Look At Me
Joel Cross Lyrics

I've seen Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown
I have witnessed the tragic deaths of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, who were both victims of racial injustice.

Eric Garner all go down
I have also seen the unjust killing of Eric Garner.

For looking like me
These individuals were targeted and subjected to violence simply because they resemble me in terms of race.

JFK in 63
Even figures of influence like JFK were not spared from violence, as seen in his assassination in 1963.

Dr. King in Tennessee
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a symbol of peace and justice, was tragically killed in Tennessee.

Look at me
I plead for your attention and recognition.

When will you look at me?
When will society truly see and understand the experiences and struggles I face?

And think you look like me
I hope you can empathize and understand that we are not so different from each other.

You sho' do look like me
In fact, you bear a striking resemblance to me.

Rise above
I long for us to transcend the limitations and inequities of the current world.

When will we rise above?
When will we collectively overcome the barriers that divide us?

Living without our love
We are forced to exist in a world where love and compassion are lacking.

Without our dignity
Our sense of self-worth and respect is constantly under threat.

I hear the people say (We need law)
Society often emphasizes the need for strict laws and enforcement.

But there's another way (We need love)
However, there is an alternative path based on love and understanding that should be pursued.

A hard head never healed a heart
Being stubborn and resistant to change will not bring healing or reconciliation.

And everytime i look around I
Whenever I observe my surroundings

Can't help but think out loud
I cannot refrain from expressing my thoughts openly.

Freedom ain't fair and love ain't cheap
True freedom is not easily obtained, and genuine love requires effort and sacrifice.

That's why, everyday I get a little taller
Despite the challenges, I continue to grow and become stronger every day.

While they're in my rearview smaller
Those who oppose progress are diminishing in importance as I move forward.

Looking for dreams that they sent away
They have rejected their own aspirations and hope.

I lift my head just a little bit higher
I maintain my dignity and self-esteem by holding my head up high.

Knowing that the world will catch fire
I am aware that my actions will ignite positive change in the world.

After they've seen the mess I made
Once they witness the impact and progress I have achieved despite adversity.

Because they know
They understand

We'll never go
That we will never back down

We'll only grow
But instead, we will continue to evolve and progress

Just like we did before
Just as we have done in the past.

When will you look at me?
Again, I ask when will you truly see and acknowledge me?

You sho' do look like me
Because, indeed, you bear a striking resemblance to me.

Look at me
I urge you to direct your attention towards me.

And think you look like me
Consider the similarities we share.

You sho' do look like me
In truth, you strongly resemble me.