Lyrics
Little black girl
Addressing a young African American girl.
This is a song for you
Expressing that the song is dedicated to her.
In case the world is busy
Suggesting that the world might be preoccupied.
And forgets to sing to you
Noting the possibility of the world neglecting her.
They've more important ships to sail
Highlighting societal priorities like commerce and environmental issues.
Like building malls and saving whales
Indicating that significant matters may overshadow her importance.
So they don't see
Observing that her significance goes unnoticed.
That you're the real endangered species
Comparing her to an endangered species, emphasizing her vulnerability.
Little black girl
Reiterating the focus on the young African American girl.
Can't always believe what you see
Advising skepticism about appearances.
It doesn't you're dumb
Rejecting stereotypes about intelligence based on appearance.
Just cuz no one smart looks like you on TV
Asserting intelligence is not determined by TV portrayals.
That foul mouthed lady on the news
Criticizing negative media representations.
In her houseshoes and curlers isn't you
Rejecting the idea that the media's portrayal reflects her reality.
Nor an indication of what you should aspire to
Encouraging her to aspire to more positive role models.
Cuz it's a minor miracle just to make your graduation
Acknowledging the challenges of graduation in her environment.
When nowhere in your world is a hint of validation
Highlighting the lack of acknowledgment in her world.
This is not political, it's personal
Clarifying the personal nature of the message, not political.
My empathy runs deep
Expressing deep empathy for her struggles.
Cuz you see, it happened to me
Revealing a personal connection to her experience.
So little black girl
Reiterating that the song is dedicated to her.
This is a song for you
Restating the dedication to the little black girl.
May not be too much
Acknowledging the limitations of the song.
But it's the least I could do
Emphasizing the sincerity and intent behind the song.
Cuz when I look into your eyes
Connecting with the girl through shared experiences.
I see myself and that is why
Explaining the reason behind the dedication.
I give you this and pray it saves you
Offering the song as a form of support and empowerment.
From feeling like I did
Expressing a desire to spare her from similar hardships.
Little black girl
Concluding the dedication to the little black girl.
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