Swimming Against the Stream
Swimming Against the Stream: A Poignant Reflection on Social Struggles
Lyrics
They're growing pines now in cotton soil
They are cultivating pine trees in soil that was traditionally used for growing cotton.
Still making boxes for the sons of toil
Despite progress, there are still efforts to create containers or situations for the working class.
Still bend your back to pick you food stamps up
People still have to do manual labor to obtain food assistance, symbolized by picking up food stamps.
Black coffee still comes in a tall white cup
The struggle and hardships persist, represented by the persistence of black coffee served in a tall white cup.
They took the signs down but it's loud and it's clear
Even if the signs are removed, the inequality and challenges are still evident and unmistakable.
You want to eat? Well now, it can't be here
Access to basic needs is restricted, emphasizing the difficulties faced in obtaining essential resources.
Tell me how long the train's been gone
A request for information on the duration of a significant absence or change.
Tell me again about the dream
Repetition of the request, possibly emphasizing the importance of understanding a dream or aspiration.
Tell me the story of glory hallelujah
Asking for the retelling of a story, particularly one related to celebratory exclamations, like "glory hallelujah."
And how we're swimming against the stream
Expressing the challenge of going against the societal norms or mainstream beliefs.
More talk of marching on Washington
Mention of plans to march on Washington, a historical symbol of protest and advocacy.
It never really seems to get things done
Skepticism about the effectiveness of such actions in bringing about real change.
Along the way we maybe make good friends
While making connections, true solutions or answers may still remain elusive.
But they can't tell us where the rainbow ends
Friends may offer support, but they may not have all the answers or solutions.
It's getting more now than just out of reach
The situation is becoming increasingly difficult to attain or achieve.
And don't go looking down at Howard Beach
A warning not to overlook or underestimate challenges, possibly referring to Howard Beach, a location with historical racial tensions.
Montgomery and Selma go ask Congress
Referring to historical events in Montgomery and Selma and suggesting that progress, as reflected by Congress, has been slow in the past 25 years.
25 years, change hasn't meant progress
Highlighting the lack of significant advancements despite the passage of time.
In Chicago you live on the south or the west side
Describing the division and challenges in Chicago based on geographical location.
But just like the townships try moving in outside
Encountering resistance or difficulty when trying to move or integrate into certain communities.
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