Mercy Mercy Me
The Isley Brothers & Santana Lyrics
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Hh, things ain't what they used to be, no no
Where did all the blue skies go?
Poison is the wind that blows from the north and south and east
Oh mercy, mercy me
Ah things ain't what they used to be, no no
Oil wasted on the ocean and upon our sea
Oh oh
Oh mercy, mercy me
Oh, things ain't what they used to be, no no
Radiation underground and in the sky
Animals and birds who live nearby are dying
Oh oh mercy, mercy me
Oh things ain't what they used to be
Oh What about this overcrowded land?
How much more abuse from man can she stand?
Oh oh, yeah
Oh na
Oh oh oh, oh my sweet Lord, no
Yeah, woah
Oh oh oh
Mercy, mercy
The rivers of blood are flowing down the street
(Lord have mercy) From the sisters and brothers, black and brown
Lord have mercy
Love, compassion
Lord, forgiveness
Ain't no future without forgiveness
Mercy
Love, compassion
Lord, forgiveness
Ain't no future without forgiveness
Mercy
Love, compassion
Lord, forgiveness
Ain't no future without forgiveness
Mercy
Love, compassion
Lord, forgiveness
Ain't no future without forgiveness
Mercy
Love, compassion
Lord, forgiveness
Ain't no future without forgiveness
Mercy
Love, compassion
Lord, forgiveness
Ain't no future without forgiveness
The lyrics of "Mercy Mercy Me" by The Isley Brothers/Santana address the degradation of the environment and the negative impact of human activities on the planet. The song expresses concern about the loss of blue skies, the presence of harmful pollutants in the air, the contamination of the oceans with oil, the mercury in fish, the radiation in the ground and sky, and the dying of nearby wildlife. These lyrics paint a picture of an Earth suffering from the consequences of human negligence and irresponsibility.
The repeated phrase "mercy mercy me" serves as a plea for mercy and understanding in the face of these environmental issues. It conveys a sense of urgency and a desire for change. The lyrics question where the blue skies have gone, highlighting the loss of a once pristine and vibrant natural world. The reference to oil wasted on the ocean and sea emphasizes the damaging impact of human actions on marine ecosystems. The mention of radiation and dying animals and birds further emphasizes the devastation caused by pollution and human activity.
The song also touches on broader social and political issues. The line "The rivers of blood are flowing down the street" suggests violence and conflict, and the mention of sisters and brothers, black and brown, alludes to racial tensions and discrimination. The lyrics call for love, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy as essential qualities for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Woo ah, oh mercy mercy me
Expressing frustration and longing for mercy and compassion.
Hh, things ain't what they used to be, no no
Acknowledging that things have changed for the worse.
Where did all the blue skies go?
Questioning the disappearance of a positive and hopeful atmosphere.
Poison is the wind that blows from the north and south and east
Highlighting the pervasive and harmful effects of pollution.
Oh mercy, mercy me
Imploring for mercy and compassion once again.
Ah things ain't what they used to be, no no
Reiterating that the current situation is significantly worse.
Oil wasted on the ocean and upon our sea
Drawing attention to the detrimental waste of oil in the environment.
Fish full of mercury
Highlighting the contamination of fish with mercury, which poses health risks.
Radiation underground and in the sky
Acknowledging the presence of harmful radiation in both the ground and the atmosphere.
Animals and birds who live nearby are dying
Expressing concern over the negative impact of radiation on nearby wildlife.
Oh oh mercy, mercy me
Continuing to plead for mercy and compassion.
Oh things ain't what they used to be
Emphasizing the deterioration of the current state of affairs.
Oh What about this overcrowded land?
Questioning the sustainability of an overcrowded environment.
How much more abuse from man can she stand?
Questioning the extent of harm that the Earth can endure from human actions.
Oh oh, yeah
Expressing acknowledgment and agreement.
Oh na
Serving as a vocalization without specific meaning.
Oh oh oh, oh my sweet Lord, no
Expressing disbelief and sorrow.
Yeah, woah
Conveying agreement and understanding.
Mercy, mercy
Repeating the plea for mercy and compassion.
The rivers of blood are flowing down the street
Metaphorically referring to violence, conflict, and suffering that plague society.
(Lord have mercy) From the sisters and brothers, black and brown
Seeking mercy and compassion specifically for marginalized communities.
Love, compassion
Emphasizing the importance of love and empathy.
Lord, forgiveness
Recognizing the necessity of forgiveness for healing and progress.
Ain't no future without forgiveness
Stating that without forgiveness, a positive future is unlikely or impossible.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marvin Gaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind