Head Corner Stone

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a powerful message about valuing the overlooked, particularly children. The opening lines, "Teach the children right / Guide them day and night," set a tone of earnest guidance. This immediately grounds the central metaphor: the rejected stone becoming the "head cornerstone." It suggests that those deemed unworthy or insignificant by society can ultimately become the foundation of something crucial. The core tension lies in the contrast between societal judgment and inherent worth. The narrator observes children with "dirty hands an' feet" and those with "bottom at door," implying they are marginalized and dismissed. The lyrics caution against using these vulnerable individuals as mere "stepping stone," urging instead to recognize their potential and inherent strength, stating, "Thank the Lord you could never break them bone." The most striking craft element is the repeated invocation of the "stone that the builder refuse." This biblical allusion, common in spirituals and reggae, is applied here to the plight of disadvantaged youth. The bridge directly states, "Sometimes a man that you refuse / He is the man that you should choose," reinforcing the idea that societal rejection is often a misjudgment of true value. The repetition hammers home the conviction that what is cast aside can become essential. This song resonates because it champions the underdog with unwavering faith. It posits that true leadership and strength often emerge from the most unexpected places, challenging listeners to reconsider their prejudices. By focusing on the potential within the rejected, the lyrics offer a message of hope and a call to action, urging us to "give the youth a chance so that he can advance."