The song was re-recorded in 2000 by Wonder with BeBe Winans and Marvin Winans for BeBe's Love & Freedom.
Jesus Children of America
Stevie Wonder Lyrics
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Jesus children
Jesus loves you
Jesus children
Hello children, Jesus loves you, of America
Are you hearing
What he's saying?
What you're praying?
Are you hearing, praying, feeling what you say inside?
You'd better tell
Your story fast
And if you lie
It will come to pass
(Tell me) tell me Holy
(Holy roller) Holy roller
(Are you standing) are you standing
(Like a soldier?) Like a soldier?
(Well) are you standing for everything you talk about?
Holy roller
Say (transcend) transcendental
(Dental meditation) meditation
(Speaks of) speaks of inner
(Inner preservation) preservation
(Well) transcendental meditation gives you peace of mind
Peace of mind
You'd better tell
Your story fast
And if you lie
It will come to pass
Tell 'em
Don't lie to 'em
Don't tell lies (tell 'em)
Don't lie to 'em
Ooh (tell 'em)
(Don't lie to 'em) huh-huh, yeah
(Tell 'em)
(Don't lie to 'em) oh let me tell you
(Tell me) tell me junkie
(If you're able) if you're able
(Playing) are you playing your cards
(On the table) on the table
(Yeah) are you happy when you stick a needle in your vein
Hey hey (tell the children) hey
(Jesus) Jesus died on
(Cross for you) cross for you
(Mary) Mary is just
(Looking at you) looking at you
(Yeah) Mother Mary feels so much pain
(Looking at him)
So, you better tell
(Tell your story) your story fast
Tell your story, story
And if you lie (yeah, tell your story)
It will come to pass (yeah, tell your story, story)
You better tell
(Tell your story) your story fast
Tell your story, story
And if you lie (yeah, tell your story)
It's gonna come to pass (yeah, hey)
Um, I need you Jesus
The song "Jesus Children of America" by Stevie Wonder is an anthem that speaks directly to the youth of America, urging them to stay true to themselves and their beliefs. The lyrics begin with a greeting to Jesus, and speak to him as if he is present and listening to the song. The verses that follow challenge the listener to examine the authenticity of their faith and their actions, and to think about the impact they are having on the world around them. The lyrics also suggest that if one is not truthful, their dishonesty will always come to light.
The song is a call to action and an invitation to the listener to share their own story with others. There is a sense of urgency in the repeated line, "You better tell your story fast" which emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment and not wasting time. The song also alludes to the importance of inner peace and self-preservation, as well as the dangers of drug use and addiction.
Overall, "Jesus Children of America" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that urges young people to live their lives with truth, purpose, and faith, and to make a positive difference in the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello Jesus
Greetings to the divine entity of Jesus
Jesus children
The people who love and follow Jesus
Jesus loves you
Jesus has love for his followers
Jesus children
The people who love and follow Jesus
Hello children, Jesus loves you, of America
Greetings to the American followers of Jesus who are loved by him.
Are you hearing
Are you listening and paying attention?
What he's saying?
To the words of Jesus
Are you feeling
Are you experiencing
What you're praying?
What you say in prayer
Are you hearing, praying, feeling what you say inside?
Are you truly experiencing what you're saying or just repeating words?
You'd better tell
You should speak the truth
Your story fast
Quickly and without hesitation
And if you lie
If you're not truthful
It will come to pass
The truth will eventually reveal itself
(Tell me) tell me Holy
Speak to me, O Holy one
(Holy roller) Holy roller
Someone who's a fanatical believer
(Are you standing) are you standing
Are you steadfast in your beliefs?
(Like a soldier?) Like a soldier?
Like a soldier fighting for what they believe in?
(Well) are you standing for everything you talk about?
Do you practice what you preach?
Holy roller
A fanatical believer
Say (transcend) transcendental
Mention transcendental
(Dental meditation) meditation
Meditation on me of the teeth
(Speaks of) speaks of inner
Referring to the inner self
(Inner preservation) preservation
Maintaining the spiritual and mental health of oneself
(Well) transcendental meditation gives you peace of mind
Transcendental meditation is a technique that can help bring inner peace
Peace of mind
A state of mental and emotional calmness and tranquility
You'd better tell
You should speak the truth
Your story fast
Quickly and without hesitation
And if you lie
If you're not truthful
It will come to pass
The truth will eventually reveal itself
Tell 'em
Inform them
Don't lie to 'em
Do not deceive them
Ooh (tell 'em)
Oh, inform them
(Don't lie to 'em) huh-huh, yeah
Oh, do not deceive them
(Tell 'em)
Inform them
(Don't lie to 'em) oh let me tell you
Oh, let me not deceive you
(Tell me) tell me junkie
Speak to me, O drug addict
(If you're able) if you're able
If you have the capability
(Playing) are you playing your cards
Are you making the most of your opportunities
(On the table) on the table
Making your intentions clear
(Yeah) are you happy when you stick a needle in your vein
Does it bring true happiness?
Hey hey (tell the children) hey
Hey, inform the children
(Jesus) Jesus died on
Jesus passed away on
(Cross for you) cross for you
He died for the sake of his followers
(Mary) Mary is just
Mary is simply
(Looking at you) looking at you
Observing you
(Yeah) Mother Mary feels so much pain
Mary is in great emotional pain
(Looking at him)
Observing him
So, you better tell
You should speak the truth
(Tell your story) your story fast
Quickly and without hesitation
Tell your story, story
Speak the truth about yourself
And if you lie (yeah, tell your story)
If you're not truthful
It will come to pass (yeah, tell your story, story)
The truth will eventually reveal itself
You better tell
You should speak the truth
(Tell your story) your story fast
Quickly and without hesitation
Tell your story, story
Speak the truth about yourself
And if you lie (yeah, tell your story)
If you're not truthful
It's gonna come to pass (yeah, hey)
The truth will eventually reveal itself
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Stevie Wonder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cheryl Rowland Hall
on Isn't She Lovely
Dedicated to my lovely daughter, Amy Kathleen Rawson, the lovely child who helped mom to grow up!