Run And Tell That
Elijah Kelley Lyrics

Hey, I can't see why people look at me
The artist is contemplating why people judge him based on his skin color.

And only see the color of my face, oh yeah
People are only focusing on his skin color and not on his other qualities.

And then there's those that try to help, god knows
Despite some people trying to assist, it still doesn't change the unfair treatment he endures.

But have to always put me in my place
Despite their good intentions, some people feel the need to tell the artist how to behave because of their skin color.

But I won't ask you to be color blind
The artist doesn't expect or demand people to ignore his skin color.

'Cause if you pick the fruit, then girl, you're sure to find
There's more to the artist than just his skin color; if you get to know him, you'll find out.

The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice
The artist believes that black people have unique and valuable qualities that make them desirable.

I could say it ain't so but darlin', what's the use?
The artist knows that his opinion may not be universally accepted, but he believes it regardless.

The darker the chocolate, the richer the taste
The artist is using a metaphor to express the idea that darker-skinned people have more depth and complexity.

And that's where it's at
These qualities are real and valuable, and the artist wants people to recognize them.

Now baby, run and tell that
The artist wants people to spread the word about the value of black people and their culture.

Hey yeah, I can't see why people disagree
Some people refuse to acknowledge the value of black people and their culture, and the artist doesn't understand why.

Each time I tell them what I know is true, no no
When the artist expresses his beliefs about black people, some people don't want to accept them as true.

And if you come and see the world I'm from
The artist believes that if people learn more about his background and culture, they'll understand his perspective better.

I bet your heart is gonna feel it too, Yeah
The artist believes that his culture is rich and valuable, and that others will feel that way too if they experience it firsthand.

Now, I could lie but baby, let's be bold
The artist could pretend to be someone he's not to fit in with the people who reject him, but he chooses to be true to himself instead.

Vanilla can be nice but if the truth be told
The artist is using a metaphor to express the idea that people who are not black are still valuable, but they shouldn't be valued more than black people.

So give me five on the black-hand side
The artist wants people to recognize and celebrate black people and their culture.

I got a new way of movin' and I got my own voice
The artist has found a new way of expressing himself, and he's not going to let anyone silence him.

So how can I help but to shout and rejoice
The artist is proud of who he is and where he comes from, and he wants to celebrate that.

Oh, the people 'round here can barely pay their rent
The artist is aware that many people are struggling financially and may not have the luxury of valuing culture over survival.

They're tryin' to make dollar out a fifteen cent
The people around the artist are trying to make the most out of very little.

But we got a spirit money just cant buy
Despite their lack of financial resources, black people have a rich cultural and spiritual heritage that can't be bought or sold.

It's deep as a river and soars to the sky, to the sky
This cultural and spiritual heritage is expansive and transcendent.

The time is now, so we can show them how
The artist believes it's time to celebrate and showcase black culture and heritage.

Just turn the music up and let's all dance, yeah
One way to celebrate black culture is through music, and the artist wants to dance and have fun with others while doing so.

Well, that ain't quite true 'cause when push comes to shove
The artist admits that not everyone is treated equally, even if they should be.

Now baby, baby, baby run and tell that (that's where it's at you better)
The artist wants people to know that black people and their culture are valuable and worth celebrating.