Song meaning of All My Trials (Edit) by Harry Belafonte

"All My Trials (Edit)" by Harry Belafonte is a poignant and spiritual folk song that reflects on the struggles and hardships of life, while also offering a message of hope and redemption. The lyrics convey a sense of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, with the repeated refrain "All my trials, Lord, soon be over" serving as a reminder that challenges are temporary and that better days are ahead.

The opening lines, "Hush little baby, don't you cry / You know your mother was born to die," set a somber tone and speak to the inevitability of death and the cycle of life. This is followed by the lines, "Too late my brothers, too late / But never mind," which suggest a sense of resignation and acceptance of fate.

The imagery of the river Jordan being "chilly and cold" but also warming the soul speaks to the idea of facing difficulties and finding spiritual comfort and renewal in the midst of hardship. The mention of a "little book with pages three" that spells "liberty" alludes to the promise of freedom and liberation from suffering.

The song also touches on themes of inequality and injustice, with the lines, "If living were a thing that money could buy / You know the rich would live / And the poor would die," highlighting the harsh realities of social and economic disparities. The reference to the tree of life in Paradise symbolizes the hope for a better future and the promise of eternal peace and salvation.

Overall, "All My Trials (Edit)" is a moving and introspective song that encourages listeners to find strength and solace in the face of life's challenges, while also acknowledging the harsh realities of the world we live in. Harry Belafonte's soulful delivery and the timeless message of the song make it a powerful and enduring piece of music that resonates with audiences of all generations.