Colours
The_John_Butler_Trio Lyrics
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"Don't call me whitey, nigger"
"Don't call me nigger, whitey"
"Don't call me whitey, nigger"
Why's all the time in this world, we stumble in the night
When all we have to do is get along, we don't need to fight
And in this great beauty, beautiful beauty, beautiful world we live upon
So saying: "why can't we just all get along"
So saying: "why can't we just sing this one song"
So saying: "why can't we just all get along"
Instead of always saying:
"Don't call me nigger, whitey"
"Don't call me whitey, nigger"
"Don't call me nigger, whitey"
"Don't call me whitey, nigger"
Why's all the time in this world, we stumble in the night
When all we have to do is get along, we don't need to fight
And in this great beauty, beautiful beauty, beautiful world we live upon
Well say its far too small, far too small for us not to get along
There's more than just one colour to this big world rainbow
And no colour shines off any brighter
This my son, you should know
You should know
The John Butler Trio's song "Colours" touches on the issue of racial equality and unity. The lyrics talk about the constant struggle between different races and the irony of it, as all human beings belong to the same species. The repeated lines "Don't call me nigger, whitey" and "Don't call me whitey, nigger" emphasize the issue of name-calling and derogatory labels being thrown around based on skin color. The song urges everyone to look beyond the surface and try to get along, as there is more to the world than just one color. The lyrics further state the belief that the world is too small for us not to get along, indicating that unity is necessary for peaceful coexistence.
The repetitive chorus serves as a reminder of how much work is still needed for people to understand and respect each other's differences. By constantly repeating the lines, it brings more weight and urgency to the message, which is to recognize that beneath the skin color, there is a human being who deserves the same respect and treatment as anyone else.
The song has a hopeful tone, emphasizing that there is more to life than just hate and division. It urges us to come together, celebrate diversity, and embrace everyone's unique qualities.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't call me nigger, whitey
We should not use labels to divide or discriminate against each other.
Don't call me whitey, nigger
We must treat each other with respect, regardless of our skin color or race.
Why's all the time in this world, we stumble in the night
Most of the time, we are oblivious to the true beauty of the world and only see darkness.
When all we have to do is get along, we don't need to fight
Instead of fighting, we should all make an effort to work together and live in harmony.
And in this great beauty, beautiful beauty, beautiful world we live upon
The world is beautiful and full of wonder, but we seem to miss it most of the time.
Well say its far too small, far too small for us not to get along
Our planet is a small one, and we should therefore strive to get along with each other.
So saying: "why can't we just all get along"
The singer is suggesting that we should all try to live in harmony with each other.
So saying: "why can't we just sing this one song"
We can all join together and make beautiful music if we work in harmony.
There's more than just one colour to this big world rainbow
The world is full of diversity and differences, and it should be celebrated.
And no colour shines off any brighter
No race, ethnicity or skin color is superior to the others.
This my son, you should know
The singer is trying to impart wisdom to the younger generation, so that they may grow up with a better understanding of diversity and acceptance.
You should know
The singer is reiterating that his message is an important one that everyone should understand.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHN CHARLES WILTSHIRE BUTLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Whatcha talkin bout Willis
Great Album -I got the Double cd at home - I saw them at BYRON BAY in November 2001 at the GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL -Sell out - One of My Favourite Shows Ever
adam bomb
Damn, it took me over a decade before I realized john was referencing a Sly and the Family Stone song in part of this song. I love it when I realize connections in music like that.
Olivier Calmel
We talk about Alvin Lee of TYA who is considered the speedest guitar of Rock n roll . I really think John Butler is one of this little group
Jay Shenawy
one of my favourite