People Have the Power
Patti Smith
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I was dreaming in my dreaming Of an aspect bright and fair And my sleeping it was broken But my dream it lingered near In the form of shining valleys Where the pure air recognized And my senses newly opened I awakened to the cry That the people have the power To redeem the work of fools From the meek the graces shower It's decreed the people rule People have the power People have the power People have the power People have the power Vengeful aspects became suspect And bending low as if to hear And the armies ceased advancing Because the people had their ear And the shepherds and the soldiers And they lay among the stars Exchanging visions And laying arms To waste in the dust In the form of shining valleys Where the pure air recognized And my senses newly opened I awakened to the cry People have the power People have the power People have the power People have the power Where there were deserts I saw fountains Like cream the waters rise And we strolled there together With none to laugh or criticize And the leopard And the lamb Lay together truly bound I was hoping in my hoping To recall what I had found I was dreaming in my dreaming God knows a purer view As I lay down to my sleeping I commit my dream to you People have the power People have the power People have the power People have the power The power to dream to rule To wrestle the earth from fools It's decreed the people rule It's decreed the people rule I believe everything we dream Can come to pass through our union We can turn the world around We can turn the earth's revolution We have the power People have the power People have the power People have the power The power to dream to rule To wrestle the earth from fools It's decreed the people rule It's decreed the people rule We have the power We have the power The people have the power We have the power
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Written by: FRED SMITH, PATTI SMITH
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Creation Process"People Have the Power" was written by Patti Smith and Fred "Sonic" Smith, her late husband, in 1985. This song was inspired by the couple's shared belief in the potential for social and political change through collective action.
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Album AppearanceThe song features as the lead single on Patti Smith's 1988 album "Dream of Life" which was her first album after a nine-year hiatus.
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InfluencesPatti Smith has stated in an interview with "Rolling Stone" that “People Have the Power” was influenced by her husband's political ideologies and was written as an anthem of empowerment and hope to inspire the listeners.
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Live PerformancesThis song is commonly performed in Smith's live concerts. It was notably performed at the 1999 Tibet House Benefit Concert and during the inauguration and Nobel Peace Prize Concert for President Barack Obama in 2008.
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Music VideoIn 1988, a music video was also produced for "People Have the Power". The video showcases an intense performance by Patti Smith at a rock n’ roll show.
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Protest Anthem“People Have the Power” is often considered a protest song and has been used in several social and political rallies, protests, and movements across the world, symbolizing the power of shared responsibility and collective actions.
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Cover VersionsMultiple artists have covered the song, including Bruce Springsteen and U2, highlighting its universal message and appeal.
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Critical ReceptionThe song didn't rank highly on the charts when it was first released, but over the years, it has become recognized as one of the great rock anthems and Smith's signature song.
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Pop Culture ReferenceIt has also been used in the soundtrack for movies such as "Milk," the 2008 film about LGBT rights activist Harvey Milk.
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Legacy and Impact“People Have the Power” remains relevant even decades after its release. It serves to inspire political and social change, underscoring the power of the collective and individuals' ability to make a difference.
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Citation
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