Brand New Day
Wyclef Jean and Bono Lyrics

What we gon' do right now is go back, way back
Let's take a trip down memory lane

Bring in the groove
Let's set the mood and vibe with some music

I want to dedicate this to those who never made it
This song is in honor of those who passed away without achieving their dreams

>From kindergarten to the 12th I never graduated
I never completed my formal education

Yo but college wasn't for some of us
Not everyone is cut out for higher education

So we joined the service
Some of us found purpose in the military

I seen a kid get murdered in Nam listening to Elvis
I witnessed the harsh realities of war where lives are lost over trivial things like music preference

But on the out looking in
When you're outside looking in

Things stay the same
Things seem static and unchanging

But at the same vein
At the same time

Looking out the whole world's changed
Despite appearing the same, the world is constantly evolving

So keep your head up
Stay optimistic

Don't get caught up in the fast bucks
Avoid getting involved in quick money schemes

And find your mom crying while your lying in a black tux
Don't let your loved ones mourn for you at your funeral

Trust me
Believe me

We don't need no education says a young man
A teenager thinks formal education is unnecessary

Sitting in class (sitting in class)
Bored and uninterested in school

School is out 3 o'clock on the dot
Expressing excitement to leave school when the bell rings

He had beef with some kids and he got shot, oh Lord
Sadly, the student was involved in a conflict that ended in his death

Turn on the television
Let's watch TV

I'm watching Martin Luther King who had a dream, oh
Watching a historical figure who had a vision for racial equality

So take this dream and apply it to your life
Use the dream of others to inspire and motivate your own life

Even though we know the ghetto's rough
Acknowledging the struggles of inner-city life

But we got to
But we still need to

1 - Keep your head up
Reminding listeners to maintain a positive outlook

(Uh keep your head up)
Repeat of the previous line

Cause a new day will come
There is hope for a better future

(Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Confirmation of the previous line

And look towards the sun
Look for the bright side in life

(Look towards the sun)
Repeat of the previous line

Even when the darkness shall come
Even during the difficult times

(Ooh) It's real son
This is the reality

(Ooh) To my people living Life it's real son
Life is real for those experiencing its struggles

I turn the page
Transition to a new chapter

What's the news today
What's the current events of the day

People getting fired, walking on a wire
People living on the edge of financial instability

Looting on the streets cause the kid's gotta eat
People resorting to theft for survival

Oh, oh turn around and look at the hour glass
Reflecting on the passage of time

I gotta get it straight
I need to get my life together

Before it's too late
Before it's too far gone

Cause I don't want to be behind that gates
I don't want to end up in prison

2 - All my people in the back
Addressing those in the audience who are not upfront

Mama, mama
Addressing one's mother

You know you raised me with no father figure
Thanking one's mother for raising them as a single parent

(Didn't ya)
Confirmation of the previous line

I want to take this time to thank you
Grateful for the mother's sacrifices

For giving me life, oh yeah
Acknowledging the gift of being given life

Even though I'm doing Life
Despite being in a difficult situation

Alright
Okay, I understand

(Ooh) Can't flee
No escape

(Ooh) All my people doing time
Addressing those in prison

(Ooh) People in the back playing cards
Referencing inmates passing time while incarcerated

(Ooh) Don't lose your money yeah
Warning to be careful not to gamble away one's resources

Yeah tell them don't lose your money, c'mon, c'mon
Reiterating the previous warning

Repeat 1
Repetitive chorus urging to remain optimistic

Repeat 2
Repetitive chorus thanking one's mother and addressing those incarcerated

(Ooh) For my people doing time (alright)
Acknowledging those who are incarcerated with understanding and empathy

(Ooh) For my people doing time (alright)
Reiteration of understanding for those who are imprisoned