Ayesha Says
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics

Hijabs, hoodies, afros, locks
Different cultural symbols and hairstyles represent the diverse communities that are affected by social issues.

Teddy bear, liquor bottle shrines, rocks
Makeshift memorials created in honor of those killed by violence express sorrow and anger in unique ways.

Tanks, prayer rugs, church pews, Mexican corn stands
Iconic structures from various societies emphasize the common challenges faced by people regardless of their backgrounds.

Blood, sweat, and tears, police batons
The physical and emotional impact of oppression and brutality from law enforcement are persistent and traumatic.

Gas masks and bullets create graffiti on corners
The violent aftermath of confrontations between protesters and authorities often leaves a lasting visual reminder of the struggle.

Murals that salute freedom or death for liberty
Artistic expressions can convey powerful messages of resistance and the ultimate sacrifice made for a just cause.

Be it Inglewood or Egypt, Bedstuy or Baghdad
Suffering and injustice can be found anywhere in the world, transcending geography and culture.

Syria or Liberia, the west bank or the west side of Chicago
Regions that face political turmoil, war, or social inequality share similar themes of struggle and perseverance.

Where food and liquor stores still occupy the block
The persistent presence of corner stores selling unhealthy products reflects the lack of access to nutritious food and economic opportunities.

While police and community watchmen justify why they shot
The justification of lethal force by law enforcement and community leaders perpetuate a cycle of violence and abuse of power.

Emmit Till and Malice Green, Rekia Boyd and Trayvon Martin
Names of those killed by racial violence highlight the deadly consequences of prejudice and discrimination.

Better not wear that hoodie while shopping for a carton
Racial stereotyping and profiling create dangerous situations for individuals based on their appearance.

Or whatever they sellin’ in your food desert
Parts of cities and suburbs lacking in accessible grocery stores and healthy food options contribute to health disparities among low-income communities.

Cause your soul is dessert and will be dissected and consumed
Exploitation of vulnerable populations is perpetuated by systems of power that view people as disposable and insignificant.

On the Fox evening news while we sing the blues
Media portrayals of social issues can be superficial and manipulative, distracting from the underlying causes of injustice.

The new Jim Crow caged bird sings
The systemic oppression of minorities and mass incarceration create a modern-day version of the Jim Crow era.

Cause he’s tired of occupying his misery and of our marching
Individuals who face constant hardship and struggle may feel hopeless and unresponsive to organized movements for change.

He wanna fly to a higher consciousness
People desire to rise above their circumstances and seek greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.

But his school on academic probation
The lack of resources and support for education among marginalized communities further hinders social mobility and personal growth.

They gave him medicine, diagnosed him with a felony and mental retardation
The criminalization and medicalization of behaviors deemed deviant or abnormal greatly limits opportunities for those affected.

So he refuses to cease the firin’, nobody’s hirin’
The lack of economic prospects and systemic marginalization can lead to desperation and turn to violence or self-destructive behaviors.

In Illinois, 67 is the new age when you retirin’
Social policies that fail to address economic injustice and inequality contribute to systemic poverty and insecurity.

Class lines have blurred, those who used to have, have not
The erosion of the middle class and widening income inequality affects individuals from all backgrounds, further highlighting the need for systemic change.

Pensions bein’ snatched
The mistreatment of workers and systematic cuts to social welfare programs contribute to economic insecurity and vulnerability.

Those who never have keep their hands stretched
The exploitation and marginalization of individuals in poverty creates a cycle of desperation and economic immobility.

Social services being cut
The failure of the government to provide adequate resources for social welfare programs further perpetuates the cycles of poverty and inequality.

Sterilization clinics giving out pills to numb the womb
The systemic oppression of women’s reproductive rights reflects the larger issue of controlling women’s bodies and autonomy.

Young girls referring to their vaginas as tombs
The internalization of shame and subjugation can lead to negative psychological effects and trauma for young girls and women.

Thinkin’ protests are temporary and trendy
The temporary nature of movements and resistance can belie the systemic nature of social issues and the need for sustained activism and change.

Well rock a t-shirt and carry a poster
Symbolic gestures of activism can be meaningful expressions of resistance and solidarity but alone do not create systemic change.

And two weeks later it’s back to normal
The temporary nature of symbolic gestures and lack of sustained activism fail to address the underlying causes of social issues and injustices.

But they say times are changin’
The gradual shift in cultural attitudes and systems of power can create opportunities for meaningful change and progress.

The revolution is becoming second nature, causes are combining
The democratization of knowledge and technology facilitate the spread of radical ideas and approaches to social issues that lead to collaboration among different groups and movements.

People carrying torches, hope burning from their hands
The collective spirit of activism and resistance generates optimism and belief in the possibility of change and progress.

Attaching explosive devices ‘cause they keep stealing their lands
Institutions of power and colonialism exploit vulnerable populations for personal gain, resulting in violent resistance to defend the sense of community and identity.

In the name of freedom
The ideas of freedom and justice are central to the resistance to systemic oppression and inequality.