People Have the Power

Patti Smith

About People Have the Power

"People Have the Power" is a rock song written by Patti Smith and Fred "Sonic" Smith, and released as a lead single from Patti Smith 1988 album Dream of Life. The cover photograph is by Robert Mapplethorpe. The music video is filmed mostly in black-and-white and features Patti Smith singing, writing and walking. The song was ranked number 22 on NME magazine's list of the "Singles of the Year". For most of U2's Innocence + Experience Tour, the group has used "People Have the Power" as its entrance music. Smith herself joined them to close their show with the song at London's O2 Arena on October 29, 2015, as well as the December 6, 2015 show at Accorhotels Arena in Paris. On December 7, to close their show and the tour at Accorhotels Arena, U2 invited The Eagles of Death Metal to sing this song, for their first public live performance after the slaughter which occurred during their show at the Bataclan in Paris on November 13, 2015. The song was used as intro music for the August 4, 2015 episode of The Opie & Jim Norton show. The song drew the ire of listeners, so two different covers were played to open the August 5 and August 6, 2015 shows.. 


Year:
1999
74 
#3

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

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 
Upon the meek the graces shower 
It' s decreed the people rule 

The people have the power 
The people have the power 
The people have the power 
The 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 
Lay beneath 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 

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 surrender to my sleeping 
I commit my dream to you 

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 surrender to my sleeping 
I commit my dream to you 

The power to dream to rule 
To wrestle the world 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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Patti Smith

Patricia Lee "Patti" Smith (born December 30, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, poet and visual artist, who became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses. more »

6 fans

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.
Album Appearance
The 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.
Influences
Patti 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.
Live Performances
This 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.
Music Video
In 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.
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.
Cover Versions
Multiple artists have covered the song, including Bruce Springsteen and U2, highlighting its universal message and appeal.
Critical Reception
The 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.
Pop Culture Reference
It has also been used in the soundtrack for movies such as "Milk," the 2008 film about LGBT rights activist Harvey Milk.
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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