Ask Yourself Why
Unveiling Hidden Whys: Barbra Streisand's Reflection on Society's Rules
Lyrics
When you're just out walking and you pass
Observing signs during a walk
Little signs that say "keep off the grass"
Noticing signs instructing not to step on the grass
Did you ever stop and ask yourself why?
Prompting self-reflection on the reasons behind such rules
Pretty playgrounds children used to know
Reference to disappearing child-friendly spaces
Little squares where lovers love to go
Describing romantic spots replaced by parking lots
Disappear so parking lots can grow
Raising the question of why these changes occur
Why?
Reiterating the question "Why?"
Once you start the questions never cease
Highlighting the continuous nature of questioning
What's disturbed when you disturb the peace
Asking about the disturbance caused when peace is disrupted
Pets and children are prohibited
Pointing out restrictions on pets and children
Why? ask yourself why?
Repeating the question "Why?" for emphasis
And when you think about it
Encouraging contemplation on the consequences
Bullets fly like popcorn on the screen
Comparing flying bullets to popcorn in movies
Recommended wholesome nice and clean
Highlighting societal preference for wholesome content
Making love's the thing that can't be seen
Emphasizing the hidden nature of love
Why?
Prompting the question of why certain things are concealed
Let your hair down just an inch or two
Encouraging individual expression despite societal norms
Let your skin be red or green or blue
Noting the creation of labels for non-conformity
They invent a special name for you
Raising the question of why unique qualities are stigmatized
Why?
Reiterating the question "Why?" in the face of societal judgment
On a clear day oh say can you see
Asking if the beauty of nature is still visible
What remains of mountain's scenery
Reflecting on the impact of human activity on landscapes
Catch a glimpse of all the scenery, sky,
Noting the fleeting nature of scenic beauty
Beautiful sky ..as shiny as a penny
Describing a beautiful, shiny sky
So when you're out walking and you pass
Returning to the initial scene of walking past a sign
Near a sign that say "keep off the grass"
Suggesting defiance by placing a questioning sign near a prohibition sign
Put a sign right next to it that says "why?"
Repeating the call to question established norms
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