Lyrics
Where are the amber waves of grain
Questioning the absence of prosperity symbolized by "amber waves of grain" in the context of a hungry native son.
When one of our homeless native sons has hunger pain
Highlighting the hunger of a homeless native and the contrast with the affluence suggested by "amber waves of grain."
Under the overpass they build a fire for heat
Describing the makeshift conditions under an overpass where homeless individuals create a fire for warmth.
They can't remember when they had a meal to eat
Expressing the memory loss associated with prolonged hunger, emphasizing the scarcity of meals.
Some sleep in doorways waiting for the day
Depicting some homeless individuals sleeping in doorways, anticipating a better day.
Some sleep in boxes we have thrown away
Portraying the destitution of those who sleep in discarded boxes.
Under the red, white and blue
Reference to the American flag, indicating the irony of homelessness in a country symbolized by red, white, and blue.
Right down the street in our view
Highlighting the proximity of homelessness to everyday life, just down the street in plain view.
We're not doing all we can do
Critiquing the insufficient efforts made to address homelessness.
To shelter the homeless few
Advocating for greater efforts to provide shelter for the homeless few.
Shelter the homeless few
Reiterating the call to shelter the homeless few.
Standing in line for soup and bread
Depicting the homeless waiting in line for basic necessities like soup and bread.
Hoping tonight the downtown mission has a bed
Expressing the hope for a bed in the downtown mission for the night.
Dreaming about the home they thought they'd never lose
Reflecting on the dreams of a home lost by those experiencing homelessness.
Sleeping on benches covered by the daily news
Illustrating the harsh reality of sleeping on benches, covered only by newspapers.
People who pass them by just turn their heads
Commenting on the indifference of passersby who ignore the plight of the homeless.
Making them feel like they've been left for dead
Conveying the feeling of abandonment and neglect experienced by the homeless.
Under the red, white and blue
Repeating the reference to the American flag, emphasizing the contrast between national symbols and the homeless reality.
Right down the street from our pew
Noting the proximity of homelessness to places of worship, specifically mentioned as "our pew."
We're not doing all we can do
Reiterating the criticism of inadequate efforts to address homelessness.
To shelter the homeless few
Advocating once again for the sheltering of the homeless few.
Shelter the homeless few
Repeating the call to shelter the homeless few for emphasis.
It's up to me
Emphasizing personal responsibility, indicating that addressing homelessness is up to each individual.
It's up to you
Extending the responsibility to a collective "you," emphasizing the shared duty to address homelessness.
We're not doing all we can do
Reiterating the criticism of insufficient efforts to address homelessness.
To shelter the homeless few
Advocating once more for the sheltering of the homeless few.
Shelter the homeless few
Repeating the call to shelter the homeless few as a concluding statement.
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