Tell Me Why
G.A. Mary J. Blige Tye Tribbett & Will Smith Lyrics

Whyyyyyy, whyyyyyy
Expressing a sense of confusion and questioning

I really wish I could explain it baby
Expressing a desire to provide an explanation, but feeling unable to

It's just the world is kinda crazy baby
Acknowledge the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the world

Ain't no pretty way to paint it baby
Acknowledge that there are no easy or flattering ways to present the reality of the world

Don't cry, dry your eyes
Encouraging emotional resilience and strength

September 11th I woke up about 7 AM
Describing the experience of witnessing the 9/11 attacks first hand

West coast time, french toast and my turkey bacon
Gives a small insight into the singer's morning routine

Takin' my time awakin, turnin' my TV on
Illustrating a casual and relaxed state-of-mind before the events of 9/11

To my surprise, saw what everybody in the world saw
Realizing the global impact and significance of the attacks

Me and my children, images were chillin'
Sharing an intense and emotional moment with his children after viewing the news

My son said - daddy were there people in that building?
Expressing the innocent curiosity of a child amidst a horrifying event

A cold sweat, frozen with a lump in my chest
Describing the artist's physical and emotional response to 9/11

I heard his question, couldn't bring my lips to say yes to him
Acknowledging the difficulty of finding the right words to say to a child in such a situation

That night at my son's side, he cried
Illustrating a tender and emotional moment between a father and son

And prayed for the ones who died in the World Trade
Showing compassion and empathy for the victims of the attacks

His palms to God, seeds of qualms with God
Expressing the artist's internal struggle about questioning God in the face of tragedy

He just, kept on pressin' me, wanna know why
Highlighting the persistent and innocent nature of a child's curiosity

Then one week later our bombs were dropped
Referring to the start of the War on Terror and the invasion of Afghanistan

We seein' them, on CNN, they just won't stop
Describing the constant media coverage of the war and its impact on daily life

The infrared, images of brutal attack
Describing the horrific and graphic nature of war

He said "Daddy now we killin' 'em back," right right
Expressing the child's simplistic and black-and-white understanding of war

Souls are captured (souls are captured)
Implying a sense of loss and tragedy in the world

Dreams are stolen (dreams are stolen)
Suggesting a lack of hope and optimism

Hearts are broken (hearts are broken)
Acknowledging the emotional pain and suffering of individuals

Evil plaguin' he rewardin'
Commenting on the injustice and absurdity of the world's rewards and punishments

Hate surrender (hate surrender)
Encouraging a rejection of hate and negativity

Love exalted! (Love exalted!)
Emphasizing the importance and power of love

Hope elated! (hope elated!)
Expressing the positive feelings associated with hope and optimism

Negativity destroyed and..
Suggesting that the negativity and suffering in the world can be overcome

Honest to God, why is the bomb always gettin' the last word
Questioning the prevalence and power of violence in the world

and why, did her uncles have to molest her
Questioning the prevalence and power of abuse and trauma in the world

and why, did all them cops have to be shootin' to kill?
Questioning the excessive and deadly force used by police and authority figures

And why, did all them priests have to act so ill?
Commenting on the disturbing and abusive behavior of some religious leaders

Tell me why did James Byrd Jr. have to be touched?
Questioning the motivation and justification for hate crimes and violence against minorities

Tell my why did Malcolm and Martin depart from us
Reflecting on the loss of influential and inspiring leaders like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

Tell me why did the sniper make that little boy shoot
Expressing anger and confusion over senseless and tragic events

And why, is human life always denied for loot?
Questioning the priority placed on material possessions over human life

Tell me WHY did MANDELA have to live in a cage
Questioning the injustice and cruelty of apartheid and political imprisonment

Why did my brother Sterling have to die at that age
Expressing the pain and grief of losing a loved one to violence and injustice

Tell me why did Reginald Denny deserve his fate
Questioning the justification for acts of violence and retribution

And why the fuck can't love, seem to defeat hate?
Expressing frustration over the persistent and powerful nature of hate and negativity

Tell me why is it so hard for all the children to eat?
Questioning the prevalence and persistence of poverty and hunger in the world

Why did 'Pac and Biggie Smalls have to fall in the street?
Reflecting on the tragic and avoidable deaths of talented artists

Tell me why did Jam Master Jay have to go that way?
Expressing sadness and loss over the death of a beloved musician and figurehead

Please, what am I supposed to say my kids when they say
Reiterating the struggle of trying to provide answers and explanations to children in a confusing and unpredictable world

Can't explain it baby life is just really crazy
Acknowledging the complexity and unpredictability of life

I mean if it's world wars or the life of a little baby
Illustrating a wide range of extreme situations that can happen in life

We got more stores than they got rice under buddha lazy
Commenting on the abundance and wealth in some parts of the world compared to the poverty and deprivation in others

You live four scores and still it be drivin' you crazy
Suggesting that even a long and full life can be filled with struggles and challenges

But for me I try to see the button side
Seeking out the positive and optimistic aspects of life

Sometimes it be like the goodness be tryin' to hide
Acknowledging the difficulty of staying positive and finding hope in difficult situations

or tryin' to flee, but it can't, it's deep inside
Implying that goodness and hope are innate and cannot be entirely lost or destroyed

Sweetie you be the light for others, make 'em believe in God
Encouraging the listener to be a source of positivity and hope for those around them, and to have faith in a higher power