Lyrics
On a short trip we made a landing
Embarking on a brief journey, we landed.
Then we were strangers in town
We were unfamiliar faces in the town.
How they stared as we made our exit
People stared at us as we left.
We're white they're all brown
Highlighting racial differences: "We're white, they're all brown."
Dr. Livingstone where are you when
A reference to Dr. Livingstone, implying a need for guidance in a challenging situation.
We need you the most
An appeal for assistance in a difficult moment.
We're white as ivory on the ivory coast
Describing the contrast in skin color using metaphorical language ("white as ivory on the ivory coast").
Jet into jet
Repetition of the phrase "Jet into jet," possibly emphasizing the travel or clash between cultures.
Eat their poison like true ambassadors
Suggesting the acceptance of negativity or harm as representatives or ambassadors.
We will drink up their beer
Willingness to adopt local customs, like drinking their beer.
So predictable washed out white
Criticizing a stereotypical, faded image of white men in foreign lands.
Men foreigners are here
Foreigners are present, and their presence is acknowledged.
Call me master I'll call you boy
A power dynamic is asserted, using titles like "master" and "boy."
If that's all that you need
Responding to a perceived need for subordination.
How that wounds me just leave me here
Expressing emotional pain and a desire to be left alone.
To bleed
Metaphorically depicting emotional injury or distress.
Black mans burden is on his shoulder
Highlighting the burdens and challenges faced by black individuals, metaphorically placed on their shoulders.
And keeps him well in his place
Describing societal expectations that keep black individuals in a subordinate position.
Two hundred pounds worth of
Referencing a significant amount of power or pressure (megawatts) faced by black individuals.
Megawatts
Illustrating a force that directly confronts and impacts black individuals.
That smack him in the face
Physical impact on the face, possibly representing the challenges faced by black individuals.
There's no reason to take the weight
Encouraging not to bear unnecessary burdens; life is not constrained.
Life's not strapped to your head
Life is not burdensome, and one shouldn't carry unnecessary weight.
Don't wear the token till the token black
Caution against adopting a token identity, especially when the genuine representation is absent.
Is dead
Suggesting that token representation is unnecessary when the authentic representation is absent.
Jet into jet
Repetition of "Jet into jet," possibly underscoring the continuous clash or interaction.
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