Different Colors/One People
Lucky Dube Lyrics

Breaking those barriers
Overcoming the obstacles and prejudices that divide us as people.

All over the world
This struggle exists everywhere, not just in one region.

Was not an easy thing
Achieving unity and equal treatment required great effort and sacrifice.

Yesterday your mouth was shut yeah
In the past, people were silenced and unable to express themselves.

Couldn't make a sound eh boy
They were not allowed to speak out or be heard.

But it's such a good feeling today
Now, there is a sense of joy and triumph over past oppression.

When I can hear them from
The voices of people who were once silenced can now be heard.

Across the ocean singing this song
Their message of unity and equality is spreading across the world.

That the whole world should be singing
This message is universal and should be embraced by everyone.

Different colours / one people
Although we may look different, we are all part of the same human family.

Hey you government
Addressing those in power who may perpetuate division and inequality.

Never try to separate the people
Leaders should not create or exacerbate divisions, but work to bring people together.

Hey you politician
Same as the previous stanza, directed at those in political power.

They were created in the image of God
Stating that all humans are inherently valuable and equal in the eyes of God.

And who are you to separate them
Asking those who try to create division among people what gives them the right to do so.

Bible says, he made man in his image
Referring to a Biblical passage that reinforces the inherent value and equality of all people.

But it didn't say black or white
The Bible does not make distinctions based on race or skin color.

Look at me you see BLACK
Using the example of his own skin color to illustrate how people are often judged or defined by their appearance.

I look at you I see WHITE
Similarly, people are often divided and categorized based on their differences, rather than their common humanity.

Now is the time to kick that away
Calling for an end to division and prejudice, and for people to embrace their shared humanity.

And join me in my song
Inviting others to join in the message of unity and equality.

Some were from America
Highlighting the diversity of people who are affected by this struggle.

We were from South Africa
Identifying the artist's own country as one of many affected by division and inequality.

Some were from Japan
Continuing the list of countries to show how widespread this issue is.

We were from China
Stating that people from all corners of the globe are part of the same human family.

Some were from Australia
Another example of the diversity of people affected by division and inequality.

We were from the U.K.
Including another Western country to illustrate that this issue affects people of all backgrounds.

Some were from Zimbabwe
Highlighting a country in Africa that has faced challenges related to division and inequality alongside other nations.

We were from Ghana
Naming another African country to emphasize the universality of this message.

Some were from Jamaica
Including a Caribbean nation to show that this issue affects people in all regions of the world.

We were from Russia
Highlighting a country that has experienced similar issues despite being far from Western nations.

Some were from Aha-ha-ha
Using a humorous line to emphasize that people are more alike than they are different.

We were from Uhu-hu-hu
Continuing the humorous line to drive home the message of unity.