Dive into the powerful lyrics of Bruce Cockburn’s “Waiting on a Miracle” and explore the themes of hope, longing, and resilience in the face of adversity. This in-depth analysis delves into the inspirations behind the song and offers a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Introduction of Waiting on a Miracle Lyrics
“Waiting on a Miracle” is a song that has touched the hearts of many, with its powerful lyrics and emotional delivery. The song, written and performed by Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn, was released in 1981 as part of his album “Inner City Front.” In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the lyrics of “Waiting on a Miracle” and examine the themes and meanings behind the words.
Background and Inspiration of Waiting on a Miracle Lyrics
Cockburn has stated that the inspiration for “Waiting on a Miracle” came from his travels to Central America in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The song reflects the political and social turmoil of the region at the time, and the struggles of the people who lived there. Cockburn has said that the lyrics of the song are a reflection of the hope and resilience of the people he met during his travels.
Waiting on a Miracle Lyrics Analysis
Verse 1
The song begins with the line “I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch / He said to me, you must be tired of walking / And I said, no, but I am tired of waiting.” This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as it speaks to the theme of waiting for something better. The beggar, with his wooden crutch, represents the struggles and hardships of life. The narrator, who is not tired of walking, but tired of waiting, symbolizes the longing for change and the desire for something better.
Chorus
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “I’m waiting on a miracle.” This line is the central theme of the song, and it encapsulates the feeling of longing and hope that runs throughout the lyrics. The line “I’m waiting on a miracle” speaks to the idea that even in the face of adversity and hardship, there is always a glimmer of hope.
Verse 2
The second verse of the song continues to explore the theme of waiting for something better. The line “I’m living in a dream that I cannot make true / I’m living on the edge of the impossible” speaks to the idea that the narrator’s aspirations may seem unattainable, but that doesn’t mean he’s giving up. The line “I’m living on the edge of the impossible” also speaks to the theme of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Verse 3
The third verse of the song takes a more political tone, as the narrator reflects on the turmoil and violence of the world. The lines “There’s a war between the rich and poor / And I’m caught in the middle” speak to the theme of social inequality, and the struggles of those caught in the middle. The line “And I’m waiting on a miracle” repeats the theme of hope and longing, even in the midst of conflict and chaos.
Outro
The song concludes with the lines “I’m waiting on a miracle / To come / To come.” This repetition of the phrase “I’m waiting on a miracle” serves to drive home the central theme of the song, and reinforces the message of hope and resilience that runs throughout the lyrics.
Waiting on a Miracle Lyrics
Don’t be upset or mad at all
Don’t feel regret or sad at all
Hey, I’m still a part of the family Madrigal
And I’m fine, I am totally fine
I will stand on the side as you shine
I’m not fine, I’m not fine
I can’t move the mountains
I can’t make the flowers bloom
I can’t take another night up in my room
Waiting on a miracle
I can’t heal what’s broken
Can’t control the morning rain or a hurricane
Can’t keep down the unspoken invisible pain
Always waiting on a miracle, a miracle
Always walking alone
Always wanting for more
Like I’m still at that door longing to shine
Like all of you shine
All I need is a change
All I need is a chance
All I know is I can’t stay on the side
Open your eyes, open your eyes, open your eyes
I would move the mountains
Make new trees and flowers grow
Someone please just let me know, where do I go?
I am waiting on a miracle, a miracle
I would heal what’s broken
Show this family something new
Who I am inside, so what can I do?
I’m sick of waiting on a miracle, so here I go
I am ready, come on, I’m ready
I’ve been patient, and steadfast, and steady
Bless me now as you blessed us all those years ago
When you gave us a miracle
Am I too late for a miracle?
Conclusion of Waiting on a Miracle Lyrics
“Waiting on a Miracle” is a powerful and enduring song that speaks to the themes of hope, longing, and resilience in the face of adversity. Written and performed by Bruce Cockburn, the song reflects the political and social turmoil of the world, but it also speaks to the power of the human spirit and the desire for something better. The lyrics, which have been analyzed in this blog post, offer a deeper understanding of the song’s meaning and the inspirations behind it. The song continues to resonate with listeners today, as it speaks to the universal human experience of struggle and the hope for something better.
