Shine
Roots (w/John Legend) Lyrics

They wait to plead their case, unknown cast aside.
There are people who are ignored and forgotten, with no one to speak up for them.

I love to see their face, can we spare the light?
The singer craves the opportunity to give these people a voice and let them be seen, but worries that it might be too late to help them.

Are we afraid to see the prisoners of history?
The singer questions why society shies away from acknowledging and confronting the injustices of the past that have led to the present situation.

These beautiful minds, trapped inside.
The people being referred to possess great potential, but have been held back and restricted from achieving their true potential due to external factors.

Bring them back to life.
The artist urges for those who have been marginalized, silenced or oppressed to be given the opportunity to fully express themselves and reach their potential.

Let 'em shine.
The singer encourages everyone to give support to those who are struggling and help them to shine and be seen.

So dark, but I see sparks, if we don't snuff them out.
Although things are bleak, there is still hope and potential for the future if the spark of hope is not taken away.

We gotta light them flame, let them speak their name.
In order to help those who have potential, it is necessary to provide them with the support that they need and also give them the encouragement and platform to express themselves.

Let them reach up to the clouds.
The artist wants people to be given the opportunity to achieve their highest aspirations and to dream big.

Can't eat if we don't feed them.
These people cannot reach their full potential if they don't have the basic necessities of life.

Can't read if we don't teach them.
Education is necessary for these individuals to reach their full potential and to have a better life.

There's no line if we just hide them.
If we continue to ignore and suppress these people, there is no chance for improvement and their potential will remain untapped.

Don't just let 'em die.
It is imperative that we take action to help those in need of support, rather than abandoning them to their fate.

Oh stars flicker in the distance, lonely out in space.
Just like stars that go unnoticed and unappreciated, there are people who are forgotten and overlooked in society.

They sing out when we're not listening, because we don't see their face.
Because these people are not given the attention and support they need, their voices often go unheard or ignored.

We can let them die, we can make them high.
If we don't provide support, these people will continue to struggle and may succumb to their circumstances, or alternatively they may turn to drugs or other vices to cope.

Hold the little miracles that live inside.
The artist advises to recognize and nurture the potential that exists inside of everyone.

Let 'em live.
The singer encourages everyone to give hope and support to those who are struggling and help them to live out their lives to the fullest.

Let 'em read on.
The singer emphasizes the importance of education in helping people overcome their circumstances and achieve their potential.

Let 'em grow.
The artist encourages everyone to give the necessary support and opportunities to allow people to realize their potential and develop into the best versions of themselves.

Come on, let them love.
The artist encourages people to support others not only materially or educationally, but also emotionally and to show kindness and love to those in need.

Hold them close, let them know they'll get through the night.
In times of struggle or difficulty, everyone needs someone to turn to for comfort and support.

Ordinary people could be a hero, don't blow out the light.
The singer wants people to recognize that everyone is capable of making a difference, and that we should not discourage those who try to help others.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.
This line is just an expression of agreement and encouragement to continue with the message of the song.

Let them shine on.
This line repeats the chorus to reinforce the idea that everyone deserves to shine and have the opportunity to reach their potential.