1959
Patti Smith
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Listen to my story. Got two tales to tell. One of fallen glory. One of vanity. The world's roof was raging, but we were looking fine; 'Cause we built that thing and it grew wings, In Nineteen-Fifty-Nine. Wisdom was a teapot; Pouring from above. Desolation angels Served it up with Love. Ignitin'[g strife] like every form of light, Then moved by bold design, Slid in that thing and it grew wings, In Nineteen-Fifty-Nine. It was blood, shining in the Sun; First: Freedom! Speeding the American claim: Freedom; Freedom; Freedom; Freedom! China was the tempest; [And] Madness overflowed. [The] Lama was a young man, And [he] watched his world in flames. Taking Glory down by the edge of clouds; It was a cryin'[g] shame. Another lost horizon. Tibet the fallen star. Wisdom and compassion Crushed, in the land of Shangri-La. But in the land of the Impala, honey, well, We were lookin' fine, 'cause we built that thing and it grew wings; In Nineteen-Fifty-Nine. 'Cause we built that thing and it grew wings; In Nineteen-Fifty-Nine. It was the best of times, it's [was] the worst of times; In 1959; 1959; 1959; 1959; 1959; 1959; 1959. It was the best of times; It was the worst of times. [In] Nineteen-Fifty-Nine.
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Written by: PATTI SMITH, TONY SHANAHAN
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist Related"1959" is a song from Patti Smith, an American singer-songwriter, and poetess known for her influence on the punk rock movement.
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Album DetailsThe song is included in her 1996 album "Gone Again." It's the sixth studio album by Smith.
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InspirationThis song was inspired by the tragic events of the Tibetan uprising in 1959 against the People's Republic of China.
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CollaborationLenny Kaye, a longtime collaborator, again worked intensively with Smith for the album and this song.
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LyricsThe lyrics of the song "1959" are poignant, revealing Smith's strong poetic background.
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Musical StyleThe song is categorized in the genres of Rock, Alternative Rock, and Punk, consistent with Patti Smith's typical style.
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Cross-Cultural SignificanceDespite being an American artist, Patti Smith used "1959" to communicate a message about events in Tibet, demonstrating her global awareness and sensitivity towards international issues.
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Critical AcclaimFrom a critical standpoint, Patti Smith's "1959" stands high for its emotional depth, evocative lyrics, and powerful musical arrangement.
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ActivismThis song reflects Smith's engagement with political and societal issues, further enhancing her reputation as a punk poet laureate.
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Tibet Freedom ConcertThe song and the album as a whole were featured in the Tibet Freedom Concert which was an event to support Tibetan independence.
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Citation
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"1959 Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1665957/Patti+Smith/1959>.
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