The song "Peaceable Kingdom" by Billy Gilman tells a story of a peaceful and harmonious world where even natural enemies can coexist peacefully. The lyrics describe a scene where a leopard and a harmless kid peacefully lay together, savage beasts do not frown, and a wolf and a lamb dwell in peace. The carnivorous nature of animals ceases to exist, and even a lion moves with an awn (gentleness) towards a fatling. In this peaceful kingdom, a little child is seen leading these animals in love. The song also introduces a young painter who had a dream of all creatures assembling by his side. He wanted to capture this sight in his painting, and he painted it multiple times before he died. The painter sees a lion, a snake, and a child standing together, smiling and formal, as if time has stopped and peace reigns. The lyrics emphasize that this peaceful kingdom is a vision. The singer questions if his friend has seen the lines, spaces, and colors that the old painter sees in this world, a place full of joy and grace. However, the singer feels adrift and lost in the current world, where everything seems crazy. He acknowledges that this vision of a peaceable kingdom may be seen as foolish or visionary, yet he still believes in the possibility of such a world. The song concludes by reflecting on the beauty and gentleness of people from more innocent and peaceful times. In summary, "Peaceable Kingdom" portrays a utopian world where animals and humans coexist peacefully, and a young painter's vision of this kingdom becomes a symbol of hope and longing for a more gentle and harmonious society.
