Reality
Black Merda! Lyrics
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Well you may pray now on to twenty years
And all you're gonna get is just twent years older
By then your burdens will be too much for your shoulders
And Reality will cause your fantasy
To die.cause your fantasy to die, die, die oh why?
Reality will cause your fantasy to die
Yes you were brought up in the christmas spirit
You couldn't hardly wait for the days to near it
And you think your country is a great democracy
Well they just killed your priest for helping folks like me
And Reality will cause your fantasy
To die.cause your fantasy to die, die, die oh why?
Reality will cause your fantasy to die
Cause your fantasy to die, die, die oh why?
The song "Reality" by Black Merda is a commentary on the harshness of life and how the struggles of reality can cause one's fantasies to wither away. The lyrics emphasize the futility of relying solely on prayer for salvation, as the passage of time only increases one's burdens to a point beyond their capacity to bear. The song suggests that the disparity between the idealized versions of life that people dream up and the actual harshness of reality can lead to a disillusionment that causes their fantasies to die.
The lyrics also allude to the failures of the American democracy, pointing out hypocrisy in the Christmas spirit and the struggle for civil rights by highlighting corrupt actions such as the murder of an activist figure. These injustices only further reinforce the bleakness of the reality that the song warns about. Ultimately, the repeated refrain "Reality will cause your fantasy to die" reinforces the message that life is often unkind and harsh, and idealization of it can only lead to disappointment.
Line by Line Meaning
You think if you pray something will answer your prayers
You believe that praying will result in your wishes being granted.
Well you may pray now on to twenty years
You can pray for decades, but it may not make a difference.
And all you're gonna get is just twent years older
Praying will not help you achieve your desires, and time will continue to pass by.
By then your burdens will be too much for your shoulders
As time passes, your responsibilities and challenges will only increase.
And Reality will cause your fantasy
The truth of your situation will cause your idealized perception to crumble.
To die.cause your fantasy to die, die, die oh why?
Your illusions will collapse and you will be forced to face the truth.
Yes you were brought up in the christmas spirit
You were raised to believe in the spirit and joy of Christmas.
You couldn't hardly wait for the days to near it
You eagerly anticipated the holiday season.
And you think your country is a great democracy
You hold the belief that your nation upholds democratic values.
Well they just killed your priest for helping folks like me
However, recent events have demonstrated the government's disregard for human rights and justice.
And Reality will cause your fantasy
The true nature of your society and government will destroy your idealistic view of it.
To die.cause your fantasy to die, die, die oh why?
You will be left to grapple with the harsh reality of your world.
Reality will cause your fantasy to die
The truth behind your beliefs and wishes will shatter your illusions.
Cause your fantasy to die, die, die oh why?
You will be forced to confront the reality of your situation, leading to disappointment and despair.
Writer(s): Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Ali Shaheed Jones-muhammad, Edward K. Archer, Duval A. Clear, Kenyatta S. Blake, Duron Edwards, Shawn C. Mcfadden
Contributed by Annabelle P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@NextOrcus
This is one of the best songs I've heard.
@b.g.7580
This band is criminally underrated.
@MrJosuesini
Terribly underappreciated, you´re goddamn right.
@pedotes78
Ali's documentary on PBS brought me here.... thank you
@spideymayne
I'm a younger person, and fairly late in the game on discovering your music, sir, but I am a huge fan. Your music has gotten me through a lot of challenging times the past few years. It's incredible. Thank you.
@TheMoney1973
man... the truth indeed can't keep living in yesterday news. reality is a hard pill baby
@polaroidsky
What a great song that has foreshadowed my future many, many times.
@IIMaRVII
always feels good to come across such great songs on random. really like this one.
@Kbo3o3
this is one of my favorite songs ever, so glad someone put it on youtube! thx and blesses
@TheMightyV
Lupin many thanks That's beautiful!