Slave
Liberation Anthem: Unveiling the Struggle in Elton John's 'Slave'
Lyrics
There's a river running sweat right through our land, through our land,
Reference to the exploitation and suffering in the land, symbolized by a river of sweat.
Driven by a man with a bullwhip in his hand, in his hand
The suffering is driven by a person in power, depicted with a bullwhip, indicating oppression.
And I've taken just as much as I can stand, I can stand
The speaker has endured a significant amount of suffering and oppression.
Oh, we've got to free our brothers from their shackles yeah if we can, if can
Advocating for the liberation of others from their oppressive conditions.
Most nights I have to watch my woman cry, oh she cries
The emotional impact on the speaker's woman is evident, emphasizing the human cost of oppression.
Every day I watch the colonel smile, oh he smiles
The colonel, possibly a figure of authority, smiles despite the suffering around, suggesting indifference or cruelty.
His painted ladies riding in from town, in from town
Reference to the colonel's indulgence in pleasure, perhaps highlighting hypocrisy.
Oh I swear one day I'm gonna burn the whore house to the ground, to the ground
A vow to take drastic action against the source of corruption, here, a whorehouse.
Slave! Slave.
The word "Slave" is a direct and powerful declaration of the theme of oppression and bondage.
To fight the violence we must be brave,
Emphasizes the need for courage to combat violence and oppression.
Hold on strong
An encouragement to endure and resist, holding onto the love received from God.
To the love God gave, slave
Reiteration of the term "slave" in connection with the divine love that provides strength.
There's a rumor of a war that's yet to come, yet to come
Anticipation of a future war that might bring freedom to families and sons.
That may free our families, free our families and our sons, and our sons
The potential positive outcome of the war, hinting at liberation.
It may lay green lands to barren wastes, all the waste, all the waste
The possible devastation of the land in the process of achieving freedom.
Oh the price of release is a bitter blow to face, ah to face
The high cost, possibly sacrifices, required for liberation.
Slave! Slave.
Reiteration of the term "Slave" to reinforce the central theme.
To fight the violence we must be brave,
Reiteration of the call for bravery in fighting against violence and oppression.
Hold on strong
Encouragement to hold on to inner strength in the face of adversity.
To the love God gave, slave
Repetition of the idea that divine love is a source of strength for the oppressed.
Slave! Oh slave.
Reiteration of the term "Slave," intensifying the plea for freedom.
To fight the violence we must be brave,
Reiteration of the call for bravery in resisting violence and oppression.
Hold on strong
Emphasis on maintaining resilience and strength derived from love.
To the love God gave,
Continuation of the idea that divine love is a sustaining force for those in bondage.
Slave! Slave.
Reiteration of the term "Slave," underscoring the urgency of the message.
To fight the violence we must be brave,
Reiteration of the call for bravery in the face of violence and oppression.
Hold on strong
Reinforcement of the encouragement to hold on to inner strength during adversity.
To the love God gave, slave
Final repetition of the idea that divine love is a powerful support for those in bondage.
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