I Can't Breathe
H.E.R. Lyrics

Started a war screaming "Peace" at the same time
The hypocrisy of the situation where people call for peace but engage in corrupt and unjust activities

All the corruption, injustice, the same crimes
Addressing the issue of corruption and injustice that still persist in society

Always a problem if we do or don't fight
The societal struggle of trying to fight against injustice while also facing the possibility of being targeted for doing so

And we die, we don't have the same rights
The inequality and discrimination that persists in society causing some groups to not have the same rights as others

What is a gun to a man that surrenders?
Questioning the use of force against unarmed individuals who surrender

What's it gonna take for someone to defend us?
Questioning why people are not speaking up to defend others who are facing injustice

If we all agree that we're equal as people
Recognizing that all people are equal regardless of their race, gender, or any other identifying factor

Then why can't we see what is evil?
Questioning why society still tolerates and perpetuates evil and injustice

How do we cope when we don't love each other?
Addressing the issue of lack of love and empathy in society

Where is the hope and the empathy?
Questioning where the hope and empathy has gone in society

How do we judge off the color?
Pointing out the detrimental effects of judging someone based solely on their skin color

The structure was made to make us the enemy
Highlighting how the societal structure has been designed to create enemies and to maintain power for certain groups at the expense of others

Prayin' for change 'cause the pain makes you tender
The emotional toll of experiencing pain and injustice that has made people more empathetic and compassionate towards others who are struggling

All of the names you refuse to remember
The disregard for the names of those who have suffered and lost their lives due to systemic racism and injustice

Were somebody's brother or friend
Highlighting the humanity of those who are often reduced to mere statistics

Son to a mother that's crying, sayin'
Recognizing the pain and suffering of the families and loved ones left behind by those who have lost their lives due to unjust discrimination

Trying times all the time
Acknowledging the constant struggle and challenges that people face in society

Destruction of minds, bodies, and human rights
The devastating impact of systemic racism on individuals and society as a whole

Stripped of bloodlines, whipped and confined
The violence and brutality that has been inflicted on minority groups throughout history

This is the American pride
Highlighting the irony of how the history of violence and oppression lies at the core of American society and values

It's justifying a genocide
Pointing out how the systemic racism and oppression is leading to a form of genocide against particular groups

Romanticizing the theft and bloodshed
Highlighting the glorification of violence and oppression in society

That made America the land of the free
Questioning whether the 'land of the free' truly exists when freedom and equality are not extended to all individuals

To take a black life, land of the free
The unjust taking of black lives that highlights the contrast between freedom and oppression in America

To bring a gun to a peaceful fight for civil rights
The use of force against individuals peacefully protesting for their civil rights

You are desensitized to pulling triggers on innocent lives
The issue of police brutality and how the use of force has become normalized, leading to the unjust targeting and killing of innocent individuals

Because that's how we got here in the first place
Pointing out how the development of American society and values was built on violent and oppressive practices

These wounds sink deeper than the bullet
Addressing the long-lasting and traumatic impact of systemic racism and oppression on individuals and society

Your entitled hands could ever reach
Highlighting how the systemic racism and oppression is further perpetuated by individuals who hold a position of privilege and power

Generations and generations of pain, fear, and anxiety
Highlighting the inter-generational impact of systemic racism on individuals and society

Equality is walking without intuition
Addressing the idea that true equality can only be achieved when there is no need for suspicion or fear towards specific groups

Saying the protector and the killer is wearing the same uniform
Highlighting the contradiction of those who are meant to 'protect' and 'serve' but are perpetuating violence and killing innocent individuals

The revolution is not televised
The idea that true change and progress is not easy to document and capture in mainstream media

Media perception is forced down the throats of closed minds
Recognizing how mainstream media perpetuates certain narratives and can limit people's understanding and perspectives

So it's lies in the headlines
Addressing the issue of 'fake news' and sensationalized media stories that fail to capture the true narratives and complexities of certain issues

And generations of supremacy resulting in your ignorant, privileged eyes
Highlighting how systemic racism and oppression can lead to individuals being ignorant of the issues faced by minority groups due to their own privilege and power

We breathe the same and we bleed the same
Recognizing the shared humanity of all individuals despite their differences

But still, we don't see the same
Despite our shared humanity, there is still an inability to see the world from each other's perspectives and understand the struggles of others

Be thankful we are God-fearing
Suggesting that the moral principles and values associated with religious beliefs have been important in instilling a sense of empathy and morality towards others

Because we do not seek revenge
Despite the injustice and violence that has been inflicted on minority groups, there is a desire for justice not revenge

We seek justice, we are past fear
Despite the fear and trauma associated with systemic racism, there is a desire for justice and progress

We are fed up eating your shit
Highlighting the frustration and anger towards those who perpetuate systemic racism and oppression

Because you think your so-called "black friend"
Pointing out the issue of tokenism and how having one individual from a minority group as a 'friend' does not absolve someone of racism

Validates your wokeness and erases your racism
Highlighting how some individuals use their 'woke' beliefs and actions as a way to mask their own racism and oppressive actions towards minority groups

That kind of uncomfortable conversation is too hard
Addressing the difficulty in having honest and uncomfortable conversations about racism and systemic oppression

For your trust-fund pockets to swallow
Suggesting that those who have the privilege and resources to make change often prioritize their own interests and wealth over addressing systemic injustice

To swallow the strange fruit hanging from my family tree
The pain and suffering associated with historical racism that is still felt by individuals and communities today

Because of your audacity
Highlighting the entitlement and privilege of individuals who fail to acknowledge the impact of systemic racism

To say all men are created equal in the eyes of God
Highlighting the hypocrisy of those who espouse equality but fail to act on it in practical ways against systemic racism and oppression

But disparage a man based on the color of his skin
Addressing the issue of discriminatory practices and beliefs that still exist in society

Do not say you do not see color
Highlighting the importance of acknowledging and celebrating differences in race, culture, and identity

When you see us, see us
Recognizing the value of representation and visibility for minority groups to truly be seen and heard in society

Oh, oh, oh
The refrain of the song highlighting the pain and struggle experienced by minority groups and the need for justice and equality