Walk a Mile in My Shoes
South Joe Lyrics


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If I could be you and you could be me for just one hour
If we could finda way to get inside each others mind
If you could see you through my eyes instead of your ego
I believe you'd be surprised to see that you'd been blind
Walk a mile in why shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Yeah, before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes

Well, your whole world around you is just a reflection
And the law of common says you're gonna reap just what you sow

[spoken:] Yes, you will

So unless you've lived a life of total perfection
Mm-mm, you'd better be careful of evey stone that you should throw

[spoken] Yeah, yeah

Yet we spend the day throwin' stones at one another
'Cause I don't think or wear my hair the same way you do
Well, I may be common people but I'm your brother
And when you strike out and try to hurt me it's a-hurtin' you

[spoken] Lord, have mercy

Walk a mile in my shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Yeah, before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes

There are people on reservations and out in the ghettos
And brother, there, but for the grace of God, go you and I

[spoken] Yeah, yeah

If I only had the wings of little angels don'tcha you know I'd fly
To the top of the mountain andthen I'd cry?

[spoken] Yeah

Walk a mile in my shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Oh, before you abuse, crticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes

[spoken] Yeah





Walk a mile in my shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Hey, before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes.

Overall Meaning

The song "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" by South Joe is a call for empathy and understanding. The first verse proposes a hypothetical scenario where the singer asks the listener to imagine switching places with him for just an hour. He suggests that such an experience could lead to a better understanding of each other's perspectives and motivations. The chorus, "Walk a mile in my shoes," refers to the idiom of experiencing someone else's life before making judgments on their actions or beliefs. The second verse emphasizes the idea of karma or the law of cause and effect. The singer warns against throwing stones at others, as negative actions would eventually have consequences. The third verse highlights the theme of social inequality and reminds the listener that they are not exempt from misfortune. The final chorus reiterates the message of the song, that before judging and accusing, one should try to see things from another person's perspective by walking in their shoes.


Overall, "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" is a heartfelt plea for mutual understanding and compassion. It acknowledges the fact that everyone has a unique story and that a little bit of empathy could go a long way in bringing people together. The song's message is timeless and continues to resonate with listeners today.


Line by Line Meaning

If I could be you and you could be me for just one hour
If we could switch places and truly understand each other's perspectives


If we could finda way to get inside each others mind
If we could empathize with each other and see the world from each other's point of view


If you could see you through my eyes instead of your ego
If you could see yourself objectively instead of being blinded by your own ego


I believe you'd be surprised to see that you'd been blind
I think you would be shocked to realize the ways in which you're not seeing things clearly


Walk a mile in why shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Try to understand my experiences and what I've been through before judging me


Yeah, before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes
Don't be quick to judge or criticize me without knowing what I've gone through


Well, your whole world around you is just a reflection
Your environment and the people around you are a reflection of yourself


And the law of common says you're gonna reap just what you sow
You will experience the consequences of your actions, whether good or bad


So unless you've lived a life of total perfection
Unless you've lived a completely flawless life without making any mistakes


Mm-mm, you'd better be careful of evey stone that you should throw
You should be careful before judging or criticizing others because you're not perfect either


Yet we spend the day throwin' stones at one another
We tend to criticize and judge others instead of trying to understand them


'Cause I don't think or wear my hair the same way you do
Just because I don't think or look like you, doesn't mean I should be judged or criticized for it


Well, I may be common people but I'm your brother
We may not be the same, but we're all human beings and should treat each other with respect and kindness


And when you strike out and try to hurt me it's a-hurtin' you
When you try to harm me, it ultimately harms you as well


There are people on reservations and out in the ghettos
There are many people who are suffering and struggling in poverty and discrimination


And brother, there, but for the grace of God, go you and I
We are all vulnerable and could easily find ourselves in their shoes


If I only had the wings of little angels don'tcha you know I'd fly
I wish I could fly away from my problems and troubles


To the top of the mountain andthen I'd cry?
I would go to a place of peace and beauty to cry and release my emotions


Walk a mile in my shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Understand what I've been through before judging me


Oh, before you abuse, crticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes
Don't be quick to judge or criticize me without knowing what I've gone through


Hey, before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes.
Try to understand my point of view and experiences before jumping to conclusions




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOE SOUTH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@chrisp9538

They are. This is based off a well known poem by an unknown author. Men with Broken Hearts. "'ve never stood in another man's shoes

Or saw things through his eyes

Or stood and watched with helpless hands

While the heart inside you dies.

So help your brother along the way

No matter where he starts.

For the same God that made you,

Made him too,

these men with broken hearts



All comments from YouTube:

@jerrymoore8355

Just played this song at my brother's funeral! Stopped all the critics and hardly a dry eye in the house. He had an addiction that has killed so many! Miss him dearly!

@jerrymoore8355

So many people quick to put a man down,yet never walked in his shoes, or understood his problems!

@slimbarentse

My deepest condolences... 🙏🙏🙏

@jerrymoore8355

@@slimbarentse Thanks Slim. He's the second brother I've lost to addiction. At the first funeral in 2003,'Ivheard people say how many chances he had and how he wouldn't listen and a victim of his own decisions. I put a good deal of thought into this and just happened to be playing a 70's hits track and the song Walk A Mile came on. It was what my brother would say to me and did on many occasions.

@billwest69

You have my deepest sympathy. Stay strong brother.

@shirleycarter2288

God bless you and your family. Must have been a complicated person. Aren't we all. I pray your brother rests in peace. I lost my sister recently 😞. I don't know if you ever rid that pain. Prayers for you my brother. 🙏🙏🙏

30 More Replies...

@curtis866

The lyrics to this should be framed and hanging on a wall in every household. Its fantastic and so true

@depaola63

Absolutely ❤️🎶⭐️✊

@jerrymoore8355

It could be put in churches too! Casting stones has killed several people too! Brother and sister better than you are in most churches and boy do they like to throw stones! I don't have time to walk in anybody else's shoes, because it's hard enough to walk in my own!

@williamjohnson5031

What did The Lord Jesus Christ
Do for me 🤔
He Walked a mile in my shoes.
And where did my shoes take Him 🤔
To a Cross.
To an Exicution.
To Death and Hell.
WOW !!!
He wore my shoes 🙏

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