The Meaning Behind The Song: Ferguson by Shawn Mullins
Introduction
As music lovers, we have all experienced moments where a song resonates with us on a deeply emotional level. It may be the melody, the lyrics, or even a combination of both that strikes a chord within our souls. One such song that has touched me personally is “Ferguson” by Shawn Mullins. In this article, I will delve into the profound meaning behind the song and share my personal connection to it.
The Lyrics
I hear you calling from deep in your graves
Songs about Jesus songs about freedom
Shackles and crosses and the way blood behaves
Sailed the great ocean sold down the river
White fields of cotton and green fields of cane
The sweat from our bodies the tears of our children
Washed in the blood and Promised Land rain
Brother fighting brother on ground we now hallow
And sad halleluiahs the angels did sing
For commerce is buried in fields that lay fallow
The bell is too broken to let freedom ring
All the dreams of the dreamers all misbegotten
There’s mammas still crying for the dying and dead
And the world rages on and the whole thing is rotten
The blood we all bleed is the same shade of red
When we examine the lyrics of “Ferguson,” we are presented with a powerful message encapsulated in poetic verses. It addresses the plight of fallen fathers and mothers, whose voices echo from the depths of their graves. The song’s mention of songs about Jesus and freedom alludes to the spiritual and social dimensions of the struggle faced by oppressed individuals.
The lines “Sailed the great ocean, sold down the river” metaphorically depict the transgressions of slavery and exploitation, from the Atlantic slave trade to the hardships endured by those toiling in cotton and cane fields. The sweat of their bodies and the tears of their children are symbolically washed in the blood and rain of a Promised Land yet to be fully attained.
The lyrics also touch upon the divisions among humanity, with brother fighting against brother on hallowed ground. It emphasizes a broken bell, unable to ring with the sound of freedom due to the scars of history and the decay of commercial interests.
Furthermore, “Ferguson” highlights the dreams of dreamers, often misbegotten in a world filled with injustice and despair. The mention of mothers crying for the dying and dead reminds us of the ongoing pain and anguish experienced by countless individuals. The song concludes by emphasizing the universal nature of our shared humanity, as we all bleed the same shade of red.
Personal Connection
As an individual who strongly believes in the power of music to convey messages and evoke emotions, “Ferguson” has left a lasting impact on me. The captivating melody and poignant lyrics have served as a constant reminder of the struggles and injustices that continue to persist in our society.
Personally, I have always been drawn to songs that shed light on social issues and prompt reflection. “Ferguson” not only accomplishes this but also acts as a call to action. It urges us to recognize the importance of equality, justice, and empathy for our fellow human beings.
Whether it be playing the song during moments of solitude or sharing it with others, “Ferguson” has become a tool for initiating conversations about the societal challenges we face. It serves as a reminder that change is still needed and that individual voices, when amplified together, can make a difference.
Conclusion
In the realm of music, songs hold immense power. They have the ability to inspire, console, and motivate individuals. “Ferguson” by Shawn Mullins is a prime example of a song that carries a meaningful message. Its lyrics delve deep into the historical and contemporary struggles of humanity, urging us to confront the injustices present in our world.
Through my personal connection with “Ferguson,” I have come to appreciate the role of music in fostering empathy, understanding, and a desire for change. Let us remember the profound meaning behind this song and continue to use it as a catalyst for conversations surrounding social equality and justice.
