Don't Shoot
Benjah Lyrics

Yeah
Introducing the song and expressing agreement or excitement

I'm not an angel, I never claimed it
Acknowledging that he is not perfect or without flaws

Is this what fame does? Well this is dangerous
Questioning the negative effects of becoming famous

I'm not a god no, I'm just human
Clarifying that he is not divine or infallible

You don't need to magnify to see that, yo
Stating that his humanity is apparent and does not require exaggeration

I'm just like you man,
Asserting similarity and common experience with the listener

Don't look at us different
Encouraging listeners to recognize their shared humanity instead of focusing on differences

We all just need more grace now, we need more love now
Suggesting that love and forgiveness are necessary in the present moment

So gather around in unity (inity)
Calling for togetherness and solidarity among people

Don't shoot, don't be a killer
Advising listeners not to engage in violence and killing

No more, hating here
Urging an end to hatred and hostility

Don't pull upon the trigger
Warning against using lethal force

I have no weapon on me now, so don't go on and shoot me down
Pointing out that he is not a threat and should not be attacked

Me never love fi hear a bad man ago take him share
Disapproving of those who selfishly take from others

From all of other bredda workin' it hard year afta bloody year
Showing empathy for those who struggle to make a living and provide for their families

And neva! Make word fi build; a word fi hear
Criticizing those who speak negatively and destructively instead of positively and constructively

And speak ova di bredren dem to boost di love and boost di cheer
Advocating for using words to encourage and uplift others

But now! Dem use dem likkle tongue fi start a fiyah
Expressing disappointment at how some people use their words to incite conflict and violence

Dem sound more like di devil den Messiah
Comparing such people to evil rather than good influences

OOhhhh! Yu betta bridle up the member sup the grace of God and stop!
Urging listeners to control their tongues and seek God's grace to help them stop speaking negatively

'Cause man a liar! You would know
Accusing people of lying and recognizing that others are aware of this behavior

A restless evil full a poison so it ago
Describing how hurtful and harmful tendencies can be present within people and expressed through their speech or actions

Worthless religion
Condemning religion that is hypocritical, shallow, or otherwise not meaningful

Selfish gain dem go so low To get di pity, run di city, Lord have mercy
Noting how some people manipulate others for their own benefit and expressing dismay or sadness about it

People thirsty for di water from di heart it haffi flow!
Reminding listeners that true spiritual fulfillment and refreshment comes from genuine love and compassion

I'm not even close to perfect, I'm very far
Emphasizing personal imperfection and humility

The only true perfection, belongs to the Lord
Acknowledging that only God is perfect

And even if mi was, mi coulda neva please all
Recognizing that no one can please everyone

You see I could follow the word and do it right, you'd say I'm wrong
Pointing out how some people may criticize or condemn someone even if they are doing the right thing

See the man without the sin can be the first one to shoot, say
Suggesting that someone who thinks they are without flaws or wrongdoings may be the first to judge or attack others

Please put down the gun it gonna backfire pon you say
Advising someone not to react violently because it could harm them instead

Because you hear a fact, don't believe that it's the true way
Warning against blindly accepting something as true just because it is presented as a fact

And if you see me falling down it's cause I'm like you ayy
Explaining that he is vulnerable and imperfect like everyone else

I need a little loving in all me life
Expressing a need for love and affection

But don't ignore my sin, we living in a war
Urging others not to overlook or excuse his mistakes or faults because everyone is facing difficulty and conflict

Don't fire on a friend, but love will restore, I'll say again, mek mi sing again
Encouraging people not to attack or harm those on their own side, but instead to turn to love and restoration

Lord we need thee!
Crying out for reliance and assistance from God

Lord we need thee!
Repeating the call for God's help