goal. The chorus then turns towards the "sisters", giving them a chance to rest and dry their tears, and signaling that their experiences during war and conflict are also being acknowledged.

The song's repetitive nature, focused on the phrase "diggin' my heels in" evokes images of people standing their ground, determined in their beliefs and holding their position, while also acknowledging the need to come together and find commonality. "Common Ground" encapsulates the ideas of hope and resilience that people feel when they come together with others, putting aside their differences and working together towards a shared goal.

Line by Line Meaning

I been diggin' my heels in
I have been firmly standing my ground and refusing to budge

Diggin my heels in
I am steadfast and unwavering in my position

Diggin my heels in this common ground
I am standing firm on this shared and agreed upon area

And I'm planting my flag
I am claiming this land as my own

Planting my flag
I am establishing my presence and authority

Next to yours on this common ground
I am doing this alongside you, as we are on the same side

Rise up, my brothers
Let us stand together and be strong

War is done
The fighting and conflict have come to an end

Our swords are stained from the battles won
We have emerged victorious, but we have also been scarred by the violence

Let's step the dogs to the rising sun
Let us move forward towards a new day and brighter future

Rest now, my sisters, while you can
Take a moment to pause and recover, while you still have the chance