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NEDA
Kawehi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and fire's burning like a demon from hell
In your lungs, to your tongue
When a teacher does his best to protect
but still a bullet finds its way to her chest
she said, "Burning, I'm burning!"
on the streets of Tehran
You can take my eyes
But leave your stones in your gardens
Your rivers, your roads
You can take my eyes
You can claim that the way I dress
is offensive to your God
They want you gone and silent,
declare you a martyr and let the streets run violent
Do your best to comply
a pension for your lies
They said,
"Neda, don't be afraid, don't be afraid"
"Neda, stay with me, stay!"
You can take my eyes
But leave your stones in your gardens
Your rivers, your roads
You can take my eyes
You can claim that the way I dress
is offensive to your God
I am responsible
I know that now
The laws are so simple;
you let what you allow
I know that now
A voice should be heard
You showed me why and how
"Neda, don't be afraid, don't be afraid"
"Neda, stay with me, stay!"
You can take my eyes
But leave your stones in your gardens
Your rivers, your roads
You can take my eyes
You can claim that the way I dress
is offensive to your God
The lyrics of Kawehi's song NEDA tell the story of a person, possibly a woman, who faces oppression and violence in different forms. The first verse talks about the feeling of walking on shells and fire burning in their lungs and tongue, which could represent the fear and anxiety of living in a dangerous situation. The second verse refers to a teacher who gets shot despite trying to protect themselves, which could reflect the reality of mass shootings in schools, for instance. The chorus contains a powerful message about the person's resilience and defiance against oppression, stating that the oppressors can take their eyes, but they should leave their land and culture intact. The song also makes a reference to a real-life event: the death of Neda Agha-Soltan, a young Iranian woman who was shot during the 2009 Iranian election protests, as her last moments were captured on video and circulated widely on the internet.
The rest of the song speaks about the importance of standing up for oneself and others, even if it means putting oneself in danger. The bridge is particularly powerful, as it acknowledges the responsibility that individuals have in creating a just and fair society. The lyrics state that "the laws are so simple; you let what you allow," reminding us that passivity can also enable oppression. Finally, the song ends with the same plea of "Neda, stay with me, stay," perhaps signifying the hope that by standing up against oppression, one can create a world where people are not forced to be martyrs.
Line by Line Meaning
You know you're screwed when you're walking on shells
Feeling unsafe, vulnerable and like your every step needs to be tiptoed around, indicating a difficult and uncertain situation.
and fire's burning like a demon from hell
Describing an intense and uncontrollable situation that is full of turmoil and destruction.
In your lungs, to your tongue
Referring to the physical toll a situation is taking on the body, including the inability to speak or breathe properly.
When a teacher does his best to protect
Acknowledging the efforts of someone who is trying to keep others safe and promote peace.
but still a bullet finds its way to her chest
Highlighting the tragic reality that despite a person's best efforts, they can still fall victim to violence and harm.
she said, "Burning, I'm burning!"
Expressing the intense pain and anguish a person feels when they are hurt or in danger, and the desperation for help.
Feel the earth rumble no one's safe -
Suggesting an ominous and threatening situation that impacts everyone, regardless of their individual circumstances or background.
on the streets of Tehran
Referring to a specific location and context where the threat and danger is present.
You can take my eyes
Accepting that one's physical body may be at risk or harmed in a situation.
But leave your stones in your gardens
Rejecting the idea of harm or violence towards oneself or others, and promoting peaceful coexistence and non-violent conflict resolution.
Your rivers, your roads
Referencing shared spaces and resources that should not be destroyed or damaged by violence or conflict.
You can claim that the way I dress
is offensive to your God
Recognizing the ways in which differences in beliefs or lifestyles can be used as an excuse for violence or harm, even when those beliefs or lifestyles are not inherently harmful.
They want you gone and silent,
declare you a martyr and let the streets run violent
Highlighting the ways in which violence and conflict can be used to silence individuals, and the dangerous message this sends to society.
Do your best to comply
a pension for your lies
Recognizing the ways in which individuals may be pressured to participate in or accept violent or harmful actions, even if it goes against their own beliefs or values.
They said,
"Neda, don't be afraid, don't be afraid"
"Neda, stay with me, stay!"
Recounting a tragic and emotional plea for help and support, in the face of overwhelming danger and harm.
I am responsible
I know that now
Taking accountability for one's own role in a situation, and recognizing the ways in which individuals can contribute to peace or harm.
The laws are so simple;
you let what you allow
Acknowledging the importance of standing up for one's values and beliefs, and not allowing harmful actions to perpetuate.
A voice should be heard
You showed me why and how
Emphasizing the importance of speaking up and using one's voice to promote peace, and recognizing the power of individuals to make a difference.
Contributed by Taylor F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
burlingtonbill1
Thanks for providing the lyrics. This is a very hypnotic and compelling song. Your voice is AMAZING !!