Pale Horse
Rise like Lions - Emancipation Anthem by John Vanderslice
Lyrics
From the haunts of daily life
Refers to the regular experiences of daily life.
Where is waged the daily strife
Describes the ongoing struggles and conflicts of daily life.
Common wants and common cares
Points to shared needs and concerns among people.
Cuts the human heart with tears
Emphasizes the emotional impact of common struggles.
Rise like lions after a slumber in
Suggests a call to action, urging people to rise up like lions after a period of inactivity or oppression.
In greatly unknowable numbers
Highlights the vast and unpredictable numbers of those rising up.
Let the tyrants pour around
Calls attention to oppressive figures or forces gathering around.
With apocalyptic sound
Implies a threatening and catastrophic atmosphere.
On the charge of iron wheels
Refers to a militarized and powerful force represented by iron wheels.
And the crash of horses heels
Evokes a sense of impending conflict and chaos.
Rise like lions after a slumber in
Reiterates the call for people to rise up in significant numbers.
In greatly unknowable numbers
Emphasizes the vast and unpredictable nature of the rising group.
Free the blood that must ensue
Advocates for the liberation of repressed emotions and actions.
We are many and they are few
Asserts the strength in unity against a powerful but few oppressors.
From the workhouse and the prison
References places of confinement and control.
Pale as corpses newly risen
Describes the oppressed as appearing frail and lifeless.
Knives are drawn now let them see
Indicates a readiness for conflict with drawn knives.
Standing tall that say they're free
Expresses defiance and pride in claiming freedom.
Your strong and simple words
Commends the impact of straightforward and powerful words.
Set to wound as sharpened swords
Compares words to sharpened swords, emphasizing their cutting nature.
Wide as targets let them be
Envisions words as wide targets, inviting attention and response.
With their shade to cover me
Suggests seeking refuge or support under the cover of these impactful words.
Rise like lions after a slumber in
Reiterates the call for a collective uprising, echoing the earlier lines.
In greatly unknowable numbers
Highlights the unpredictable and significant numbers of those rising.
Free the blood that must ensue
Reiterates the call for the release of restrained emotions and actions.
We are many and they are few
Emphasizes the strength of the many against the oppressive few.
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