Drama
Badu Lyrics
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I can't believe
That we're still livin'
Oh in this crazy crazy world
That I'm still livin'
With all the problems of the day
How can we go on
Fantasy people
Make believe people
How can you go on
But you're still livin'
I can't believe
That we're still livin'
Oh in this crazy crazy world
That I'm still livin'
With all the problems of the day
How can we go on
So tired of hearing people say how can we go on
Fantasy people
Make believe people
How can you go on
But you're still livin'
Race relations, segregation, no occupation
World inflation, demonstration, miseducation
No celebration to celebrate your lives
Listen people listen
Lift up your hearts to God
Lift up your soul
Teach your children wisdom
Reality today so they can live tomorrow
I can't believe
That we're still livin'
Oh in this crazy crazy world
That I'm still livin'
With all the problems of the day
How can we go on
So tired of hearing people say
How can I go on
Fantasy people
Make believe people
Go on
But you're still livin'
Fantasy people
Make believe people
How can you go on
But you're still livin'
Listen people listen
Lift up your hearts to God
Teach your children wisdom
Reality today
Listen people listen
Lift up your hearts to God
Teach your children wisdom
Reality today
Listen people listen
Lift up your hearts to God
Teach your children wisdom
Reality today
Erykah Badu's song "Drama" is a commentary on the state of the world and the challenges we face. The opening lines of the song, "The world is so dramatic, I can't believe that we're still livin'," express the sense of incredulity and disbelief felt by many about the state of the world. Badu goes on to list the various problems we face, such as race relations, segregation, world inflation, and miseducation. Despite these challenges, she urges people to lift up their hearts to God, teach their children wisdom, and face reality today so that we can live tomorrow.
The repeated refrain of "Fantasy people, make believe people, how can you go on, but you're still livin'" is a reflection of the disconnect between the reality of the world and the false sense of security that people cling to. The line "so tired of hearing people say how can we go on" speaks to the frustration and exhaustion of constantly hearing about the problems, but not seeing enough action to address them.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is so dramatic
The world is full of unnecessary drama.
I can't believe
It's hard to believe.
That we're still livin'
That we're still alive and functioning in this world.
Oh in this crazy crazy world
In this incredibly chaotic and unpredictable world.
That I'm still livin'
That I'm still alive and functioning in this world.
With all the problems of the day
With all the issues and challenges of our current times.
How can we go on
How can we continue to live and function in the midst of these problems?
So tired of hearing people say how can we go on
I am weary of people constantly questioning how we can persevere through difficult times.
Fantasy people
People who live in their own fictional worlds.
Make believe people
People who live in a world of make-believe.
How can you go on
How can you continue to live in your own fantasy or make-believe world when there is so much happening in reality?
But you're still livin'
Despite living in their own worlds, these people are still alive and functioning in reality.
Race relations, segregation, no occupation
Issues of discrimination, division, and lack of employment opportunities.
World inflation, demonstration, miseducation
Problems of economic instability, protesting, and inadequate education.
No celebration to celebrate your lives
There is no time to celebrate life and enjoy it with one another.
Listen people listen
Pay attention, everyone.
Lift up your hearts to God
Have faith and hope in something greater than ourselves.
Lift up your soul
Focus on spiritual growth and well-being.
Teach your children wisdom
Teach future generations to have wisdom and discernment to deal with the realities of life.
Reality today so they can live tomorrow
Teach children the realities of life today, so they can navigate tomorrow's challenges with a clear mind.
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Erica Wright, Tyallen Macklin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind