If There's a God

Unlocking Heaven's Door: Ry Cooder's Critique on Power and Inequality
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Lyrics

Republicans changed the lock on heaven's door

Republicans have taken control of access to heaven.

Keys to the kingdom don't fill no more

The privileges associated with the kingdom are no longer effective.

The poor working man like me and you

Working-class individuals, like the singer and the listener, face challenges due to financial constraints.

If we ain't got money we won't I get through

Financial difficulties hinder one's progress and access.

If there's a God I think He's got to bottle up and go

If God exists, He might be disillusioned and disengaging.

If there's still a God in heaven He's got to hit that lonesome road

If God is still present, He might be distancing Himself from current affairs.


No more Jesus, Mary and Joe

Religious figures like Jesus, Mary, and Joe are no longer influential.

They done passed Heaven Bill 1070

A reference to a legislative bill (Heaven Bill 1070) affecting heaven, possibly paralleling real-world immigration policies.

Restricted signs everywhere you go

Signs indicating restrictions are ubiquitous.

I think they want to bring back old Jim Crow

Suspicions that discriminatory practices from the past (Jim Crow era) may be returning.

If there's a God I think He's got to bottle up and go

If there is a God, He might be disheartened and withdrawing.

If there's still a God in heaven He's got to hit that lonesome road

If God exists, He might be distancing Himself from current affairs.


Angel Gabriel said it won't be long

Angel Gabriel predicts a rise in Republican influence.

Republiclan is getting strong

The Republican party is gaining strength.

Heaven folks are feeling bad

People in heaven are distressed by the changing political climate.

Lose everything that we ever had

Loss of possessions and security.


If you brown you can't hang around

Racial discrimination - if you are brown, you are unwelcome.

If you black better step way back

Racial discrimination - if you are black, you are advised to stay away.

If you' red I think you're better off dead

Racial discrimination - if you are red (Native American), life is perilous.

If you poor and white you just ain't right

If you are poor and white, you are marginalized.

If there's a God I think He's got to bottle up and go

If there is a God, He might be disheartened and withdrawing.

If there's a God in heaven today He's got to hit that lonesome road

If God exists, He might be distancing Himself from current affairs.

If there's a God I think He's got to bottle up and go

If there is a God, He might be disheartened and withdrawing.

If there's a God in heaven hitting that lonesome road

If God exists, He might be distancing Himself from current affairs.

Out by the highway sign

Reference to a location, possibly highlighting desolation.

???

Unclear; the lyrics may intentionally convey confusion or a lack of understanding.

Don't nobody seem to know him no more

People are unfamiliar with someone/something by the highway sign.

Don't have a passport

The individual lacks documentation like a passport.

Don't have a driver's license

The person doesn't have a driver's license.

Insurance

Insurance coverage is absent.

Membership

There is no membership or belonging.

Fat bank account

No substantial financial resources.

Friends in high places

Lack of influential connections or support.

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