Jena
Jena's Struggle: Unveiling Injustice and the Hope for Change
Lyrics
An all white jury hides the executioners face
An all white jury hides the executioner's face
See how we are, me and you?
Reflecting on the collective identity and circumstances of 'us' (the singer and the listener)
Everyone here needs to know their place
Emphasizing the social expectations and hierarchies in the environment
Let's keep this blackbird hidden in the flue
Suggesting the need to conceal and protect someone vulnerable or marginalized
Oh, Jena
Repeated chorus urging to remove symbolic instruments of racial violence
Oh, Jena
-Oh, Jena
-Take your nooses down
-So what becomes of boys that cannot think straight?
Querying the fate of individuals who don't conform to societal norms, especially those of a different sexual orientation
Particularly those with paper bag skin
Describing individuals with darker skin color who face discrimination
Yes sir, no sir, we'll wipe that smile right off your face
Highlighting obedience demanded regardless of personal emotions or expression
We got our rules here and you must fit in
Enforcing the idea of conformity and adherence to established rules
Oh, Jena
Repeated chorus advocating for the removal of threats and symbols of oppression
Oh, Jena
-Oh, Jena
-Take your nooses down
-Someday some way sanity will prevail
Expressing hope for a future where reason and fairness prevail
But who knows when that day might come
Uncertainty about the timing of positive change
A shot in the dark, well it just might find its way
Hope that even a small effort might impact those in power
To the hearts of those that hold the keys to kingdom come
Referring to influential individuals who control access to a better future
Oh, Jena
Repeated chorus urging for the removal of symbolic threats and violence
Oh, Jena
-Oh, Jena
-Take those nooses down
-Oh, hey Jena
Continued insistence on removing the symbolic threats and oppression
Oh, Jena
-Oh, Jena
-Take your nooses down
-Take those nooses off now
Final plea to take immediate action to end the threats and violence
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