The Faded Red and Blue
Harboring Hope: Unveiling the Symbolism in 'The Faded Red and Blue'
Lyrics
Have you seen the flag laid out,
Reference to a flag being displayed
The faded red and blue?
Colors of the flag are faded
One star missing edges torn
One star on the flag is missing, edges torn
It barely made it through.
The flag is in a fragile state, barely surviving
If we believe the promise
Encouraging belief in the enduring promise symbolized by the flag
In the fabric still holds true,
Emphasizing that the fabric still holds true despite its worn condition
Then we must be a harbor
Suggesting the need to be a safe haven for the vulnerable
For the weak and weary, too.
Being a harbor for the weak and weary is essential
I know your heart beats, I do.
Acknowledging the heartbeat of another
My heart beats just like you.
Asserting a shared humanity and common experience
Once I saw the Grand Canyon
Describing a personal experience of seeing the Grand Canyon
It snowed upon the edge.
Snowfall on the edge of the Grand Canyon
You were there beside me
Presence of a companion during the experience
You cried and then you said,
Companion expressing emotion, crying
“Deep inside this great divide
Belief in the existence of a greater, unifying force
I know god isn't dead.
Acknowledging the vitality of God
Call it what you will,
Choosing to label the force as spirit, soul, or love
Spirit or soul or love instead.”
Recognizing the interchangeable nature of these labels
I know broken hearts can mend,
Expressing the belief in the healing of broken hearts
and hardened hearts can bend.
Highlighting the resilience of hardened hearts
See, I'm now a father of two boys
Personal revelation of being a father of two boys
I love them so.
Expressing deep love for the children
With open eyes and open hearts
Hopes for the children to grow with open hearts and minds
cnd minds I hope they grow.
Emphasizing the importance of nurturing a positive world for them
cnd may we leave a world to them
Desire to leave a sacred world for future generations
That's sacred not all sold,
Ensuring that not everything is for sale or compromised
Remembering where they came from
Remembering and respecting roots and destiny
and where we're all bound to go.
Acknowledging the shared journey of humanity
Oh my heart overflows,
Overflowing emotions of the heart
Fear will fade I know.
Belief that fear will eventually fade
Cause I have seen the flag laid out, Old Glory red and blue.
Reiteration of the visual imagery of the flag
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