Same Cry
Jin/L.T. Lyrics
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We may see different but we cry the same cry
To wake up daily and sleep better nights
That's what we all wish for to seek a better life right?
It's unfortunate when tragedy strikes
But the truth is reality bites
June 4th '89 a day residents feared
The day I turned seven they were mourning and grieving
Thousands of innocent died for what they believed in
Armed with nothing but heart and a point to prove
Stood in front of tanks and refused to move
What would you do? run or stand still
When a lifes on the line and they test a man's will
Seeking change and they found it but in death
Strangers yet they were my blood and flesh
This happened in China but you ain't gotta be Asian to relate
To the struggle pain and heartache so
You'll never know you'll never get it
There is no choice we can't forget it
When we look up we see the same sky
When we look up we cry the very same cry
See I'm a grown man
It hurts when I turn on the news and see what's going on in my homeland
The SARS epidemic could have been lies
Could it stand for should Asians really survive
They'll try anything to break your family apart
Politics'll break down the manliest heart
Can the child within my heart rise above?
If there's a billion of us I shouldn't have to look for love
Over-population but damn just the meet the needs
It's illegal to have more than one seed
How can you dictate birth regardless to women
And the parents they make the hardest decisions
Sons keep the family name so that's not an option
Imagine being forced to put your daughter for adoption
And even though its beyond your control
Keep your head up here's a song for your soul
You'll never know you'll never get it
There is no choice we can't forget it
When we look up we see the same sky
When we look up we cry the very same cry
If you don't know where you came from
You can't get to where you trying to go
Ain't no denying so
It's true I got some big shoes to fill
But if I don't lead the movement than who will?
Stuck between a rock and a hard place
Thinkin' bout the refugees that went to see God's face
Sixteen-thousand miles across the ocean tides
Some died some got lucky and survived
I wouldn't call it luck they reached the destination
Modern day slavery without the plantation
Them sneakers on your feet cost a hundred a pop
My people's making fifteen cents a day and sweat shots
To make them kicks so you can look good
You think we open restaurants 'cause we cook good?
Hell no we ain't got no choice
I gotta speak up without me my people have no voice
You'll never know you'll never get it
There is no choice we can't forget it
When we look up we see the same sky
When we look up we cry the very same cry
The lyrics of Jin/L.T.'s song Same Cry are a poignant reflection on the struggles, hopes, and aspirations of people from different races and cultures around the world. The opening lines "We may look different but we see the same sky, we may see different but we cry the same cry" introduce the theme of common humanity that underlies the song. The artists speak candidly about their own experiences as immigrants and children of immigrants who bear witness to the injustices and hardships faced by people in their homelands and in their adoptive countries.
Through vivid and evocative imagery, the artists paint a picture of the world as a place where tragedy and triumph are intertwined. They evoke the memory of the Tienanmen Square massacre of 1989 in China, where thousands of innocent protesters were killed, to underscore the dangers of dissent and the courage required to confront oppressive regimes. They also touch upon contemporary issues such as overpopulation, political upheaval, and economic inequality, all of which are feeding into a growing sense of global crisis.
What makes Same Cry such a powerful and resonant song is its ability to convey universal truths about the human condition while remaining specific and personal. Jin/L.T. speak with a voice that is both empathic and empowering, urging listeners to look beyond their own lives and embrace the struggles of others. Their message is one of solidarity, hope, and resilience; a reminder that, despite our many differences, we share a common humanity that binds us all together.
Line by Line Meaning
We may look different but we see the same sky
Despite our differences, we all share the same world and the same sky.
We may see different but we cry the same cry
Although our experiences may vary, we all experience pain and heartbreak the same way.
To wake up daily and sleep better nights
Everyone wishes to have a good night's rest and wake up feeling refreshed.
That's what we all wish for to seek a better life right?
We all aspire to have a better life than what we have now.
It's unfortunate when tragedy strikes
Sadness and tragedy are always hard to bear.
But the truth is reality bites
The harsh reality of life can be difficult to accept.
June 4th '89 a day residents feared
June 4th, 1989, was a day that caused great fear for residents.
Now known as the massacre at Tienamen Square
The tragic event that occurred at Tienanmen Square is now referred to as a massacre.
The day I turned seven they were mourning and grieving
Jin/L.T. recalls the day of his seventh birthday, which was marked by mourning and grief.
Thousands of innocent died for what they believed in
Many innocent people lost their lives for their beliefs.
Armed with nothing but heart and a point to prove
The people involved had nothing but their courage and beliefs to guide them.
Stood in front of tanks and refused to move
The people stood up to the military and refused to back down.
What would you do? run or stand still
Jin/L.T. poses the question of what one would do in a similarly terrifying situation.
When a lifes on the line and they test a man's will
In dangerous and difficult situations, one's strength and willpower are put to the test.
Seeking change and they found it but in death
The activists were able to make a change, but it came at the cost of many lives.
Strangers yet they were my blood and flesh
Although the people who lost their lives may have been strangers, they were still a part of Jin/L.T.'s culture and race.
This happened in China but you ain't gotta be Asian to relate
The events that took place in China can be related to by anyone who has experienced tragedy and loss.
See I'm a grown man
Jin/L.T. sets the stage for a personal reflection on his experiences as an Asian-American.
It hurts when I turn on the news and see what's going on in my homeland
Jin/L.T. feels emotional pain when he sees the negative events occurring in his ancestral home.
The SARS epidemic could have been lies
Jin/L.T. suggests that the government may have lied about the extent of the SARS epidemic.
Could it stand for should Asians really survive
Jin/L.T. questions whether or not the epidemic was an attempt to rid the population of Asians.
They'll try anything to break your family apart
The government may use tactics to weaken the bonds of families.
Politics'll break down the manliest heart
Politics can cause emotional turmoil and distress.
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Jin/L.T. wonders if he has the strength to remain optimistic despite difficult circumstances.
If there's a billion of us I shouldn't have to look for love
Jin/L.T. suggests that with such a large population of Asians, finding love should not be an issue.
Over-population but damn just the meet the needs
Despite over-population, people still struggle to meet basic needs.
It's illegal to have more than one seed
Chinese laws prohibit having more than one child.
How can you dictate birth regardless to women
The government's laws infringe upon women's reproductive rights.
And the parents they make the hardest decisions
Parents have to make tough choices for their children.
Sons keep the family name so that's not an option
Having a daughter is not an option if parents want to continue their family name.
Imagine being forced to put your daughter for adoption
Jin/L.T. paints a vivid picture of the pain and sacrifice that comes with giving up a child for adoption.
And even though its beyond your control
Some events are completely out of our control.
Keep your head up here's a song for your soul
Despite hardships, it's important to remain hopeful and positive.
If you don't know where you came from
It's important to remember one's roots in order to move forward.
You can't get to where you trying to go
Understanding one's past is crucial for personal growth and development.
Ain't no denying so
There's no denying the importance of one's heritage and background.
It's true I got some big shoes to fill
Jin/L.T. feels the weight of responsibility to carry on the traditions and culture of his ancestors.
But if I don't lead the movement than who will?
Jin/L.T. recognizes his role in representing and advocating for his community.
Stuck between a rock and a hard place
Jin/L.T. feels trapped and conflicted.
Thinkin' bout the refugees that went to see God's face
Jin/L.T. reflects on the many refugees who lost their lives attempting to seek a better life.
Sixteen-thousand miles across the ocean tides
The journey for many refugees involves a treacherous and lengthy journey that spans thousands of miles.
Some died some got lucky and survived
Not everyone makes it through the difficult journey in one piece.
I wouldn't call it luck they reached the destination
The successful completion of the journey involves much more than luck.
Modern day slavery without the plantation
Some people endure grueling work conditions with little pay, which is akin to modern-day slavery.
Them sneakers on your feet cost a hundred a pop
The high price of many consumer goods is not reflective of the low wages paid to the people who produce them.
My people's making fifteen cents a day and sweat shots
The people who produce these goods are paid very low wages and have to work in harsh conditions.
To make them kicks so you can look good
Many people are unaware of the ethical and labor practices behind the production of their goods.
You think we open restaurants 'cause we cook good?
Jin/L.T. challenges stereotypes of Asians owning restaurants and suggests that it's because they have few other employment options.
Hell no we ain't got no choice
The lack of opportunities and job options force many people into working in conditions that are not ideal.
I gotta speak up without me my people have no voice
Jin/L.T. feels a sense of responsibility to speak up and advocate for his people who don't have a voice.
Lyrics Β© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Spirit Music Group
Written by: BERNARD MICHAEL GROBMAN, JIN AU-YEUNG, LOREN LUNNON, LYNNE TIMMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind