Prejudice
Tim Minchin & Ed Sheeran Lyrics

In our modern free-spoken society
Even though we live in a society that values free speech, there are still certain words we consider taboo.

There is a word that we still hold taboo
Despite our freedom to speak openly, we continue to avoid a particular word due to its negative connotations and history.

A word with a terrible history
This particular word has a negative history that has been used to abuse, oppress, and control others.

Of being used to abuse, oppress and subdue
The word in question has been used to hurt, control, and marginalize individuals and groups throughout history.

Just six seemingly harmless letters
Even though the word is short and simple, it carries significant weight and meaning.

Arranged in a way that will form a word
When these six letters are arranged in a particular way, they create a word that is powerful and potentially harmful to others.

With more power than the pieces of metal
This word has the ability to impact, hurt, and control others in ways that a physical weapon (like a sword) cannot.

That are forged to make swords
The word has more power than even the strongest and most dangerous physical weapons (like swords) that humans create.

A couple of Gs, an R and an E, an I and an N
These are the six letters that, when arranged in a particular way, create the word we are discussing.

Just six little letters all jumbled together
Despite the small number of letters, this word has a significant impact and history that we need to acknowledge.

Have caused damage that we may never mend
The use of this word has caused serious harm and hurt to individuals and groups throughout history, and the impact may be long-lasting.

And it's important that we all respect
Given the history and impact of this word, it's important for everyone to acknowledge and respect its power and potential harm.

That if these people should happen to choose
It's important to understand that some individuals and groups may want to reclaim this word and use it for their own purposes.

To reclaim the word as their own
Some people may want to use this word as a way of taking ownership of it and removing its negative connotations.

It doesn't meant the rest of you have a right to it's use
Even if some individuals or groups have reclaimed this word, it's important to recognize that not everyone has the right or privilege to use it without causing harm or offense.

So never under estimate
We should never underestimate the power and impact of language and the words we choose to use.

The power that language imparts
Language is a powerful tool that can be used to both uplift and oppress others, and we must be mindful of our words and their potential impact.

Sticks and stones may break your bones
Physical harm may be painful, but it can eventually heal.

But words can break hearts
However, the emotional impact of hurtful words (like the word we've been discussing) can be long-lasting and painful in a different way.

A couple of Gs - jeez, unless you've had to live it
The word in question starts with two Gs, and unless you've experienced the harm and pain it can cause, you may not fully understand its impact.

An R and an E - even I am careful with it
Even the artist (who identifies with the word) is cautious with its use and potential impact.

An I and an N - and in the end it will only offend
The final letters of the word in question are I and N, and using the word will ultimately cause offense and harm to some individuals and groups.

Don't want to have to spell it out again...
The singer is referring to the word we've been discussing and doesn't want to say or spell it out again to avoid causing offense or harm.

Only a ginger can call another ginger, ginger
While the word we've been discussing is off-limits to most people, some individuals (like gingers) may have reclaimed certain words or terms for their own use.

So listen to me if you care for your health
The singer is warning others (who may not be gingers) to avoid using certain words or terms that could cause harm or offense to those who identify with those words.

You won't call me ginger 'less you're ginger yourself
The singer is essentially saying that unless you are a ginger yourself, you shouldn't use certain words or terms that may be offensive to gingers.

When you are a ginger life is pretty hard
The singer is acknowledging the challenges and hardships that gingers may face in their lives.

Years of ritual bullying in the school yard
One of the challenges that gingers may face is being bullied or teased by others (especially in their school years).

Kids calling you Ranga and Fanta Pants
Gingers may be called derogatory names like 'Ranga' and 'Fanta Pants'.

No invitation to the high school dance
Gingers may be ostracized or excluded from certain social events or groups (like school dances).

But you get up and learn to hold your head up
Despite these challenges, gingers may learn to rise above the negativity and hold their heads high with pride and confidence.

You try to keep your cool and not get het up
Gingers may try to remain calm and composed in the face of hurtful or offensive words or actions.

But until the feeling of I'll is truly let up
However, it may be difficult for gingers to let go of negative feelings and experiences related to their identity.

Then the word is ours and ours alone
Despite its potential harm and offense to others, the word 'ginger' may be reclaimed by gingers as a way of asserting ownership over a term that has been used to hurt them in the past.

Now listen to me, we're not looking for sympathy
The singer wants others to understand that gingers are not seeking sympathy or special treatment, but rather respect and understanding.

Just because we're sensitive to UV
One of the challenges that gingers may face is increased sensitivity to sunlight and UV radiation.

Just 'cause we're pathetically pale
Gingers may have pale skin, but this doesn't mean they are inferior or less valuable than others.

We do alright with the females
Despite the challenges they may face, gingers are still capable of finding love and companionship.

Yeah I like to ask the ladies round for ginger beer
The singer enjoys entertaining and socializing with women, and one of his preferred drinks is ginger beer.

And soon they're running their fingers through my ginger beard
Women may find the artist's ginger beard attractive or appealing.

And dunking my ginger nuts into their ginger tea
The artist is using wordplay to suggest that women are dipping ginger-flavored biscuits (i.e. 'ginger nuts') into their ginger tea while spending time with him.

And asking if they can call me ginge
Women may be curious or interested in using the term 'ginge' to refer to the singer in a playful way.

And I say, "I don't think that's appropriate!"
Despite his playful tone, the singer recognizes that the term 'ginge' may still be considered offensive to some and doesn't want to risk causing harm or offense.

Yeah go ginge, go you funky ginge
The artist is using an upbeat and playful tone to celebrate his identity as a ginger and encourage others to do the same.

Yeah, you can call us bozo or fire truck
The artist is acknowledging that there are other nicknames or terms that people may use to refer to gingers (like 'bozo' or 'fire truck').

You can even call us carrot top of blood nut
Other derogatory terms that may be used to refer to gingers include 'carrot top' and 'blood nut'.

Yeah, you can call us match stick or tampon
The singer is using an intentionally absurd example to illustrate the point that certain words or names can be hurtful or offensive to certain groups.

But fucking with the G-word is just not on
Despite the other derogatory terms that exist, using the G-word (which we've been discussing throughout the song) is particularly harmful and offensive to gingers.

If you're a ginger-phobe and you don't like us
The singer is referring to people who have an irrational dislike or fear of gingers and their unique traits.

We will stand up to the fight if you want to fight us
Despite the challenges they may face, gingers will not back down from a fight and are willing to defend themselves and their identities.

But if you cut yourself you might catch gingivitis
The singer is using wordplay to suggest that people who use offensive terms may suffer negative consequences (like catching gingivitis, a gum disease).

So maybe you should shut your funky mouth
The artist is urging people to think before they speak and avoid using hurtful or offensive words or phrases.

And you know my kids will always be clothed and fed
The artist is expressing confidence in his abilities to provide for his family and ensure their basic needs are met.

'Cos Papa's gonna be bringing home the gingerbread
The use of the term 'gingerbread' is a playful reference to the singer's identity as a ginger, but also suggests that he is capable of providing for his family through hard work and determination.

And they'll be pretty smart because they'll be well-read
The singer values knowledge and education, and wants his children to have the opportunity to learn and grow.

And by "read" I mean "read" and the other kind of "red", woo!
The artist is using wordplay to suggest that the value of learning and reading is beneficial both for intellectual growth (i.e. 'read') and for celebrating his identity as a ginger (i.e. 'red').

Just like only a ninja can sneak up on another ninja
The artist is using a humorous comparison to suggest that only someone who shares a particular identity or trait (like being a ninja or ginger) can fully understand and appreciate that identity or trait.

Yeah, only a ginger, only a ginger, only a ginger, yeah
The artist is repeating the phrase 'only a ginger' as a way of celebrating his identity and asserting that only those who share that identity can fully understand and relate to him.

Are you in as a ninga, I'm not pointing the finger
The singer is using wordplay to suggest that only someone who is a 'ninga' (a made-up word) can fully understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by gingers.

I'm just having a sing-a
Despite the serious topics discussed in the song, the artist is maintaining a playful and lighthearted tone overall.

I'm just remindin' ya
The singer is using the song as a way of reminding people to be respectful, open-minded, and mindful of the impact their words and actions can have on others.