About the song
In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, the world was left reeling in shock and despair. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Bruce Springsteen’s “The Rising”. Released in 2002, this powerful anthem captured the nation’s collective spirit, offering a message of resilience, unity, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
The Rising is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the transformative power of music. With its soaring melodies, heart-wrenching lyrics, and Springsteen’s impassioned vocals, the song struck a chord with millions, providing solace and inspiration in a time of darkness.
The song’s opening lines, “Come on, rise up, take a stand”, set the tone for the defiant spirit that permeates the entire piece. Springsteen’s voice, imbued with raw emotion, urges listeners to confront the tragedy head-on, to find strength in the face of adversity.
The verses paint vivid vignettes of ordinary people caught in the midst of extraordinary circumstances. A firefighter battling the blaze, a survivor clinging to hope, a family mourning their loss – these are the stories that form the heart of The Rising.
The Rising is a song about loss, but it’s also a song about hope. In the midst of despair, Springsteen finds glimmers of light – the kindness of strangers, the unbreakable bonds of community, the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.
The chorus, “We’re gonna rise above”, is a powerful declaration of resilience. It’s a message of hope that resonates deeply, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we possess the strength to overcome.
The Rising is a song that has stood the test of time, its message of hope and resilience as relevant today as it was in the aftermath of 9/11. It’s a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the human spirit can endure, and that together, we can rise above.
“The Rising” is a masterpiece of songwriting, a testament to the power of music to heal and inspire. It’s a song that will continue to touch hearts and lift spirits for generations to come.
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Lyrics
Can’t see nothing in front of me
Can’t see nothing coming up behind
Make my way through this darkness
I can’t feel nothing but this chain that binds me
Lost track of how far I’ve gone
How far I’ve gone, how high I’ve climbed
On my back’s a sixty pound stone
On my shoulder, a half-mile line
Come on up for the rising
Come on up, lay your hands in mine
Come on up for the rising
Come on up for the rising tonight
Left the house this morning
Bells were ringing and filled the air
I was wearing the cross of my calling
On wheels of fire, I come rolling down here
Come on up for the rising
Come on up, lay your hands in mine
Come on up for the rising
Come on up for the rising tonight
There’s spirits above and behind me
Faces gone black, eyes burning bright
May their precious blood bind me
Lord, as I stand before your fiery light
I see you Mary in the garden
In the garden of a thousand sighs
There’s holy pictures of our children
Dancing in a sky filled with light
May I feel your arms around me
May I feel your blood mix with mine
A dream of life comes to me
Like a catfish dancing on the end of the line
Sky of blackness and sorrow (A dream of life)
Sky of love, sky of tears (A dream of life)
Sky of glory and sadness (A dream of life)
Sky of mercy, sky of fear (A dream of life)
Sky of memory and shadow (A dream of life)
Your burning wind fills my arms tonight
Sky of longing and emptiness (A dream of life)
Sky of fullness, sky of blessed life (A dream of life)
Come on up for the rising
Come on up, lay your hands in mine
Come on up for the rising
Come on up for the rising tonight