Beyond the rules of religion
The cloth of conviction
Above all the competition
Where fact and fiction meet

There's no color lines or casts or classes
There is no fooling the masses
Whatever faith you practice
Whatever you believe

Heaven, heaven
What the hell is heaven?
Is there a home for the homeless?
Is there hope for the hopeless?

Throw away your misconceptions
There's no walls around heaven
There's no codes you got to know to get in
No minutemen or border patrol

You must lose all your earthly possession
Leave behind your weapon
You cannot buy your salvation
There is no pot of gold

Heaven, heaven
What the hell is heaven?
Is there a home for the homeless?
Is there hope for the hopeless?

Heaven ain't got no prisons
No government no business
No banks or politicians
No armies and no police

Castles and cathedrals crumble
Pyramids and pipelines tumble
The failure keeps you humble
Leads us closer to peace

Heaven, heaven
What the hell is heaven?
Is there a home for the homeless?
Is there hope for the hopeless?


Lyrics submitted by SeeingRed

Heaven Lyrics as written by Brett Dennen

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Heaven song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

2 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    probably one of the most profound songs that i have ever REALLY listened to. it grabs me and brings a peace and hope for the future.

    brett tells that heaven is not just for certain people of a certain religion, and that just like the beatitudes, "blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (matthew 5:4). this is really an uplifting song that calls for hope and peace among all people... which truly exemplifies everything that brett stands for.

    this reminds me of c.s. lewis in The Last Battle (book 7 of the Chronicles of Narnia), in which lewis paints a picture of heaven that is for people who are truly good... not just for overt christians. he pictures a God who honors those who act out of love for their fellow man... who are inevitably serving God whether they know it or not. truly one of the most influential passages that i have ever had the privilege of reading. it made me think when i was younger... and now it means so much more.

    i love that brett has the ability to see that all people are worthy of love... and that for many who are suffering, heaven will come.

    makes me tear up every time.

    sigepjwallon January 11, 2010   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song: Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.” That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988. "'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it." "There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Album art
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version. Great version of a great song,