Tell Me Why
Pearls Before Swine Lyrics
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The rain must fall
On all the children of the world
They do not have
Some sunny land
Where white knights
Will take them by the hand
They are born
They live alone for so long
Why can't you leave them alone
Some day they may
Sing your song
And after all
They are so sad and small
You've made them
Orphans in the world
They're in the land
That you forgot
Where only
Hands and eyes are real
Your face is strange
It looks just like rain
We are not as holy as you are
But we are not as cruel
So is this your plan
With our own hands
To be everything
You're not
They are born
They live alone for so long
Why can't you leave them alone
Some day you may
Sing their song
The lyrics to Pearls Before Swine's song Tell Me Why speaks about the plight of children all around the world who are forced to endure hardships and pain. The rain, which is typically seen as life-giving and necessary, is a metaphor for the troubles in these children's lives - it falls on everyone indiscriminately, without regard for who they are, where they come from, or what they have done. The singer laments the fact that these children don't have a safe haven, a place where they can find refuge from the horrors of the world. There are no white knights to come save them, and so they are forced to endure their suffering alone. However, the singer implores the listener to leave these children alone, to not add to their plight, and to someday help them to sing their own song.
The song is a powerful indictment of society's neglect of the world's most vulnerable members - the children. It is a call to action to do something to help those who cannot help themselves. The lyrics suggest that we must be more compassionate, more understanding, and more willing to help those who have been left behind. The song is not just a lament - it is also a plea for change, a request for action, and a reminder that we all have a responsibility to care for those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me why
Please explain the reason behind something.
The rain must fall
Bad things happen indiscriminately to everyone.
On all the children of the world
No one is exempt from suffering or difficulty, even children.
They do not have
Children are without the following things.
Some sunny land
A safe or ideal place to live.
Where white knights
Heroes or saviors.
Will take them by the hand
Guide them and protect them from harm.
They are born
Children are brought into the world without a say.
They live alone for so long
Children often feel lonely or helpless without proper care.
Why can't you leave them alone
Why can't you let children live without these struggles?
Some day they may
One day they may overcome their hardships.
Sing your song
They may find the strength to rise above adversity and succeed.
And after all
Despite everything that happens, despite all the suffering.
They are so sad and small
Children often feel helpless and are in need of support.
You've made them
Adults hold some responsibility for the challenges children face.
Orphans in the world
Children often feel lost or isolated without guidance and support from others.
They're in the land
Children can often feel forgotten by the world and the people in it.
That you forgot
They are often left without the attention or care that they need.
Where only
In this lonely and forgotten place.
Hands and eyes are real
Only the physical presence of others provides comfort and support.
Your face is strange
The sight of adult strangers can be intimidating or confusing to children.
It looks just like rain
Adults bring with them the possibility of suffering or harm, like a stormcloud.
We are not as holy as you are
Children are not as capable of avoiding danger or making good choices as adults.
But we are not as cruel
Children are not consciously or purposefully hurting others like adults can.
So is this your plan
Is the way things are happening intentional?
With our own hands
To what extent are we responsible for the suffering of others?
To be everything
Are we striving to be everything we can be?
You're not
Adults are not always living up to their potential in helping children.
They are born
Children are born into this world without choice.
They live alone for so long
Children often feel isolated or without support.
Why can't you leave them alone
Why can't children just be allowed to live without these struggles?
Some day you may
There is always hope that one day adults will do better for their children.
Sing their song
Support children so they can try to excel and succeed in their own endeavors.
Contributed by Eliana W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.