For the younger folks, this song was one of the anthems of the Civil Rights Movement. I first heard Pete Seeger do this song in 1963. A lot of the lyrics come from biblical verse, but the song still has significant relevance today,
The irony of a black man singing about the Bible's twist on slavery completely incorrectly strikes me as sad. The intention of this song is beautiful as is the rendition. Yes, American slavery was evil and celebrating the efforts to end it is fine, but using the Bible to inspire an end to slavery is one of the great contradictions of life. The Jewish/Christian god embraced slavery and advocated it. the Bible is a celebration of slavery which then allows the creator of the slavery to sacrifice himself in the name of ending the slavery when in fact all he has done is create a new version. The good news is all of this is fiction. Just pains me that real horror is clouded by the corrupt use of christianity
... I always tremble when hearing this song... YES! A great THANK YOU to: Pete, Bruce, The Seeger Sessions Band, the E-Street Band und to all the others who have these lyrics written into their blood!
"Eyes on the Prize" is one of Bruce Springsteen's powerful interpretations, showcasing his enduring ability to convey the spirit of perseverance and social justice through music. Originally a traditional American folk song associated with the Civil Rights Movement, Springsteen's rendition breathes new life into its lyrics, infusing it with his signature blend of rock, folk, and heartland soul. What makes this song stand out, particularly in Springsteen's catalog, is not just the powerful message it carries but also how it has evolved across various live performances, reflecting the changing dynamics of his band and his artistic vision. The Essence of the Song At its core, "Eyes on the Prize" is a song about determination, hope, and the struggle for equality. The lyrics, rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, emphasize the importance of staying focused on the goal despite adversity. Springsteen's gravelly voice brings an authenticity and raw emotion to the song that resonates deeply with listeners, making it not just a performance but an experience. Evolution Across Live Versions One of the most remarkable aspects of "Eyes on the Prize" in Springsteen's repertoire is its evolution in live performances. Each rendition offers a new perspective, a fresh take on the same powerful message. This variability is a testament to Springsteen's commitment to keeping his performances alive and relevant, ensuring that no two shows are ever quite the same. • Early Performances: In the earlier live versions, particularly those during the Seeger Sessions tour in 2006, Springsteen adopted a more traditional folk arrangement. Accompanied by a large ensemble of musicians, including horns, fiddles, and accordion, these performances were vibrant and full of the communal spirit that characterized the Seeger Sessions Band. The energy was palpable, with each musician contributing to a collective sound that was both celebratory and defiant. • Middle-Era Performances: As the song continued to be a part of Springsteen's live setlist, it began to take on a more stripped-down, introspective form. During solo acoustic shows or performances with a smaller backing band, "Eyes on the Prize" transformed into a haunting, almost spiritual experience. The focus shifted more towards the lyrics, with Springsteen's voice carrying the weight of the song's history and message. The minimalistic arrangements allowed the audience to connect more intimately with the song, highlighting the personal nature of the struggle it represents. • Recent Performances: In more recent years, Springsteen has once again reimagined "Eyes on the Prize," this time incorporating a blend of the full-band arrangement with the soulful intensity of his solo performances. With the E Street Band, the song takes on a rock-infused gospel quality, bridging the gap between folk tradition and contemporary rock music. The inclusion of electric guitars, dynamic drums, and Springsteen's impassioned vocal delivery amplifies the song's urgency, making it relevant to today's social and political climate. Changes in the Band and Impact on the Song The various iterations of "Eyes on the Prize" also reflect the changing line-up and dynamics of Springsteen's band over the years. The Seeger Sessions Band, with its eclectic mix of instruments and musicians, brought a sense of joy and camaraderie to the song, emphasizing its roots in folk and communal protest. As the band evolved, so did the song. The transition back to the E Street Band brought a more polished, yet still emotionally resonant, sound to the performances. The contributions of longtime members like Clarence Clemons (saxophone), Steven Van Zandt (guitar), and Nils Lofgren (guitar), as well as newer members, have all added layers of depth to the live renditions of the song. Springsteen's ability to adapt "Eyes on the Prize" to the strengths of his bandmates is a testament to his leadership and artistic vision. Whether through the soaring saxophone solos, the subtle keyboard undertones, or the driving rhythm section, each member's contribution enriches the song, creating a rich tapestry of sound that honors its legacy while pushing it into new territories. Bruce Springsteen's "Eyes on the Prize" is more than just a cover of a folk classic; it's a living, breathing testament to the enduring power of music as a force for change and inspiration. Through its various live renditions, the song has evolved, reflecting not only the changes in Springsteen's band but also the ongoing relevance of its message. Each performance, whether with the jubilant Seeger Sessions Band or the mighty E Street Band, offers a unique experience, keeping the song fresh and impactful. In "Eyes on the Prize," Springsteen not only pays homage to the past but also reinforces his place as one of the great storytellers and social commentators of our time, reminding us all to keep our eyes on the prize, no matter the challenges we face. www.candiano.com
Paul and Silas bound in jail Had no money for to go their bail Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Paul and Silas thought they was lost Dungeon shook and the chains come off Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Freedom's name is mighty sweet And soon we're gonna meet Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on I got my hand on the gospel plow Won't take nothing for my journey now Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Soozie! Only chain that a man can stand Is that chain o' hand on hand Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on I'm gonna board that big greyhound Carry the love from town to town Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hey! Hey! Now only thing I did was wrong Stayin' in the wilderness too long Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on The only thing we did was right Was the day we started to fight Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on One, two! (The only thing we did was wrong) (Staying in the wilderness too long) (Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on) Woah, woah! (The only thing we did was right) (Was the day we started to fight) (Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on) Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Hold on, hold on Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on Ain't been to heaven but I been told Streets up there are paved with gold
Keep your Eyes on the Prize Hold On stay safe embrace Time. I pray for Love to flood your soul to over flowering I pray for the Blood of Jesus to cover you and protect you.
Olá espero que tudo corra bem és um grande cantor adoro tudo és a minha recordações de tanto amor que tive com as lindas músicas que me fazes sentir feliz 💖💖💋👏🏅🇵🇹
It's a white Gospel song from Appalachia around 1911. [Gospel music was originally white.] Much later it got picked up by the Civil Rights movment. It's about not looking back once you have set your mind to a task (like ploughing) - so fits a lot of situations. The song was originally called "Gospel Plow" as in Luke 9:62: "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." The other biblical reference ("Paul and Silas bound in jail") is to Acts of the Apostles chapter 19. The Apostles were challenging the might of the Roman Empire and often got jailed or worse still executed. The Bible has always been an inspiration to all struggling people everywhere, and both white and black folk singers have written many songs inspired by it in the past. They have also used one another's songs, without arguing about who wrote the song first - real folk music has no copyright. However I did want to correct the lie that only black people have Gospel music.
