Those Less Fortunate Than I
Compassion in Verse: A Song for Empathy
Lyrics
I don't have a lot, but I'm proud of what I've got
I have limited possessions, but I take pride in what I have.
I can't complain
I have no complaints about my situation.
'Cause I see people hangin' round, on the city streets downtown
Observing people struggling on city streets, surviving on small amounts of money.
Living on pocket change
Living with very little income.
There're times I've been confused, felt that I was born to lose
At times, I've felt lost and destined for failure.
Oh but I survived
Despite challenges, I've managed to endure.
Unlike the one's who pray and feel more than blessed each day
Contrasting with those who feel incredibly blessed just to be alive.
To just be still alive
Expressing gratitude for being alive compared to others.
Is there something we can do
Questioning if there's anything that can be done to help those in need.
Seems the odds against survival are a million to one
Highlighting the seemingly insurmountable odds against survival.
The only hope they have will die
Suggesting that the only hope for the less fortunate might fade away.
In the hearts of you and I if nothing's ever done
Emphasizing the responsibility of the speaker and others to take action.
I can't save them by myself
Acknowledging the limitations of individual efforts to save everyone.
Oh but God forbid that I just turn my head
Expressing reluctance to ignore the plight of others.
And walk on by
Avoiding indifference and walking past those in need.
Don't let me be a stranger to those less fortunate than I
Expressing a desire not to be a stranger to those less fortunate.
Seems that old golden rule, that I learned back in school
Noting that the moral principle learned in school has lost its significance.
Has lost its shine
Expressing sorrow over the decline of moral values.
It's a crying shame, and I wonder could the blame
Questioning if blame for societal issues can be attributed to individuals.
Be yours and mine
Raising awareness about shared responsibility for societal problems.
Discipline was tough, and that old principal was rough
Recalling the strict discipline and tough authority figures from school.
But the times were good
Reflecting on better times when discipline was enforced.
'Cause no one ever found one single child shot down
Highlighting the absence of children being harmed in the past.
In the neighborhood
Contrasting with the current situation where violence against children occurs.
Is there something we can do
Repeating the question about the possibility of collective action.
Seems the odds against survival are a million to one
Reiterating the challenging odds against survival for many.
'Cause every day that passes by
Highlighting the continuous loss of life to street gang violence.
Another street gang victim dies
Emphasizing the urgent need for action due to ongoing deaths.
And still there's nothing done
Expressing frustration at the lack of intervention despite the escalating problem.
I can't save them by myself
Acknowledging the speaker's inability to save everyone alone.
Oh but God forbid that I just run away somewhere and hide
Expressing a reluctance to run away or ignore the issue.
From the fear and the danger of those less fortunate than I
A plea not to be indifferent to the fear and danger faced by the less fortunate.
Lord don't let me be a stranger to those less fortunate than I
Reiterating the plea not to be a stranger to those in need.
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