Save The Children
Heron Gil Scott Lyrics


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If you're driving through the country on a lazy afternoon
Or you're watching your children playin' after school
They seem to be so unaware of I know I know
The things that they soon have to take care of

We got to do something yeah to save the children
Soon it will be their test to try and save the world
Right now they seem to play such a small part of
The things that they soon be right at the heart of


My little Tommy he said he wants to be a fireman
And little Mary she said she got to teach at school
If we know or we say we know about the problems ohohoh
Why can't we do something to try and solve them

We got to do something yeah to save the children
Soon it will be their test to try and save the world
We got to do something yeah to save the children




To save the children
To save the children

Overall Meaning

In Gil Scott-Heron's song "Save The Children," he speaks about the importance of taking action to protect and prepare the next generation for the fast-approaching future. He notes that children seem to be unaware of the responsibilities and challenges they will face in the years to come, but it is up to the current generation to ensure that they are ready.


The lyrics speak to the feeling that there is a looming crisis "soon it will be their test to try and save the world," and that children will be at the heart of it. But rather than lamenting this inevitability, Scott-Heron urges action: "We got to do something yeah to save the children." He implores the listener to take their blinders off and recognize that they have to be responsible for ensuring that children have a future to look forward to.


Scott-Heron gives voice to the children in the song too, highlighting their aspirations for the future. Little Tommy wants to be a fireman, and Mary wants to teach at school. The line "If we know or we say we know about the problems ohohoh/ Why can't we do something to try and solve them" speaks to the complacency and inaction of those who are aware of the issues but are not actively working to address them.


Overall, "Save The Children" is a call-to-action for people everywhere to do their part in securing a better future for the next generation. It urges listeners to think beyond themselves and take action before it's too late.


Line by Line Meaning

If you're driving through the country on a lazy afternoon
If you're enjoying a relaxing ride in the countryside


Or you're watching your children playin' after school
Or if you're observing your children play after school


They seem to be so unaware of I know I know
They appear to be so oblivious and innocent


The things that they soon have to take care of
Of the responsibilities that they will soon encounter


We got to do something yeah to save the children
We have to take action to protect and safeguard our children


Soon it will be their test to try and save the world
They will soon face the challenge of rescuing the planet


Right now they seem to play such a small part of
Currently, they seem to have a minimal role in


The things that they soon be right at the heart of
The things which will soon become very important to them


My little Tommy he said he wants to be a fireman
My little boy Tommy expressed his desire to become a firefighter


And little Mary she said she got to teach at school
And my little girl Mary said she has to teach at school


If we know or we say we know about the problems ohohoh
If we know or claim to know about the issues


Why can't we do something to try and solve them
Why can't we make an effort to find solutions for them?


To save the children
To safeguard and protect the welfare of our children


To save the children
To ensure the safety and prosperity of our children




Lyrics Β© Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gil Scott-Heron

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@ppehsy1

Lyrics: If you're driving through the country on a lazy afternoon
Or you're watching your children playing after school
They seem to be so unaware of
The things that they soon have to take care of

We've got to do something to save the children
Soon it will be their turn to try and save the world
Right now they seem to play such a small part of
The things that they soon be right at the heart of

My little Tommy he said he wants to be a fireman
And little Mary she said she got to teach school
If we know all we say we know about the problems
Why can't we do something to try and solve them

We've got to do something to save the children
Soon it will be their turn to try and save the world
We got to do something to save the children
To save the children
To save the children



All comments from YouTube:

@sherrymcclure1675

Yes! Yes, again Gil was one of the greatest composers, ever!
Peace & love to
ALL (still) listening in 2024!

@dwaynerose9315

Yes! We All NEED TO SAVE THE CHILDREN in 2023 & beyond, indeed!

@rileywritts

"JUST BRING US THE ***DAMN BREAD!"

@coreygeiger81

I wish he would have socked that kid in the mouth , talkin bout β€˜can I take a picture’?

@montueswedthursfri5819

😭

@joevtam

I will always believe Gil Scott Heron was one of the most brilliant songwriters of all time.

@125birdie

you are not alone still listen to his music today and learning from wisdom he left us

@texshd5406

Joseph Tammaro same

@joanncox496

I agree he was ahead of his time Rest In Peace...

@TheAudivisioner

Many more people should listen to this song.

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