American Terrorists
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics

Close your mind, close your eyes, see with your heart
Be mindful and empathetic towards the negative influences in our society.

How do you forgive the murderer of your father?
How can you come to terms with the violence that has affected your family?

The ink of a scholar is worth a thousand times more than the blood of a martyr
The power of knowledge and education is greater than the power of violence and war.

We came through the storm, nooses on our necks and a smallpox blanket to keep us warm
We have faced immense obstacles and brutality throughout our history as marginalized communities.

On a 747 on the pentagon lawn
Refers to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 and the subsequent wars fought in response.

Wake up, the alarm clock is connected to a bomb
Urges listening and being aware of the dangers present in our world.

Anthrax lab on a west Virginia farm
Highlights the dangers of biological warfare and the prevalence of homegrown terrorists on American soil.

Shorty ain't learned to walk already heavily armed
The normalization of gun culture, with even young children being armed and dangerous.

Civilians and little children is especially harmed
The innocent and vulnerable are often the ones to suffer most in times of war and conflict.

Camouflaged Torahs, bibles and glorious Qur'ans
Religious texts have been appropriated and twisted for violent purposes.

The books that take you to heaven and let you meet the Lord there have become misinterpreted, reasons for warfare
Religious texts are being interpreted in ways that promote and justify violence and war.

We read 'em with blind eyes I guarantee you there's More there
We need to be more mindful and critical of the ways in which we read and interpret religious texts.

The rich must be blind because they didn't see the poor there
The wealthy often ignore the plight of the poor and disenfranchised in our society.

Need to open up a park? Just close 10 schools. We don't need 'em
The lack of investment in public education and prioritization of other interests is causing harm and perpetuating inequality.

Can you please call the fire department they're down here marching for freedom. Burn down their TV's, turn their TV's on to teach 'em
The media has a powerful role in shaping our perceptions and beliefs, and sometimes needs to be subverted to promote positive change.

Now the poor Klu Klux man say that we're all brothers
A critique of the hypocrisy and falseness in American society, where racism and other forms of discrimination still exist despite claims of unity.

Not because things are the same because we lack the same color that's green, now that's mean
Money and greed are powerful forces that often perpetuate inequality and erode our sense of empathy for others.

Can't burn his cross cause he can't afford the gasoline
A pointed critique of the shallow materialism and hypocritical nature of the Ku Klux Klan.

Now if a Muslim woman strapped with a bomb on a bus, With the seconds running give you the jitters?
A reminder that terrorism can come from anywhere and anyone, and that we need to be more aware of and empathetic towards diverse belief systems and cultures.

Just imagine an American-based Christian organization planning to poison water supplies to bring the second-coming quicker
A critique of the hypocrisy and violence that is often justified and perpetuated in the name of religion.

Nigga, that ain't livin' properly. Break 'em off a little democracy
The injustices present in our society make it impossible for many to live fulfilling or equitable lives.

Turn their whole culture to a mockery. Give 'em coca-cola for their property
A commentary on the homogenization of cultures and the destructive influence of capitalism on traditional cultures and communities.

Give 'em gum, give 'em guns, get 'em young, give 'em fun
The normalization of dangerous and destructive cultural norms, particularly in relation to gun culture.

But if they ain't giving it up, then they ain't getting none. And don't give 'em all, no, man, just give 'em some
A critique of the pervasive cultural biases and power dynamics that govern our society, particularly in relation to race and class.

It's the paper, then these cops must be Al-Qaeda
A pointed critique of the corruption and violence present in many police departments and political institutions.

The more money that they make, the better and better they live. Whatever they want to take, whatever, whatever it is
A reminder of the pervasive influence of greed and capitalism on our society, particularly among the wealthy and powerful.

The more that you want to learn, the better and better it gets
Counter to the negative influences that pervade our society, learning and education can promote positive change and progress.

American Terrorist
The violence and hypocrisy present in our society make us all complicit in a cycle of harm and destruction.