Stone the crows if you've done it again,
If I've told you once, told you a thousand times.
Sometimes I am so convinced we're casting pearl amongst the swine.

Don't ever let me hear you say this is the life we folks must lead.
We shun the limelight, shun the glare,
And the circus built on a bigot's creed.

Heaven is a place I've heard but we haven't been there yet, I fear.
We may have opened pearly gates but sometimes hell stills steals in here.

Don't ever let me hear you say this is the life we folks must lead.
Do you think silver turns our locks?
What gold do you think paves our streets?

You say we're in a different world now,
Where money and love go hand in hand.
But can't you see we share this town,
So why should we fight on our native land?
Can't you see we share this town,
So why on earth should we tear it down?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Everything But the Girl's song "Native Land" express a sentiment of frustration and exasperation towards ignorance and bigotry. The opening line "Stone the crows if you've done it again" sets the tone for a conversation that has been had many times before. The singer warns the listener not to say that their way of life is the only way, and not to build a circus on a bigot's creed. By "shunning the limelight and glare," the singer implies that they are not seeking attention or fame, but simply want to live their lives without prejudice.

The second verse suggests that there is a desire for greater understanding and a hope for a better place. The idea of heaven is presented, but the need to still contend with difficulties in the current world is acknowledged. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of recognizing that regardless of differences in backgrounds or lifestyles, we all share the same land and should not destroy it out of conflict.

Line by Line Meaning

Stone the crows if you've done it again,
Expressing surprise and annoyance at the repetition of a negative behavior.

If I've told you once, told you a thousand times.
Emphasizing the frequency of having to advise against certain actions.

Sometimes I am so convinced we're casting pearl amongst the swine.
Feeling like wasting valuable things on unappreciative people or situations.

Don't ever let me hear you say this is the life we folks must lead.
Refusing the acceptance of a certain lifestyle as the only option.

We shun the limelight, shun the glare,
Avoiding the public spotlight or attention-seeking behaviors.

And the circus built on a bigot's creed.
Disapproving of a system of values or beliefs that promotes prejudice and discrimination.

Heaven is a place I've heard but we haven't been there yet, I fear.
Believing in the existence of an afterlife or a perfect place, but being doubtful of ever reaching it.

We may have opened pearly gates but sometimes hell stills steals in here.
Acknowledging the possibility of negative experiences or emotions despite having attained certain achievements or goals.

Do you think silver turns our locks?
Questioning the assumption that aging can be prevented or reversed by wealth or status.

What gold do you think paves our streets?
Challenging the idea that prosperity directly translates into a comfortable or just society.

You say we're in a different world now,
Recognizing the changes or advancements in society or culture over time.

Where money and love go hand in hand.
Observing the link between financial success and social status or romantic attraction.

But can't you see we share this town,
Pointing out the commonality of living in the same community despite differences.

So why should we fight on our native land?
Questioning the justification for conflicts or divisions within a shared geographic or cultural space.

Can't you see we share this town,
Repeating the argument that unity should be prioritized over discord in a communal setting.

So why on earth should we tear it down?
Expressing the futility and destructiveness of dividing or destroying a community that is meant to be shared.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BEN WATT, TRACEY ANNE THORN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Ana Sueli de Souza Velasco

2y↑2

Muito top, uma banda especial que quando toca, em qualquer lugar, as pessoas fazem uma viagem no tempo. Muito obrigada por fazerem música de qualidade!!!!!