Howl at The Moon
Howling Freedom: Unveiling the Poetic Journey of Indigo Girls
Lyrics
Oh Annie, I am sorry for the grief
Expressing regret and sympathy towards Annie for her sorrow.
Young sister to my lover, I know you both would rather be
Acknowledging the desire of the narrator's lover and Annie to be on a challenging journey together in Michigan.
On that rough road through the woods of Michigan
Describing a tough journey through the woods of Michigan, symbolizing challenges and growth.
Young and free and building something on the land
Emphasizing the freedom and creativity of being young and building something meaningful.
Where ya howl at the moon
Referring to a place where individuals express themselves freely, likened to howling at the moon.
It’ll cost you, but not enough to bring you down
Highlighting that pursuing freedom may have costs, but they are not insurmountable.
That’s been my lesson, ever since you drove me ‘round
Sharing a personal lesson about facing challenges and not letting them bring one down.
Be a fighter, like the elders who have cried
Encouraging resilience, inspired by the strength of elders who fought for freedom.
“Oh Mercy, we will not be satisfied, ‘til we are free
Quoting a cry for freedom, emphasizing the determination to be free.
To howl at the moon, one and all.”
Expressing the desire for universal freedom to howl at the moon.
‘Til we are free, to howl at the moon, one and all
Reiterating the longing for collective freedom to howl at the moon.
I found her dancing, but I could not dance along
Not being able to fully join someone in their joyous activities.
I found her singing, but I could not sing the song
Inability to participate in the song of happiness that another person is singing.
Being happy was not a promise I could keep
Acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining happiness as a personal commitment.
In spite of all that, she has tried to deliver me
Recognizing efforts made by someone to uplift the narrator despite challenges.
So, we are free, to howl at the moon, one and all
Celebrating the achieved freedom to collectively howl at the moon.
Oh Mystery, won’t you please deliver me
Appealing to mystery for liberation from persistent physical pain.
From this body of pain, that I give into every day
Expressing a daily struggle with physical pain and seeking relief.
With my mind and my breath, any fight that I have left
Highlighting the resilience left in the narrator to fight against pain.
I found myself on the streets of this college town
Describing the narrator's presence in a college town, possibly feeling out of place.
Yearn for youth, but all I do is limp around
Expressing a desire for youth while recognizing physical limitations.
I’m the fool who wants to wear that fickle crown
Admitting to a foolish desire for recognition or approval.
She says, “Let ‘em have it, let those kids fight to be found!
Encouraging others to fight for their goals and recognition.
‘Til they are free to howl at the moon
Expressing the aspiration for collective freedom to howl at the moon.
To fight, ‘til we’re all free to howl at the moon
Urging continued struggle until everyone is free to howl at the moon.
One and all.”
Reiterating the desire for universal freedom to howl at the moon.
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