Issues
Aztec Jade Lyrics
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Ideals or something more
Free speech was jeopardized
Now that we're urbanized
Oh, no, I won't show complacency
Speak out, it's about equality
Mandates integrate sex, color, creed
Sometimes hatred isn't the issue
Affirmative action
Obsolete practice
Criminal tactics
Help out no one
Zealots tout their civil rights
Spreading their spite
Hollywood formulates
Tensions escalate
Hope for a brighter day
Illuminate the gray
I realize not all mankind
Choose to be "color blind"
That's the way it should be
In society
Legal litigations
Racist allegations
Defense of prejudice
Shouldn't prove innocence
Better ways of yesterday regretfully are gone
Politically correct is now en vogue to be
Finding out that turnabout isn't fair play
You're free to choose a point of view
But that's the issue
The song "Issues" by Aztec Jade delves into societal issues that are still persistent today. The opening lines "What's this world fighting for, ideals or something more" poses questions about the motivations behind the battles that are fought. The next line "Free speech was jeopardized, now that we're urbanized" highlights the unusual consequences of urbanization, which is the suppression of free speech. The singer acknowledges that sometimes hatred is not the problem but rather that affirmative action is an obsolete practice.
The chorus "Oh, no, I won't show complacency, speak out, it's about equality, mandates integrate sex, color, creed" calls for action to be taken to achieve equality. The singer implores people to embrace what is right regardless of their race or skin colour. The song then focuses on the issue of civil rights which has caused tensions to escalate in society. The lyrics assert that all that is needed is to find hope in a brighter day and illuminate the gray.
However, the song does not shy away from the fact that some people actively hold racist beliefs or ideas. The singer acknowledges that not all of mankind chooses to be "colour blind." The use of the phrase "legal litigations, racist allegations" highlights the problems in the legal system that go against ideals of equality. The final line "You're free to choose a point of view, but that's the issue" emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting other people's beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
What's this world fighting for
Questioning the reasons behind the conflicts in the world
Ideals or something more
Wondering whether people fight for their belief systems or for another motive
Free speech was jeopardized
The right to express oneself is under threat
Now that we're urbanized
As society becomes more complex and urbanized, it faces new challenges
Oh, no, I won't show complacency
I refuse to accept the status quo without question
Speak out, it's about equality
Encouraging the public to speak about and work towards equality
Mandates integrate sex, color, creed
Laws promote diversity and inclusivity based on biological sex, race, and religion
Black, white, embrace what's right
People of all races should support what is morally right
Sometimes hatred isn't the issue
Hatred may not be the root cause of a particular problem
Affirmative action
Policies designed to increase the representation of underrepresented groups
Obsolete practice
A technique that is no longer effective or relevant
Criminal tactics
Illegal methods employed to achieve one's goals
Help out no one
Does not bring any benefit to society
Zealots tout their civil rights
Some people promote their rights aggressively, to the point of fanaticism
Spreading their spite
Harming others through malicious gossip or lies
Hollywood formulates
The entertainment industry has a significant influence on people's perceptions and behavior
Tensions escalate
Conflict increases and reaches a boiling point
Hope for a brighter day
Optimism for a better future
Illuminate the gray
Shine a light on difficult issues requiring clarification
I realize not all mankind
Acknowledging the diversity and complexity of humanity
Choose to be 'color blind'
Deciding to ignore racial differences
That's the way it should be
Asserting that ignoring racial differences is positive
In society
In the context of human civilization
Legal litigations
Using the legal system to achieve one's goals
Racist allegations
Accusing someone of being prejudiced based on race
Defense of prejudice
Attempting to justify discrimination or unfair treatment of others
Shouldn't prove innocence
Suggesting that the defense of prejudice is not a valid justification for harmful actions
Better ways of yesterday regretfully are gone
Older, presumably better methods have become obsolete and are no longer viable
Politically correct is now en vogue to be
The social climate now favors certain kinds of politically correct, inclusive language
Finding out that turnabout isn't fair play
Discovering that revenge or retaliation is not necessarily moral or just
You're free to choose a point of view
Individuals are free to express and support their own beliefs
But that's the issue
However, the question of what is morally right and just remains unresolved
Contributed by Gabriella V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.