xenophobe? yes/no!

much blood was shed in 2008
we must investigate these acts of hate
a lot of people had a lot to say
but what really happened in the dark days of May?

all you couch politicians who supported these attacks
when the knife was at your throat, who was it that had your backs?

I’d like to return everyone’s memory to the 20th century
when the hopes of this country rested in the ANC
and the government of the time forced their leaders to flee
and the nations of the world took us in as refugees
now can somebody explain to me the tyres around their necks?
when our country was in trouble, they gave us only respect
perhaps the dark days of May only proved that we are murderers
of the 62 dead, 21 were South Africans
the masses are illiterate and stereotype mad
with fear of what’s different the future looks quite bad
it’s a matter of bloodguilt, look down at your bright hands
the youth are consumed, we’re diminishing life-span
now the authorities are disputing if the cause is economic
but with spiritual discernment, even poverty’s demonic
you’re a flagship for hardship and constant complaining
but maybe your heart is the reason that your whole life is failing

do you really want to know the truth of the matter?
when you killed that man in May, that man was your brother
do you really want to know the truth of the matter?
when you kill that man today, that man is your brother

“ah! this guy! he doesn’t understand our problems!”
well, what I know is you’ve made murdering a part of your solution
now you’re killing people, silently, at their places of resettlement
one by one, quietly, so the press won’t really notice it
and the laxness of the government encourages your hatred
and the truth is eluding you because you won’t face it
do you think God cannot see you with your panga in your hand
and when you kicked down all those children, do you think He’ll understand?
our land is drenched in innocent blood
the dry soil running into dead, red mud
it’s history repeating in the township streets
the cries of injustice over kwaito beats
but props to the churches and the people who took notice
the hearts full of love and the shelters that were opened
I’m so sick of all the clichés when we only need reality
this rainbow nation…may God have mercy!

do you really want to know the truth of the matter?
when you killed that man in May, that man was your brother
do you really want to know the truth of the matter?
when you kill that man today, that man is your brother

looking mean in Krakow, Poland, April 2008