Earth Song
Phillip G. Proctor Lyrics
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What about rain
What about all the things that you said
We were to gain
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said were yours and mine
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth, these weeping shores
Aah, ooh
What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying earth, these weeping shores
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can't even breathe
(What about us)
What about apathy
(What about us)
Drowning in the seas
(What about us)
What about the promised land
Preachin' what I believe
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
What about the greed
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about baby boy
(What about him)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
Do we give a damn
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
The song Earth Song by Phillip G. Proctor is a powerful and thought-provoking call to action about the state of the world and the harm that humans have inflicted upon it. The lyrics are a series of questions about the destruction and devastation that people have caused - from killing fields and war to pollution and apathy towards the environment. The song challenges the listener to reflect on what they are doing to the world and to consider the consequences of their actions.
The first verse begins with a series of questions about natural phenomena like sunrise and rain, and highlights how these things are not enough to make up for the damage that has been done to the planet. The second verse focuses on the toll of violence and war, with the haunting image of "all the children dead from war" and the "crying Earth" and "weeping shores" that are left behind. The final verse speaks to a sense of loss and disconnection, with the singer lamenting that they no longer know where they are.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the singer is pleading with the world to wake up and take action before it's too late. The repeated refrain of "what about us" emphasizes the idea that each person has a responsibility to care for the planet and for each other. Ultimately, Earth Song is a powerful critique of human behavior that challenges the listener to confront their own role in the state of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
What about sunrise
What about the beauty of nature and the hope that comes with each new day
What about rain
What about the life-giving force of water and the blessings it brings
What about all the things that you said
We were to gain
What about the promises made in the past about us having a brighter future
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about the atrocities committed in war and violence, and will there ever be an end to them
What about all the things
That you said were yours and mine
What about the shared responsibility we have for the world, and the notion of collective ownership and stewardship
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Have we taken the time to realize and take responsibility for the violence and wars that have already occurred
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth, these weeping shores
Have we paid attention to the environmental problems affecting the planet and the sorrow it brings
What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
We need to reflect on the harm we've caused to the planet and take action
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son
What about the promises of peace and harmony, and the sacrifices that were made to achieve them
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about the potential for beauty in the world, and the possibility of it being realized
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine
What about the shared aspirations and hopes we have for the future
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Have we acknowledged the tragedy of young lives lost to war and violence
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far
The song's speaker, perhaps the artist himself or someone he represents, reflects on how the world used to be full of potential, but it now seems lost and directionless
Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can't even breathe
(What about us)
What about apathy
(What about us)
Drowning in the seas
(What about us)
What about the promised land
Preachin' what I believe
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
What about the greed
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about baby boy
(What about him)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
Do we give a damn
A series of rhetorical questions, asking about the responsibility we have toward ourselves, each other, and the planet
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind