Evie - Stop, Look and Listen Lyrics
Lyrics
You're so busy with very important things that you've got to do,
You're so busy that you don't even have time to hear people callin' to you,
You're so busy worryin' about the things that are going down,
You're so busy you never see, somebody that you're pushin' around.
Why don't you stop, look and listen, listen,
It's what they tell the children, children,
Stop look and listen, don't run away.
Stop all your busy running,
Look for the people crying,
Listen to what they have to say.
You're so busy worryin' about the things that are goin' wrong,
You're so busy that you don't have time to listen to the sweet bird's song,
You're so busy making your money, trying to find your place,
You're so busy, you never see the smile on somebody's face.
Why don't you stop, look and listen, listen,
It's what they tell the children, children,
Stop look and listen, don't run away.
Stop all your busy running,
Look for the people crying,
Listen to what they have to say.
You got to stop and look around you, and listen to what people say,
You got to stop the busy running, you know that you're running away.
You got to stop and look around you, and listen to what people say,
You got to stop your busy running, you know that you're running away.
Video
EVIE AGAIN - 07 - STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN
Meaning & Inspiration
Evie's timeless call to reflection, "Stop, Look and Listen," first resonated with audiences upon its release on October 1, 1975, as part of her influential album, *Evie Again*. This song stands as a powerful testament to her unique ability to deliver profound spiritual truths through accessible, relatable narratives. Far from a simple pop tune, it delves into the often-unseen struggles of the human spirit in an increasingly frantic world, serving as a spiritual alarm clock for anyone caught in the relentless pace of modern life.
The core message of "Stop, Look and Listen" speaks to the widespread malady of busyness that often blinds individuals to both their spiritual needs and the needs of those around them. The opening verses paint a vivid picture of someone consumed by "very important things," so engrossed in their own concerns that they become oblivious to the calls of others, the suffering nearby, and even the simple act of "pushin' around" those who cross their path. This frantic pace, the song suggests, is not merely a matter of efficiency but a symptom of a deeper disconnection. It directly echoes the scriptural account of Martha, "distracted by all the preparations" while Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet (Luke 10:40). Evie's words remind us that an obsession with worldly tasks, no matter how seemingly significant, can lead to spiritual deafness and social indifference, causing us to miss the very presence of God in the faces and voices of our neighbors, as illustrated in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus declares that what we do for the least of these, we do for Him.
The chorus then presents a deceptively simple, yet profoundly challenging, antidote: "Stop, look and listen." The song highlights this phrase as a fundamental lesson taught to children, underscoring its foundational importance and suggesting that adults, in their complexity, have often forgotten such basic wisdom. This directive is a direct invitation to pause the relentless "running," to intentionally "look for the people crying," and to truly "listen to what they have to say." This call to stillness and attentiveness is deeply rooted in biblical wisdom. Psalm 46:10 urges, "Be still, and know that I am God," implying that genuine understanding and connection with the divine often begin in quiet introspection rather than constant motion. Furthermore, the command to "look for the people crying" and "listen" directly aligns with the heart of Christ's teachings on compassion and active love. James 1:27 defines true religion as looking after orphans and widows in their distress, while Proverbs 21:13 warns that whoever closes their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. Evie challenges us to break free from self-absorption and engage with the world's pain and the voices that need to be heard.
As the song progresses, it further illuminates the roots of this frantic busyness, touching on anxiety and the relentless pursuit of material gain. The lyrics describe being "so busy worryin' about the things that are goin' wrong" and failing to notice "the sweet bird's song" or "the smile on somebody's face." This speaks to a common spiritual struggle where anxiety about the future overshadows the present blessings and simple joys of creation. Jesus himself addressed this human tendency in Matthew 6:25-27, instructing followers not to worry about their lives, urging them to "look at the birds of the air" and trust in God's provision. Similarly, the pursuit of "making your money, trying to find your place," is a potent critique of materialism and the unending quest for status. First Timothy 6:10 reminds us that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil," often leading to discontent and a spiritual poverty that eclipses true riches. Evie's message here is a poignant reminder that true fulfillment is rarely found in the accumulation of things or titles, but in the richness of spirit and connection.
The bridge and final repetition powerfully reiterate the urgency of this message, asserting, "You got to stop the busy running, you know that you're running away." This isn't just about managing time; it's about confronting an internal flight, an avoidance of self, others, or even God. This "running away" can manifest as spiritual escapism, avoiding the hard truths or calls to action that true faith demands. It's a call to repentance and turning, to re-evaluate priorities and embrace a more intentional, spiritually grounded existence. The song ultimately encourages a profound shift in perspective, inviting us to shed the heavy cloak of busyness and step into a space of awareness, empathy, and spiritual receptivity. It stands as an enduring anthem for believers seeking to live a life less distracted and more devoted, actively engaging with God's world and its people, finding rest not in inertia, but in intentionality, much like the invitation in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."