“The Final Word (Is Gonna Be Love)” was inspired by a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King: “I refuse to accept the premise that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war, that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” And so it is.
Another version of this song also appeared on my last album, "Rhythm of the Road" (2016, below), but, as with "Earth Mama", I had a special attachment to this original, full-length acoustic version, so included it in this collection.
Lyrics
The Final Word (Is Gonna Be Love) / Susan B. Shann / copyright 2016
We might not share the same opinions
‘Bout the way things ought to be
So many cultures and religions
So many visions of what it means to be free, but
We all live under the same sky
And look upon the very same stars
I can’t help but wonder why, why
Can’t we accept each other just the way we are?
We come from everywhere
We’re all immigrants’ sons and daughters
Children of the world crossing land, and sea and borders
To form a more perfect union here
The quest of humanity, our common destiny
One nation, one people, one family on this earth
And as Dr. King once said, “Love will have the final word”
The final word...
When Abe Lincoln signed the emancipation
He restored a noble truth
No man is born to be enslaved, held down or subjugated
By a different set of rules
Black or white, straight or gay
Christian, Muslim, Jew
One truth is calling on us all
To rise up, make this world a better place
Like they did in East Berlin when they tore down the wall
We come from everywhere
We’re all immigrants’ sons and daughters
Children of the world crossing land, and sea and borders
To form a more perfect union here
The quest of humanity, our common destiny
One nation, one people, one family on this earth
And as Dr. King once said, “Love will have the final word”
We don’t need another treaty, another summit or debate
More expert opinions from political heavyweights
What we need is faith in each other
C’mon let’s lift up our sisters and brothers
CHORUS
(Outro)
The final word is gonna be love – it’s got to be love
No more hatred, no more violence
We’ve got to stand up, break the silence
We’ve got the right to live in peace and harmony
And not be judged for who we love
Or who we’re meant to be
The final word is gonna be... love