I'm Not My Brothers Keeper
Beyond Judgment: Embracing Individuality and Unity
Lyrics
I'm not my brother's keeper, though he be strong or weaker
I am not responsible for my brother's actions, whether he is strong or weaker than me.
Before you judge me, why not try to love me?
Before passing judgment on me, consider trying to understand and love me.
I'll try to help you when he's wrongin' us
I will attempt to support you when my brother does wrong to both of us.
Don't point your finger, sayin' it's all of us
Avoid accusing everyone collectively; don't generalize blame to all of us.
If a man yells "hate," will my voice be heard?
Questioning if speaking against hate will make a difference and be acknowledged.
Does he speak for me when he chooses one bad word?
Wondering if someone speaking negatively represents me when using offensive language.
When wrong is done under one person's name
Raising the issue of accountability when wrongdoing is associated with an individual.
Should all the people have to share the blame?
Questioning the fairness of making everyone bear the blame for the actions of one person.
I'm not my brother's keeper, though he be strong or weaker
Reiteration of the idea that individuals are not responsible for their brothers.
Before you judge me, why not try to love me?
Emphasizing the importance of understanding and love before passing judgment.
If I do wrong, then someone make me pay
Accepting consequences if personally at fault, but advocating against hindrance when in the right.
But if I'm right, don't try to block my way
Requesting not to obstruct progress if the actions are justified.
Don't judge the story without opening up the book
Advising against forming opinions without fully understanding the context.
The good you find inside it many times is overlooked
Highlighting the tendency to overlook positive aspects in a situation or person.
Being militant don't mean peace ain't in your heart
Clarifying that being militant doesn't necessarily mean lacking peace in one's heart.
Though we're most impatient for freedom to start
Expressing impatience for freedom while recognizing the need for peace.
I'm not my brother's keeper, though he be strong or weaker
Reiterating the theme of individual responsibility and the call for understanding and love.
Before you judge me, why not try to love me?
Encouraging open-mindedness before forming opinions; asking for a fair hearing.
Don't cut into me with your knives of doubt
Discouraging skepticism and criticism; requesting a fair and open-minded approach.
Before you judge me, why not hear me out?
Before passing judgment, asking for an opportunity to express oneself.
Whoa, brothers!!
An exclamation emphasizing a collective call to attention among brothers.
(I'm not my brother's keeper) 9X
Repetition of the idea "I'm not my brother's keeper" for emphasis.
I'm not my brother's keeper, though he be strong or weaker
Restating the central theme of not being accountable for a brother's actions.
Before you judge me, why not try to love me?
Encouraging understanding and love as prerequisites to passing judgment.
I'll try to help you when he's wrongin' us
Expressing willingness to assist when facing wrongdoing from a brother.
Don't point your finger, sayin' it's all of us
Advising against generalizing blame to the entire group; avoiding finger-pointing.
(repeat to fade)
Repetition of the central theme, likely for a fading outro.
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