Their follow-up album, Vol. II: 1990 - A New Decade, yielded the hits "Get a Life" and "A Dream's a Dream," the latter featuring operatic vocals by Victoria Wilson-James. While their U.S. following declined somewhat following its release, Soul II Soul continued to have hits in the UK, including 1992's #4 single, "Joy."
Soul II Soul reached Volume 5 of their series for Virgin in 1995, then released 2 more albums for Island Records.
Be a Man
Soul II Soul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Being a man don't mean you got the right to all the
All the things that make your eyes grow open wide
Those things don't earn you true respect
They are not a measure of your pride
It takes more strength sometimes to turn and walk away
When you feel like you have got to prove
Being a man isn't easy so try to be a man
Being a man isn't measured by your way with women
I need a man who will stand by me through thick and thin
'Cause any boy can make a child and disappear
And deny responsibilities, crying on that life ain't fair
It isn't easy to stay on and raise a child
But you took the time to make a baby
Take the time to make a life
Being a man isn't easy so try to be a man
Won't you try, be a man
Being a man you've got to try
Being a man is a reason why
Sometimes the things you've got to do
They seem so wrong
No one said that life was fair, we all got to carry on
Being a man isn't easy so try to be a man
Being a man
Being a man
Being a man
Being a man
Being a man
Being a man
The song "Be a Man" by Soul II Soul is an anthem for masculinity with a twist. The song speaks to the hardships that come with being a man and encourages men to strive for more than just physical strength and power. The lyrics make it clear that being a man means having the strength to walk away from situations that don't serve us well and that true respect and pride aren't earned through displays of aggression.
The song speaks to issues of paternal responsibility, urging men not to run from the responsibilities of fatherhood, and to stand by a partner through thick and thin. The lyrics make it clear that being a man isn't simply about being sexually attractive to women. Rather, it's about living up to responsibilities and about making a life, not just a child. Men who are true to themselves and their values can discover that being a man is about so much more than just physical strength.
Soul II Soul's "Be a Man" is a poignant and powerful song that speaks to masculinity and fatherhood. The song represents a clear message to men: being a man is about more than just physical strength and power. It encourages men to walk away from situations where they feel like they have to prove themselves and to be true to themselves and to their loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
Being a man don't mean you have to fight for honor
Being a man does not mean you have to engage in physical fights for honor or status.
Being a man don't mean you got the right to all the
Being a man does not give you the right to all the things that make you feel powerful or superior.
All the things that make your eyes grow open wide
All the things that give you a temporary high or sense of excitement.
Those things don't earn you true respect
Those things do not earn you genuine respect or admiration from others.
They are not a measure of your pride
These things are not a reliable indicator of your self-esteem or self-worth.
It takes more strength sometimes to turn and walk away
Choosing to walk away from a confrontational situation requires more courage and self-control than engaging in a physical altercation.
When you feel like you have got to prove
When you feel the need to prove your masculinity or toughness to others.
That you're a man and you don't play
That you are a masculine person who does not engage in games or manipulative behavior.
Being a man isn't easy so try to be a man
Being a man is not easy, but it is important to strive towards being a responsible and honorable person.
Being a man isn't measured by your way with women
Being a man is not judged by your success or ability to attract women.
I need a man who will stand by me through thick and thin
I need a partner who is committed and loyal, and will support me through difficult times.
Cause any boy can make a child and disappear
It is easy for an immature or irresponsible person to father a child and then abandon their responsibilities.
And deny responsibilities, crying on that life ain't fair
Such a person may try to avoid their responsibilities and complain that life is unfair.
It isn't easy to stay on and raise a child
Raising a child is a difficult task that requires a lot of effort and sacrifice.
But you took the time to make a baby
You took the decision to have a child, so it is important to take responsibility for their upbringing.
Take the time to make a life
Invest time and effort into building a fulfilling life for yourself and your family.
Won't you try, be a man
Can you try to be a responsible and mature person?
Sometimes the things you've got to do
Sometimes you have to undertake difficult or unpleasant tasks.
They seem so wrong
These tasks may seem immoral or unjust, but sometimes they are necessary for the greater good.
No one said that life was fair, we all got to carry on
Life is not always fair, but we all have to continue living and facing its challenges.
Being a man isn't easy so try to be a man
Being a man is a challenging task, but it is important to strive towards being a responsible and honorable person.
Being a man
Being a responsible and mature person.
Being a man
Being an honorable and principled person.
Being a man
Being a supportive and committed partner or parent.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: FRANCIS GRIFFITHS, PETER GABRIEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind