Tell Me Why
Mary J. Blige; Will Smith Lyrics

Whyyyyyy, whyyyyyy
Expressing confusion and lamentation about the state of the world

I really wish I could explain it baby
Desiring to provide an answer to the confusion

It's just the world is kinda crazy baby
The state of the world is chaotic and unpredictable

Ain't no pretty way to paint it baby
There are no easy or attractive solutions to the world's problems

Don't cry, dry your eyes
Encouraging the listener to be strong in the face of adversity

September 11th I woke up about 7 AM
The song's narrator recalls the morning of September 11th

West coast time, french toast and my turkey bacon
Describing a typical morning routine

Takin' my time awakin, turnin' my TV on
Slowly starting the day and turning on the TV

To my surprise, saw what everybody in the world saw
Witnessing the news of the 9/11 attacks for the first time

Me and my children, images were chillin'
Watching the coverage of the attacks with his children

My son said - daddy were there people in that building?
A child's innocent question in the face of the horror

That night at my son's side, he cried
The artist remembers comforting his child in the aftermath of 9/11

And prayed for the ones who died in the World Trade
The family offers prayers for those who lost their lives

His palms to God, seeds of qualms with God
The son expresses doubts and confusion about God's role in the tragedy

Then one week later our bombs were dropped
Describing the start of the US response to the attacks

We seein' them, on CNN, they just won't stop
Continued news coverage of the military action

The infrared, images of brutal attack
Graphic footage of the bombing campaign

He said 'Daddy now we killin' 'em back'
The son expresses a simplified understanding of the US military response

Souls are captured (souls are captured)
Evil is taking over humanity

Dreams are stolen (dreams are stolen)
People are losing hope for a better future

Hearts are broken (hearts are broken)
People are traumatized by tragedy and suffering

Evil plaguin' he rewardin'
Injustice is being rewarded while good deeds go unpunished

Hate surrender (hate surrender)
Encouraging people to give up hate and anger

Love exalted! (Love exalted!)
Celebrating the power of love to overcome evil

Hope elated! (hope elated!)
Uplifting people through hope and optimism

Negativity destroyed and..
Dispelling negativity and despair

Honest to God, why is the bomb always gettin' the last word
Questioning why violence and destruction seem to win out in the world

and why, did her uncles have to molest her
Expressing outrage and questioning why innocent people suffer

and why, did all them cops have to be shootin' to kill?
Questioning police brutality and unnecessary use of force

And why, did all them priests have to act so ill?
Questioning the hypocrisy of religious leaders who commit crimes

Tell me why did James Byrd Jr. have to be touched?
Questioning why people are targeted for hate crimes based on their race

Tell me why did Malcolm and Martin depart from us
Questioning why inspirational leaders like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were assassinated

Tell me why did the sniper make that little boy shoot
Questioning the motive behind senseless acts of violence

And why, is human life always denied for loot?
Questioning why people are willing to harm others for financial gain

Tell me WHY did MANDELA have to live in a cage
Referring to Nelson Mandela's imprisonment and questioning systemic inequality and injustice

Why did my brother Sterling have to die at that age
Referring to the killing of Alton Sterling and questioning why innocent people are targeted by the police

Tell me why did Reginald Denny deserve his fate
Referring to the beating of Reginald Denny during the 1992 LA riots and questioning the randomness of violence

And why the fuck can't love, seem to defeat hate?
Questioning why love and compassion can't prevail over hatred and prejudice

Tell me why is it so hard for all the children to eat?
Referring to the issue of child hunger and questioning why basic needs can't be met for everyone

Why did 'Pac and Biggie Smalls have to fall in the street?
Referring to the killings of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. and questioning why talented artists are taken so soon

Tell me why did Jam Master Jay have to go that way?
Referring to the killing of Jam Master Jay and questioning why violence affects even those who seem untouchable

Please, what am I supposed to say my kids when they say
Asking for guidance on how to respond to children's difficult questions

Can't explain it baby life is just really crazy
Acknowledging that the world is full of chaos and unpredictability

I mean if it's world wars or the life of a little baby
The tragedy of war and suffering affects everyone, from global conflicts to individual experiences

We got more stores than they got rice under buddha lazy
Commenting on the excess and materialism of Western society

You live four scores and still it be drivin' you crazy
Even with a long life, people are still affected by the world's problems

But for me I try to see the button side
The singer tries to find the good in the world

Sometimes it be like the goodness be tryin' to hide
Goodness and kindness can seem rare and hard to find

or tryin' to flee, but it can't, it's deep inside
Goodness is a fundamental part of humanity that can't be destroyed or suppressed

Sweetie you be the light for others, make 'em believe in God
Encouraging the listener to be a source of positivity and faith for others