Children... Things We Throw Away

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a tender lullaby, "Hush-a-bye, don't you cry," immediately establishing a protective, almost sacred view of children as "Created in the image of the Lord" and "A miracle conceived within the womb." This initial gentleness, however, quickly pivots to a powerful indictment of indifference. The narrator poses urgent, rhetorical questions: "How can you stand by / And say it isn't your concern?" This direct challenge forces the listener to confront a perceived moral failing. The central tension arises from the stark contrast between the inherent value of children and the act of "throw[ing] away" or neglecting them. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize their irreplaceable nature, stating "No one will be able to replace them." This is juxtaposed with the passive "stand by" and "hide / Behind the government of man," suggesting a societal abdication of responsibility that the narrator deems a grave offense against divine judgment. The repeated plea to "Open up your heart / Let the truth you've never learned" highlights a willful ignorance that perpetuates this harm. The most striking aspect of the craft is the relentless, almost chant-like repetition of "We gotta say no / We just can't let it go on." This refrain builds an undeniable momentum, transforming the song from a lament into an urgent call to action. The shift from questioning to declarative pronouncements underscores the narrator's conviction and aims to galvanize the listener into active resistance against whatever societal ill is being addressed. The final lines, incorporating spoken interjections about hearing "the Word of God and stand," further reinforce the religious and moral imperative driving the message. Ultimately, the lyrics' effectiveness stems from their powerful emotional arc, moving from tender protection to righteous anger and a demand for accountability. By framing the issue as a divine mandate and a profound moral failure, the narrator creates a sense of urgency and inescapable responsibility. The direct, confrontational questioning and the insistent, repetitive call to action are designed to provoke a visceral reaction, compelling the listener to re-evaluate their own complicity or inaction in the face of perceived injustice against children.