Message From A Black Man
Derrick Harriott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't stop me now
No matter how hard you try
You can't stop me now
Yes, my skin is black
But that's no reason to hold me back
Oh think about it, think about it,
Think about it, think about it
I have wants and desires just like you
So move on aside cause I'm a-comin' through
Oh no matter how hard you try you can't
Stop me now
No matter how hard you try you can't stop me now.
Yes, your skin is white
Does that make you right
Walk on and think about it, think about it
Think about it, think about it
Think about it, think about it, think about it.
This is a message, a message to y'all
Together we stand divided we fall
Black is a color just like white
Tell me how can a color determine whether
You're wrong or right
We all have our faults yes we do
So look in your mirror
What do you see, two eyes a nose and a
Mouth just like me
Oh your eyes are open but you refuse to see
The laws of society were made for both
You and me
Because of my color I struggle to be free
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But in the end you're gonna see my friend
No matter how hard you try you can't stop me now
No matter how hard you try you can't stop me now.
The lyrics in this song by Derrick Harriott, "Message From A Black Man," speak to the universal message of equality and the struggle for freedom in society. The song speaks about the plight of black people in a society that discriminates against them because of their skin color. The first verse is about how no matter how hard you try, you can't stop me now. This is a message that everyone can relate to, regardless of their race or ethnicity. The second verse speaks to the desire for freedom and independence that everyone has, regardless of their race. The song reminds us that skin color should not determine our worth or ability to achieve our goals in life.
The chorus stresses the idea that no matter how hard someone tries to hold a black man back, they will keep pressing on towards success. The lines "Yes, your skin is white, does that make you right?" challenge the idea that one's skin color should determine their worth or intelligence. The repetition of "think about it" throughout the song serves to emphasize the need for everyone to contemplate the injustices that occur in society and how we can work towards change.
Overall, this song is a powerful message about the need for equality and the struggle for freedom in society. It speaks to the universal desire for all humans to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their skin color or ethnicity.
Line by Line Meaning
No matter how hard you try
Regardless of your efforts
You can't stop me now
You cannot prevent me from succeeding
Yes, my skin is black
I am a person of color
But that's no reason to hold me back
My skin color should not limit my opportunities
Oh think about it, think about it,
Consider these points carefully
Think about it, think about it, think about it.
Reflect on these issues seriously
I have wants and desires just like you
I share the same aspirations and needs as you
So move on aside cause I'm a-comin' through
Step aside because I am taking action to achieve my goals
Yes, your skin is white
You are a person with white skin
Does that make you right
Does your skin color validate your actions or beliefs?
Walk on and think about it, think about it
Consider this matter further
This is a message, a message to y'all
This is a statement directed to everyone
Together we stand divided we fall
We must unite to succeed
Black is a color just like white
Skin color does not define a person's worth
Tell me how can a color determine whether
Explain how someone's skin color can dictate
You're wrong or right
If someone's actions or beliefs are correct or incorrect
We all have our faults yes we do
We are all human and make mistakes
So look in your mirror
Take a moment of introspection
What do you see, two eyes a nose and a
What physical features do you possess?
Mouth just like me
Which are similar to mine
Oh your eyes are open but you refuse to see
You are ignoring what is evident
The laws of society were made for both
Rules and regulations apply equally to all
You and me
Both of us
Because of my color I struggle to be free
I face obstacles because of my skin color
Sticks and stones may break my bones
Physical violence cannot silence me
But in the end you're gonna see my friend
Eventually, you will realize
No matter how hard you try you can't stop me now
You cannot hinder me from achieving my goals
No matter how hard you try you can't stop me now.
Regardless of your efforts
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Barrett Strong, Norman J. Whitfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
blessedwithbeautyandrage
This is the best version of this song in my opinion! These lyrics are still so important and have to be spread!! ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼💓
Ujima Jame
Love this song, originally by the Temptations, done in a sarcastic, humorous tone by The Spinners which deserved to be a hit single (you must hear) and updated by Nas in his "You Can't Stop Me Now", is one of the best message songs of the era. Derrick Harriott would also do a great cover of Van McCoy's "Let Me Down Easy."
gordon whocares
love it!
Green
Enorme, merci!!
R.J. Paul
Thanks, this is soooo good. My skin is sort of like salami.