What I've Seen
Michael Franti/Michael Franti & Spearhead/Spearhead/St Alban's Church Secondary School Children Choi Lyrics
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Would you believe me or leave me alone?
If I told you what I feel
Would you believe me or leave me alone?
Razor wire on the street every corner,
90 degree's at six in the morning,
Boilin' water for the tea of the nation,
Plantin' seeds for the next generation.
Pack what ya need for your own protection.
Dance to the rhythm of the wheels on the street,
Long, long strides on the hot concrete.
Hello? Hello?
Does anybody need a place to go?
Hello? Hello?
Does anybody need a place to go? To call your own?
Numbers go, and the numbers come,
Try your best make'n two out of one,
Work all day in the middays sun,
Break your back till the night time come,
Sing for your bread and sing for your water,
Sing for your sons and sing for your daughters,
Sing your pops and sing for your mommas,
Sing for your breakfast, pray for your suppa
Hello? hello?
Does anybody need a place to go? to call your own.
Hello? hello?
Does anybody need a place to go? To call your own?
To call your own, to call your own?
Yeah yeah, don't leave me here alone.
Don't leave me here alone. Yeah Yeah
Don't leave me alone. Don't leave me here alone.
Hello? Hello?
Does anybody need a place to go? To call your own?
Hello? Hello?
Does anybody need a place to go? To call your own?
To call your own?
I, I,Hello? Hello?
Does anybody need a place to go?
To call your own?
Hello? Hello?
Does anybody need a place to go?
Would you believe me?
Would you believe me?
Your not alone your not alone
Would you believe me?
No your not alone.
Would you believe me?
The song "What I've Seen" by Michael Franti and Spearhead is a powerful narrative reflecting the struggles and challenges faced by individuals and communities in the face of poverty and inequality. The first two lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the track, asking the listener if they would believe the stark realities presented in the lyrics. The imagery used in the song, such as "razor wire on the street every corner" and "boiling water for the tea of the nation" paint a picture of a society where basic needs are not met, and daily life is a struggle.
In the second verse, the lyrics dive deeper into the difficult nature of life for those living in poverty. The daily grind of trying to eke out a living, breaking one's back, and singing for bread and water is depicted. The repetition of "Hello, hello? Does anybody need a place to go?" serves to remind the listener that despite these struggles, there is still hope and an opportunity for individuals to come together and build their own community and identity.
Overall, the song presents a stark and honest portrayal of life in impoverished communities while highlighting the resilience and perseverance of the individuals living within them. It serves as a call to action, asking society to acknowledge these systemic issues and work towards creating a more equitable future.
Line by Line Meaning
If I told you what I'd seen,
If I shared my experiences with you,
Would you believe me or leave me alone?
Would you trust and support me, or disregard me?
If I told you what I feel
If I expressed my emotions and thoughts,
Would you believe me or leave me alone?
Would you show empathy and understanding or abandon me?
Razor wire on the street every corner,
There are barriers and obstacles impeding people's daily lives,
90 degree's at six in the morning,
The heat is unbearable and inescapable, even in the early hours,
Boilin' water for the tea of the nation,
People are struggling to find clean resources and basic necessities,
Plantin' seeds for the next generation.
Attempting to create a better future through hard work and perseverance,
Run like made just to make a connection,
People are rushing and hustling to establish human connections and networks,
Pack what ya need for your own protection.
Individuals must prepare for treacherous situations as there is no safety net,
Dance to the rhythm of the wheels on the street,
People find moments of joy in the midst of adversity and chaos,
Long, long strides on the hot concrete.
The physicality of people's struggle is felt on their bodies and every step they take,
Does anybody need a place to go? To call your own?
The song asks if anyone is in need of a home, a sense of belonging and safety,
Numbers go, and the numbers come,
There is a cyclical nature to life and the struggles people face,
Try your best make'n two out of one,
People are resourceful and must make the most out of limited means,
Work all day in the middays sun,
Individuals must work grueling hours in harsh conditions,
Break your back till the night time come,
People are physically exhausted from manual labor,
Sing for your bread and sing for your water,
Music is a form of solace and relief amidst hardships and hunger,
Sing for your sons and sing for your daughters,
Music is a form of expression and love for one's family and future generations,
Sing your pops and sing for your mommas,
Music is a form of tribute and appreciation for one's parents,
Sing for your breakfast, pray for your suppa
People rely on prayer and music to cope with scarcity and uncertainty,
Your not alone your not alone
People are not alone in their struggles and pains,
Would you believe me?
Asking for support and trust from others,
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JASON PATRICK BOWMAN, MICHAEL FRANTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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