People Help the People

God knows what is hiding in those weak and drunken hearts Guess he kissed the girls and made them cry Those hard-faced queens of misadventure God knows what is hiding in those weak and sunken lives Fiery throngs of muted angels Giving love but getting nothing back, oh People help the people And if you're homesick Give me your hand and I'll hold it People help the people And nothing will drag you down Oh and if I had a brain Oh and if I had a brain I'd be cold as a stone and rich as the fool That turned all those good hearts away God knows what is hiding in this world of little consequence Behind the tears, inside the lies A thousand slowly dying sunsets God knows what is hiding in those weak and drunken hearts Guess the loneliness came knocking No one needs to be alone, oh singin' People help the people And if you're homesick Give me your hand and I'll hold it People help the people And nothing will drag you down Oh and if I had a brain Oh and if I had a brain I'd be cold as a stone and rich as the fool That turned all those good hearts away Nah naaah nah nah naaaaahhhhhh oooouuuu Nah naaah nah nah naaaaahhhhhh oooouuuu People help the people And if you're homesick Give me your hand and I'll hold it People help the people Nothing will drag you down Oh and if I had a brain Oh and if I had a brain I'd be cold as a stone and rich as the fool That turned all those good hearts away

Composer: Simon Aldred

In-depth Analysis of 'People Help the People' by LyricLens AI

'People Help the People' by Birdy is a poignant ballad that delves into themes of human vulnerability, suffering, and the essential need for empathy and mutual support. The lyrics paint a somber picture of individuals struggling with inner demons and external hardships, described as 'weak and drunken hearts' and 'sunken lives,' suggesting profound despair and isolation.

Central Themes Explored:

Empathy and Compassion: The recurring chorus, 'People help the people,' serves as a heartfelt plea for solidarity and kindness, urging listeners to reach out to those in need. It's a call to break the cycle of indifference.
Vulnerability and Detachment: The line 'Oh and if I had a brain, I'd be cold as a stone' expresses a yearning for emotional detachment, highlighting the immense toll that deep empathy can take. It suggests that to truly care is to open oneself to pain, making indifference seem like a form of self-preservation.
Societal Indifference: The song touches upon a 'world of little consequence,' where suffering often goes unnoticed or unaddressed, emphasizing the tragic beauty of 'slowly dying sunsets' juxtaposed with human struggles.

Birdy's rendition, with her ethereal vocals, amplifies the song's melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere. It's a timeless reminder that despite the darkness, the simple act of helping another can offer profound solace and connection in a world that often feels isolated.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'People Help the People'

What is 'People Help the People' about?

The song is a powerful and emotional plea for human empathy and mutual support. It reflects on the struggles and loneliness individuals face and calls for compassion and connection in a world that can often seem indifferent.

What does the line 'If I had a brain, I'd be cold as a stone' mean?

This evocative line suggests a deep vulnerability to human suffering. The singer implies that possessing a 'brain' (i.e., being logical and emotionally detached) would allow them to be 'cold as a stone' and unaffected by the pain of others, highlighting the emotional burden of empathy.

Who originally wrote 'People Help the People'?

While famously covered by Birdy, 'People Help the People' was originally written and performed by the British indie rock band Cherry Ghost. It was released in 2007 on their album 'Thirst for Romance'.

Fun Facts:

Birdy's cover, released in 2011 on her debut album 'Birdy' (and later on 'Fire Within'), propelled the song to international fame, reaching top charts across Europe.
The song's timeless message of humanitarianism has made it a popular choice for use in various charitable campaigns and media.