“People Have the Power,” released in 1988 as part of Patti Smith’s album Dream of Life, is an anthemic call to action, urging people to recognize their collective strength and ability to bring about change. Written by Patti Smith and her late husband Fred “Sonic” Smith, the song is a powerful and optimistic message that has become a rallying cry for social and political movements around the world. With its driving rhythm and empowering lyrics, “People Have the Power” remains one of Smith’s most iconic and enduring songs.
About The Song
- Lyrics Interpretation: The lyrics of “People Have the Power” are a declaration of the potential within every individual to change the world. Smith sings of a vision where people unite to overthrow systems of oppression and injustice. Lines like “The people have the power to redeem the work of fools” emphasize the song’s central message that ordinary people have the strength and ability to challenge the status quo and demand justice. It is a song that celebrates unity, empowerment, and the belief in a better future.
- Songwriting Inspiration: Patti Smith and Fred Smith wrote “People Have the Power” as a reflection of their shared belief in the possibility of positive change through collective action. The song was inspired by their activism and commitment to social justice, drawing from the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and other social movements they had been part of. Patti Smith has said that the song is not just a protest anthem but also a declaration of hope and possibility, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, people have the power to create change.
- Cultural Impact: Since its release, “People Have the Power” has become an anthem for political and social movements across the globe. It has been used in environmental protests, human rights campaigns, and political rallies, inspiring people to come together and advocate for justice. The song’s message resonates across generations, making it a timeless call to action for those fighting for equality, freedom, and peace.
- Live Performances: “People Have the Power” has been a staple of Patti Smith’s live performances, often serving as a climactic, unifying moment in her concerts. Whether performed in intimate venues or on large stages, the song’s message is amplified by Smith’s passionate delivery and the audience’s participation. The chorus invites crowds to sing along, creating a sense of communal empowerment. One of the most notable performances was at the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C., where Smith’s rendition of the song became a rallying cry for the thousands of people gathered.
- Song Legacy: “People Have the Power” remains one of Patti Smith’s most important and enduring songs. Its message of empowerment and unity has kept it relevant in the decades since its release, with many artists covering the song or referencing its themes in their work. The song’s impact goes beyond music, as it continues to be used as a powerful tool in social justice movements around the world. Its enduring relevance ensures that it will remain a timeless anthem for people striving to make the world a better place.
“People Have the Power” is more than just a song—it’s a reminder of the collective strength of humanity. With its hopeful message and empowering call to action, Patti Smith’s anthem continues to inspire those who believe in the power of people to create meaningful change.
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Lyric
I was dreaming in my dreamingof an aspect bright and fairand my sleeping it was brokenbut my dream it lingered nearin the form of shining valleyswhere the pure air recognizedand my senses newly openedI awakened to the crythat the people have the powerto redeem the work of foolsupon the meek the graces showerit’s decreed the people ruleThe people have the powerThe people have the powerThe people have the powerThe people have the powerVengeful aspects became suspectand bending low as if to hearand the armies ceased advancingbecause the people had their earand the shepherds and the soldierslay beneath the starsexchanging visionsand laying armsto waste in the dustin the form of shining valleyswhere the pure air recognizedand my senses newly openedI awakened to the cryThe people have the powerThe people have the powerThe people have the powerThe people have the powerWhere there were desertsI saw fountainslike cream the waters riseand we strolled there togetherwith none to laugh or criticizeand the leopardand the lamblay together truly boundI was hoping in my hopingto recall what I had foundI was dreaming in my dreaminggod knows a purer viewas I surrender to my sleepingI commit my dream to youThe people have the powerThe people have the powerThe people have the powerThe people have the powerThe power to dream, to ruleto wrestle the world from foolsit’s decreed the people ruleit’s decreed the people ruleListenI believe everything we dreamcan come to pass through our unionwe can turn the world aroundwe can turn the earth’s revolutionwe have the powerPeople have the powerThe people have the powerThe people have the powerThe power to dream, to ruleto wrestle the world from foolsit’s decreed the people ruleit’s decreed the people rulewe have the powerPeople have the powerwe have the power…