Talk
Keb' Mo' Lyrics


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Hello Mr. President, my day was just great
It′s really nice to meet you and your Secretary of State

What do we do about our angry neighbors

How do you justify their behavior
Well maybe there's a reason
How′s your father? Is your mother alright?
You know, I was with my family, just the other night

We're in the middle of a revolution
Creating even more confusion,
Is war the only answer?

Why don't we talk to each other
Lets talk to each other, that′s all
Why don′t we talk to each other
Understand one another
Talk to each other, that's all

There goes the Navy sailing off to war
Do they know who they′re fighting
Or what they're fighting for?

I′ll pray for our angry neighbors
And I'm gonna pray for you
Let′s think about our behavior
And ask for a solution

So we can talk to each other
We can talk to each other, that's all
Why don't we talk to each other
Understand one another
Talk to each other, that′s all

Why don′t we talk to each other
Come on, lets talk to each other, that's all
Why don′t we talk to each other
Understand one another
Talk to each other, that's all





That′s all.

Overall Meaning

In Keb' Mo''s song "Talk," the singer walks up to the President and politely greets him and the Secretary of State. Then, the singer asks about addressing their angry neighbors and how the President justifies their behavior. He then shifts the conversation to obvious political and social issues in the United States such as the ongoing revolution and war. The singer urges the President to talk to others, understand one another so that we can find solutions to the issues.


The essence of the song is about communication, especially in a time of political and social turmoil. The singer understands the severity and the effect of the ongoing wars, revolution, and anger among people living in different neighborhoods. They are seeking genuine conversations that can lead to understanding and eventually, a solution to the problem.


The song is a perfect reflection of Keb' Mo's advocacy for social and political decency. The song is not just entertaining, but it actually does a great job of encouraging a spirit of understanding and kindness in society. Communication is the key to all human interactions, and Keb' Mo encourages a peaceful dialogue in the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Hello Mr. President, my day was just great
Addressing the leader of the nation, expressing gratitude, and exchanging pleasantries


It′s really nice to meet you and your Secretary of State
Expressing admiration for the leader and the people that work with them


What do we do about our angry neighbors
Asking for advice on how to deal with people who are upset with us


How do you justify their behavior
Seeking to understand the motives of the people who are angry


Well maybe there's a reason
Considering the possibility that there is a valid explanation for the actions of the other party


How′s your father? Is your mother alright?
Making polite conversation and asking about the well-being of the leader's loved ones


We're in the middle of a revolution
Acknowledging the current state of unrest and upheaval in society


Creating even more confusion,
Acknowledging that the situation is further complicated by conflicting opinions and ideas


Is war the only answer?
Questioning whether using force is the only solution to the problem


Why don't we talk to each other
Suggesting that communication is the key to resolving the conflict


Lets talk to each other, that′s all
Emphasizing that the solution can be as simple as talking to one another


Understand one another
Stressing the importance of empathy and listening to the other person's perspective


There goes the Navy sailing off to war
Referencing the reality of military action being taken without fully understanding the reasons behind it


Do they know who they′re fighting
Rhetorical question regarding whether those involved in military action truly comprehend their mission


Or what they're fighting for?
Asking whether those fighting understand the reasons behind why they are doing what they are doing


I′ll pray for our angry neighbors
Expressing concern for people on both sides of the conflict


And I'm gonna pray for you
Offering support and well wishes for the leader


Let′s think about our behavior
Urging both parties to consider their own actions and how they may have contributed to the conflict


And ask for a solution
Encouraging open communication and collaboration to find a resolution


Come on, lets talk to each other, that's all
Reiterating the simple but important solution of talking to one another


That′s all.
Ending the song on a note of simplicity and resolution




Writer(s): Kevin R Moore, Kevin So

Contributed by Lauren N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Angel Flores


on The Whole Enchilada (Bonus Acoustic)

You gon die if u put yo hands on me nigga

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