Living Colour rose to fame with their debut album Vivid in 1988. Although the band scored a number of hits, they are best remembered for their signature anthem "Cult of Personality", which won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1990. They were also named Best New Artist at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards and won their second Grammy Award for their follow-up album Time's Up. After disbanding in 1995, Living Colour reunited in late 2000.
Someone Like You
Living Colour Lyrics
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The time of laughter
Children playing, life was so sweet
Before our city forgot us
And let the drug lord take our street
Pacify me politician
Pacify me with your lies
Blind to the people suffering
But I know what to do
With someone like you
Police
They chased my brother
Policeman licensed to kill
Oh how I miss my brother
Good shoes are so hard to fill
Policeman are you happy?
You snuffed a medical student out
Maybe he could have changed the world
I guess we'll never find out
But I know what to do
With someone like you
I know what to do
With someone like you
It's never too late to change your ways
It's never too late to change your ways
Too young
Gave her body
She was afraid of being alone
One baby having another
Sweet baby wants to be grown
But there's an angel on your shoulder
Always speaking to your soul
Listen and your heart will be glad
You'll never have to be alone
'Cause I know what to do
With someone like you
I know what to do
With someone like you
I know what to do
With someone like you
I know what to do
Living Colour's song "Someone Like You" is a powerful and poignant commentary on social and political issues. The opening lines of the song bring up memories of a time when life was simpler, and the city was a safe and happy place. The singer reminisces about the days when children played freely without fear, and the community was tightly knit. However, something changed, and the drugs took over. The authorities turned a blind eye and let the drug lords take over the streets. The singer pleads with the politicians to pacify them, but their empty promises fail to deliver any results.
The second verse of the song talks about the brutality of law enforcement. The singer's brother was chased by the police and killed, and the singer misses him dearly. The song brings up the issue of police brutality and the fact that they are licensed to kill. The singer questions their happiness and wonders if anyone cares about the lives they take. The last part of the verse speaks of the lost potential of her brother, who could have changed the world if he had lived.
The final verse of the song talks about the struggles of a young girl who in fear, gives her body to another. The cycle continues as she has a baby, and the baby too wants to be grown. The lyrics suggest that an angel is always speaking to her soul and that if she listens, she will never have to be alone. The song ends with the singer's declaration that they know what to do with someone like the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you remember
Reflecting on the past
The time of laughter
Recollecting happy memories
Children playing, life was so sweet
Recalling carefree times
Before our city forgot us
Reflecting on how the city abandoned the people
And let the drug lord take our street
Bemoaning the effect of drugs on their community
Pacify me politician
Addressing politicians with a plea for change
Pacify me with your lies
Referring to the politicians' lack of real solutions
Blind to the people suffering
Politicians ignoring those in need
Deaf to the children's cries
Politicians ignoring the plight of children
But I know what to do
Confident in their own ability to effect change
With someone like you
Referring to those in power
Police
Singular reference to law enforcement
They chased my brother
Recalling the tragic loss of a loved one
Policeman licensed to kill
Making a critical statement about the police's authority
Oh how I miss my brother
Expressing grief and longing
Good shoes are so hard to fill
Comparing the deceased to something unique and irreplaceable
Policeman are you happy?
Addressing the police and questioning their actions
You snuffed a medical student out
Referring to the victim's potential for good
Maybe he could have changed the world
Reflecting on the possibilities lost
I guess we'll never find out
Acknowledging the finality of death
It's never too late to change your ways
Encouraging those in power to do better
Too young
Referring to a tragic loss of a young person
Gave her body
Referring to a difficult decision to have a child
She was afraid of being alone
Expressing vulnerability
One baby having another
Referring to the cycle of hardship
Sweet baby wants to be grown
Expressing a desire for independence and maturity
But there's an angel on your shoulder
Referencing a guiding, spiritual presence
Always speaking to your soul
Encouraging inner reflection and growth
Listen and your heart will be glad
Advocating for self-awareness and emotional health
'Cause I know what to do
Reiterating self-confidence in the face of hardship
I know what to do with someone like you
Asserting a position of power and influence
I know what to do with someone like you
Repeating the earlier assertion for emphasis
I know what to do with someone like you
Affirming a clear path forward
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SKILLINGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind