Life of Brian
The Procussions Lyrics

I got a friend with autism, taught me more about living
The singer learned how to live from his friend with autism, who challenged his worldview and made him a better person.

Than the system I was caught in
The singer found greater meaning and purpose in life from his friend's experiences than from the rigid societal expectations he was previously adhering to.

Stereotypes we fought them, just by the places I had brought him
The singer challenged harmful stereotypes about autism simply by taking his friend to different places and showing that their experiences were just as valid and important as anyone else's.

The life of intolerance was shortened
By embracing diversity and challenging intolerance, the artist and his friend were able to make the world a better place for everyone.

I guess society had missed it when they counted out the citizens
The artist feels that society has ignored or overlooked many marginalized groups, including those with disabilities like his friend.

They built a house of freedom but somehow couldn't fit 'em in
Despite claims of freedom and equality, many people are still excluded from these ideals due to societal barriers and discrimination.

Yo, they're gonna let us in, our civil rights will get us in
The singer believes that through activism and fighting for civil rights, marginalized groups can gain the recognition and respect they deserve.

'Cause selfishness is sickness and Brian's got the medicine
The artist believes that selfishness and intolerance are harmful, and his friend with autism has taught him to be more empathetic, kind, and generous.

I think they need the Ritalin, America's forgot their friends
The artist criticizes America's reliance on medication to treat ADHD and other disorders, and more broadly suggests that society has forgotten the value of human relationships and connections.

But no country is perfect, go and ask the veterans
The artist acknowledges that every society has flaws and problems, and suggests that we can learn from those who have served in the military.

And this is my sentiments exactly
The singer is expressing his heartfelt and sincere beliefs about the world, and is not simply following someone else's ideas or opinions.

You and the ignorance attacks you, it attacks me
The artist suggests that ignorance harms all of us, and that we should work together to combat it.

Somebody ask me if I felt sorry for them
The singer was asked if he felt pity for those who are marginalized or excluded, but he feels that sympathy and understanding are more helpful than pity.

I said yes, but mostly 'cause he's dying of boredom
The singer acknowledges that people with disabilities or differences can often feel excluded or marginalized, and that this can lead to feelings of boredom or frustration.

Before him lies a community doesn't speak for him
The singer's friend with autism is part of a community, but does not feel represented or heard by that community.

But they got a need for him like the season of autumn
Despite not feeling represented, the community still needs and values the contributions of individuals with disabilities like the artist's friend.

There ought to be change
The artist believes that society needs to change in order to better serve and include marginalized groups.

I'm speaking of the firing range
The singer is using a metaphor to suggest that this change may involve conflict and struggle.

People hear the shot but I wonder can you feel the pain
The singer is asking whether or not others can truly empathize and understand the struggles of marginalized groups.

Do you know his name? Well have you asked him?
The artist is advocating for greater acknowledgement and understanding of individuals with disabilities, including learning their names and listening to their perspectives.

Do you ever hear him talk when you walk past him?
The artist is asking whether or not people take the time to communicate and connect with individuals with disabilities who they encounter in their daily lives.

Yeah, they say he's nonverbal, but tell me who is it
The artist challenges the label of nonverbal, suggesting that it can be harmful and limiting to individuals with disabilities.

So many people say things that mean something different
The singer suggests that there is a lack of clear communication and understanding between individuals, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

Yo, it takes more than just a pair ears to listen
The artist suggests that truly listening and understanding requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to learn from others.

He's been here all these years, I wonder how you missed him
The singer is asking how society could have overlooked or ignored individuals with disabilities for so long, despite their presence and contributions.

'Cause everywhere is looked at but hardly ever seen
The singer suggests that despite physical presence, individuals with disabilities are often overlooked and ignored by society due to stereotypes and biases.

If you only take a look back, you'll know just what I mean
The singer is encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and biases, in order to better understand and support individuals with disabilities.

The world slowly took back its promise of a dream
The artist suggests that society has not fully lived up to its promises of equality and opportunity for all.

Draw in the lines that we write between
The artist is suggesting that we have a role in creating societal divisions and biases, and that we can work to erase those boundaries and connect with individuals from all walks of life.

Who draws the lines that we write between?
The singer is asking a rhetorical question about the forces and biases that contribute to societal divisions and inequalities.