Usher
Usher Lyrics

Mother, mother
Addressing mothers as a symbol for all people suffering

There's too many of you crying
Expressing the pain and suffering that is overwhelming and prevalent

Brother, brother, brother
Addressing brothers as a symbol for all people dying

There's far too many of you dying
Reflecting on the devastating consequences of conflict and violence

You know we've got to find a way
Acknowledging the need to find a solution

To bring some lovin' here today - Ya
Suggesting that love is the answer to overcome pain and conflict

Father, father
Addressing fathers as a symbol for authority

We don't need to escalate
Urging to avoid escalation of conflict

You see, war is not the answer
Providing insight on the futility and destructive nature of war

For only love can conquer hate
Echoing the idea that love is the best way to overcome hate

Picket lines and picket signs
Referencing the visible protests and demonstrations for civil rights

Don't punish me with brutality
Challenging the use of violent methods to maintain power

Talk to me, so you can see
Requesting communication as a means for understanding

Oh, what's going on
Questioning the events and circumstances of the time

In the mean time
In the meantime, while things are unresolved

Right on, baby
Expressing encouragement and support

Right on
Affirming that things are moving in the right direction

Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Challenging the dominant cultural narrative

Oh, but who are they to judge us
Rhetorical question calling for empathy and understanding

Simply because our hair is long
Highlighting how trivial differences can cause division and conflict

Oh, you know we've got to find a way
Reiterating the need to find a solution

To bring some understanding here today
Requesting a deeper level of empathy and insight

Tell me what's going on
Asking directly for an explanation of current events

I'll tell you what's going on - Uh
Offering an informed perspective of the situation at hand