Why Can't We
Harmony's Call: Embracing Unity in Dolly Parton's 'Why Can't We'
Lyrics
Look how the wind carries the seed
Observing how the wind disperses seeds
See how the soil supplies what it needs
Noting the soil's role in providing necessary elements
The rain falls, the sun shines and a flower breaks free
Describing the natural process of rain, sun, and a flower's growth
And it all works together, why can't we
Expressing harmony in nature and questioning why humans can't achieve the same
And I have seen children at play in the park
Recalling a scene of children playing with diverse skin tones
Skin shades of ivory, red, yellow and dark
Noting the variety of skin colors
Well, my eyes saw colors their little hearts could not see
Pointing out that children see beyond racial differences
They were playing together, why can't we
Highlighting the unity of children in play and questioning why adults can't achieve the same
Why can't we, why can't we
Pleading for understanding and harmony
I can love you and you can love me
Expressing the possibility of mutual love
Why can't we, why can't we
Reiterating the desire for unity and love
Set our foolish pride free, just be and let be
Advocating for the release of pride and acceptance of others
Why can't we
Reiterating the central question of why unity is elusive
I had a dream about a lion and a lamb
Describing a dream symbolizing harmony between traditionally opposing forces
They were playing together and there was peace in the land
Depicting the lion and lamb playing as a symbol of peace
And swords became plowshares 'cause there were no enemies
Envisioning a world without enemies and conflict
And I woke up and wondered, God why can't we
Waking up with a yearning for the realization of such harmony
Why can't we, why can't we
Repeating the plea for understanding and unity
I can love you and you can love me
Reiterating the possibility of mutual love
Why can't we, why can't we
Repeating the desire for unity and love
Set our foolish pride free, just be and let be
Reiterating the call to release pride and embrace acceptance
Why can't we
Reiterating the central question of why unity is elusive
Set our foolish pride free, just be and let be
Emphasizing the need to release pride and allow others to be
Why can't we, m-m-m-m
Repeating the plea for understanding and unity with vocal expression
Why can't we
Concluding with a final question about the elusive nature of unity
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