Let Me Be Understood
Understanding Life's Trials: John Moreland's Soulful Journey
Lyrics
One, two
Counting in a rhythmic manner, possibly setting the pace or rhythm for the song.
One, two, three
Continuation of the rhythmic count, likely establishing the tempo.
Well, mama's little martyr woke up with her face drawn on
The person referenced as "mama's little martyr" woke up feeling worn out or tired, indicated by having her "face drawn on."
What you gonna do? Twenty two, with your youth all gone
Questioning the choices made at a young age ("Twenty two") and feeling a sense of lost youth.
And all your awful glory don't feel like it should
Despite achieving something noteworthy, it doesn't feel as fulfilling as expected.
Before you hang me for my story, Lord, let me be understood
Asking for understanding or empathy before being judged for one's story or actions.
Oh, 'cause it ain't about if, it's about when
Emphasizing that the situation is not about "if" something happens but rather "when" it happens.
They put a weapon in my hand, now here I am, a heretic again
Reflecting on being forced into a situation ("put a weapon in my hand") and feeling like an outcast or non-conformist.
But I feel sure-footed, hope I'm going somewhere good
Feeling confident about the path being taken despite uncertainties about the destination.
No time to sit and wonder, Lord, let me be understood
Expressing a sense of urgency to move forward without lingering in doubt.
I used to walk around with shackles on my hands
Recalling a past feeling of being constrained or limited ("shackles on my hands") when dependent on others for identity.
Back when I still needed you to tell me who I am
Reflecting on a time when validation or affirmation from others was crucial for self-identification.
We were standing at the dawn, unaware of the flood
Metaphorically standing at the beginning of a significant event (dawn) but unaware of impending challenges (flood).
The rain pours on and on, Lord, let us be understood
Requesting understanding or empathy amidst enduring difficulties (symbolized by rain).
Well, ain't you had enough, living in this picture show?
Questioning whether one has had enough of living life as if it were a scripted or staged performance ("picture show").
Move a little closer, but, oh, don't let your demons show
Encouraging closeness while concealing inner struggles ("demons") from others.
But I wouldn't go back even if I could
Declaring a reluctance to revert to the past, even if the opportunity arises.
Howling at the drunken thunder, Lord, let me be understood
Expressing a desire to express emotions or frustrations openly amidst chaotic situations ("drunken thunder").
Well, friend, I've been restless and I've been unwell
Acknowledging a period of restlessness and poor health in one's past.
But I have a heartbeat, and a trial to tell
Asserting having a life story ("a trial to tell") despite difficulties.
You can sentence me to burn, if you feel that you should
Accepting the possibility of facing severe consequences but urging time to pass for understanding.
But let the clock hands turn and turn, let us be understood
Requesting time for events to unfold and for understanding to prevail amidst judgment or condemnation.
Well, call it revelation, call it in the air
Considering a revelation or insight, possibly something understood intuitively or through experience.
Boy, you can't reach salvation from your rocking chair
Emphasizing that achieving personal growth or salvation requires active participation rather than passive waiting.
You're gonna shed a tear, gonna have to give blood
Anticipating emotional pain or sacrifice in the pursuit of goals.
No time to sit and wonder, Lord, let me be understood
Reiterating the urgency to move forward without hesitation.
Here in the monumental yonder, let me be understood
Requesting understanding or clarity in an immense or significant place or situation ("monumental yonder").
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