the way
Me’Shell Ndegeocello Lyrics


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They say you're the way the light
The light is so blinding
Your followers condemn me your words used to enslave me

Jesus cured the blind man so that he could see the evils of the world
Perchance blindness is but a dark thought overcome by the light
Maybe Judas was the better man and Mary made a virgin just to save face
I too am so ashamed on bended knees
Prayin' to my pretty white Jesus

Brother John Paul convinced himself of his wisdom to judge to forgive to condemn
Mother Mary full of grace I'm so confused by her pale white face
God so loved the world he gave his only son

But many mothers bear children martyrs of greed bitter love




While the so called chosen make war
So many suffer in the name of god their faith at a closed door

Overall Meaning

In Me’shell Ndegéocello’s song, The Way, the lyrics speak to the complexity and confusion surrounding organized religion, particularly Christianity. The opening lines describe the way in which some people see Jesus - as a beacon of light, blinding in its brightness. However, these same followers are then condemned for using Jesus’ words to enslave others, highlighting the use of religion as a tool for control and domination.


The next lines make reference to the story of Jesus curing a blind man, allowing him to see the world free of its evils. However, the lyrics suggest that perhaps blindness is not simply a physical ailment, but rather a “dark thought overcome by the light.” In other words, knowledge and understanding can be just as blinding as pure light. The song goes on to question the moral righteousness of certain biblical figures, like Judas and Mary, and expresses shame and confusion around the depiction of Jesus as a “pretty white” figure.


Ultimately, The Way is a song about religious disillusionment and the harm that can be caused by fanaticism and rigid adherence to dogma. The lyrics suggest that there are different ways to interpret religion and religious texts, and that too often, people use those interpretations to justify their own prejudices and power struggles.


Line by Line Meaning

They say you're the way the light
People believe that you are the path to enlightenment


The light is so blinding
This path shines so bright that it is overwhelming


Your followers condemn me your words used to enslave me
Your disciples speak ill of me while your teachings have been twisted to oppress me


Jesus cured the blind man so that he could see the evils of the world
Jesus allowed the blind man to see the reality of the world and its harm


Perchance blindness is but a dark thought overcome by the light
Perhaps blindness is a state of mind that can be conquered through enlightenment


Maybe Judas was the better man and Mary made a virgin just to save face
Perhaps Judas was more righteous than Mary, who claimed to be a virgin to avoid judgement


I too am so ashamed on bended knees
I am also humbled and sorrowful, begging for forgiveness


Prayin' to my pretty white Jesus
Seeking salvation from the white version of Jesus that has been imposed upon me


Brother John Paul convinced himself of his wisdom to judge to forgive to condemn
John Paul believes he has the authority to pass judgement and offer both forgiveness and condemnation


Mother Mary full of grace I'm so confused by her pale white face
The image of Mary, with her white skin, contradicts her portrayal as a person of color


God so loved the world he gave his only son
God's love for humanity is evidenced by the sacrifice of his only child


But many mothers bear children martyrs of greed bitter love
Some mothers bring forth children who ultimately suffer due to selfish and malevolent motivations


While the so called chosen make war
Those who consider themselves divinely selected engage in violent conflict


So many suffer in the name of god their faith at a closed door
Countless people endure hardships in the supposed service of a deity whose presence is not made tangible




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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