Million Voices
Hotel Rwanda Lyrics

Rwanda, Rwanda,
This is the country of Rwanda, a place that has suffered immense bloodshed.

Yeah, Rwanda, Rwanda
Yes, Rwanda is the same place that has been torn apart by genocide.

They said, "Many are called and few are chosen," But I wish some wasn't chosen for the blood spilling of Rwanda
People often say that only a select few are chosen for greatness, but in Rwanda, some people were chosen to commit atrocities that caused bloodshed and pain.

They said, "Meshach Eshach and Abednego Thrown in the fire but you never get burned" But I wish that I didn't get burned in Rwanda
This is a reference to the Bible story of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego, who were thrown into a fiery furnace but emerged unscathed. In the context of Rwanda, the singer wishes that they had not been scarred by the violence and trauma they experienced.

They said, "The man is judged according to his works" So tell me Africa, what's your worth? There's no money, no diamonds, no fortunes On this planet that can replace Rwanda
People say that a person's worth is determined by their actions, but the singer questions what Africa's worth is when a tragedy like Rwanda can happen. There is no amount of wealth or resources that can undo the damage and pain that occurred.

Rwanda, Rwanda Yeah, Rwanda, Rwanda These are the cry of the children Rwanda, Rwanda Anybody hear my cry?
The repeated use of the country's name emphasizes the importance of listening to the cries of Rwanda's children, who represent the future of the nation. The singer asks if anyone is listening to their cries.

If America, is the United States of America Then why can't Africa, be the United States of Africa? And if England, is the United Kingdom Then why can't Africa unite all the kingdoms And become United Kingdom of Africa?
The singer questions why Africa cannot unite like other nations and emphasizes the importance of African unity. He suggests that if America and England could form a united state, so too could Africa.

Rwanda, Rwanda, Rwanda, Rwanda Yeah, yeah These are the cries of the children, yeah Can anybody out there hear our cries?
The repetition of the country's name serves to emphasize the plight of Rwanda's children who have suffered so much. The singer questions whether anyone is listening to their cries and calls for attention to their plight.

Yeah, heavens cry, Jesus cry Lord, did you hear us calling you? Yeah, Rwanda, Rwanda Lord, did you hear us calling? Can you do something in Rwanda? Rwanda, Rwanda, Rwanda, Rwanda
The singer asks if even the heavens and Jesus can hear their call for help. He questions whether God is listening and if there is anything that can be done to help Rwanda.

I'm talkin' 'bout Jesus; talkin' 'bout Rwanda Rwanda, Rwanda Talkin' 'bout, talkn' 'bout Talkin' 'bout, talkn' 'bout I wanna play my guitar for Rwanda
The singer talks about Jesus and the situation in Rwanda. The repeated use of the country's name emphasizes the importance of the situation. He concludes by saying he wants to use his talents to bring attention to Rwanda.