Resurrection Band, also known as Rez Band or REZ, is one of the best-known … Read Full Bio ↴Resurrection Band, also known as Rez Band or REZ, is one of the best-known and respected Christian rock bands in the history of Contemporary Christian music. It was based out of the Jesus People USA Christian community in Chicago, Illinois, and most of its members continue to be part of that community to this day.

Led by the husband-and-wife team of Glenn and Wendi Kaiser, the band has been the preeminent example of how to evangelize using Christian rock, but the quality musicianship of Resurrection Band has also been a driving force in the development of the Christian music industry at large. Glenn Kaiser also has an established solo career as a blues musican and is also a well-known speaker on various spiritual issues to youth and adults.

Official website: http://www.resurrectionband.com/

White Lies
Resurrection Band Lyrics

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Pretending not to notice, you put them in their place,
Was a time they weren't so uppity in you kinder, gentler face.

White lies, white lies,
Truth cries at the white man's lies.

That tribe of invisible men keep bringing up history,
You say, "If they had any sense of dignity, they'd understand work makes you free."

White lies, white lies,
Truth cries at the white man's lies,
White lies, white lies,
Truth cries at the white man's lies.

Face the truth, it's no use,
Justice dies behind white lies,
Face the truth, it's no use,
Justice dies behind white lies.

You suggest a final solution...well, every bigot has his day,
The problem's written all over your face: you think you're saved by race.

White lies, white lies,
Truth cries at the white man's lies,
White lies, white lies,
Truth cries in the face of lies.

Behind those eyes,
Blind white lies,
Behind those eyes,
Blind white lies,

Behind those eyes,
Blind white lies.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "White Lies" by Resurrection Band address the longstanding issue of institutionalized racism and the "white lies" that uphold it. The verses describe the singer's frustration with people who deny the existence of systemic racism and its effects on marginalized communities. The second verse highlights the dismissiveness that the singer has encountered in discussions of racism when he is confronted with his own privilege. The chorus cries out for truth and justice, which are constantly undermined by "white lies."

The third verse takes an even darker turn as the singer describes the suggestion of a "final solution," or genocide, as a way to rid society of the people who challenge their privilege. This lyric alludes to the Nazi Party's use of the term "Final Solution" during the Holocaust, thus drawing a direct parallel between the singer's rhetoric and genocide. The final stanza repeats the chorus, emphasizing the desperate need for truth and justice.

Overall, "White Lies" is a powerful critique of the lies that perpetuate racism and the devastating consequences of denying the truth. The song's ending leaves the listener with a sense of urgency and a call to action in the face of systemic injustice.

Line by Line Meaning

Pretending not to notice, you put them in their place,
You ignore their struggle and belittle their efforts to attain a position just like yours, as it reminds you of a time when you were more empathetic and compassionate.

Was a time they weren't so uppity in your kinder, gentler face.
There was a time when you had more kindness and understanding towards their cause, but now you dismiss and reject them, considering them inferior.

White lies, white lies, Truth cries at the white man's lies.
Your dishonesty and deceit are causing the truth to suffer, and the oppressed to bear the burden of your falsehoods.

That tribe of invisible men keeps bringing up history, You say, 'If they had any sense of dignity, they'd understand work makes you free.'
Even though their past traumas and atrocities faced by their ancestors are affecting their present status, you disregard their pain and justify everything by saying that they should work harder to overcome it.

Face the truth, it's no use, Justice dies behind white lies.
Your denial of facts and reality is causing injustice to prevail, and your hypocrisy is blinding you from acknowledging it.

You suggest a final solution...well, every bigot has his day, The problem's written all over your face: you think you're saved by race.
You propose an extreme action against them, implying that the only way to deal with the issue is to eliminate them, and your bigotry and prejudice are clear for all to see, as you hold that your race alone is superior and privileged.

Behind those eyes, Blind white lies,
Despite your appearance of being honest and sincere, your lies remain concealed, and you are unwilling to see the truth.

Behind those eyes, Blind white lies,
Again, your dishonesty is hidden beneath your mask of innocence.

Behind those eyes, Blind white lies.
Lastly, it's your insincerity that is the main culprit behind perpetuating the white lies that are causing trouble to everyone.

Contributed by Noah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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