Hear the children crying
But I know they cry not in vain
Now the times are changing
Love has come to bloom again
Smelling the air when spring comes by raindrops
Reminds us of youthful days
But now it’s not rain that water the cane crops
But the sweat from man’s brow
The substance from our spine
We got to keep on living, living on borrowed time
Hallelujah time
Yes, you can hear the children singing
Hallelujah time
As they go singing by and by
Hallelujah time
Oh, “hallelujah” singing in the morning
Hallelujah time
Let them sing, don’t let them cry
Over rocks and mountains
The sheep are scattered all around
Over hills and valleys
They are everywhere to be found
But though we bear our burdens now
All afflictions got to end somehow
From swinging the hammer, pulling the plough
Why won’t you let us be, to live in harmony
We like to be free like birds in a tree
Hallelujah time
Yes, you can hear the children singing
Hallelujah time
As they go singing by and by
Hallelujah time
Oh, “hallelujah” singing in the morning
Hallelujah time
Let them sing, don’t let them cry
Reflecting on Hope and Resilience
“Hallelujah Time” by Bob Marley is a stirring anthem that beautifully blends themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a people facing hardship. The song opens with the poignant image of children crying, yet assures us their sorrow is not in vain, anchoring a message of optimism even in tough times. Marley draws on nature’s cycles—spring rains and blooming love—to symbolize renewal and the constant potential for better days. The lyrics highlight the struggle of working people, whose labor sustains their communities, yet yearn for freedom and harmony.
The Power of Singing and Unity
Throughout the track, the recurring phrase “Hallelujah time” becomes a chorus of hope, with children’s voices representing innocence and the promise of the future. Marley’s call to let the children sing, not cry, urges listeners to nurture joy and togetherness, even when adversity abounds. The song ultimately conveys the belief that all burdens and afflictions will end, and that unity and freedom are within reach.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriters: Bob Marley, Rita Marley
- Release Year: 1973
- Label: Island Records