Were

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a repeated, almost incantatory phrase, "Were-we, were-we, were-we," layered with vocalizations that suggest a mix of questioning and pleading. This sets a tone of deep introspection or a desperate call for help. The Yoruba phrases "lo ba mi se, shomo?" and "Oun ti mo ti'n wa lati jo ojo yi wa, baba ba mi seee" translate to pleas for someone to handle things for me, child, and that what I've been looking for since that day, father, handle it for me. This immediately establishes a central theme of seeking external intervention or divine assistance in the face of overwhelming circumstances. The core tension arises from the stark contrast between internal struggle and external opposition. The lyrics state, "Aye o fe o, aye o fe, aye ofe ka gberu, kaso," which means "the world doesn't want you, the world doesn't want you, the world doesn't want you to carry burdens, to speak." This sentiment is amplified by the chilling observation, "'Cause they are waitin' on youuu, they are waitin' on you to fall... they are waitin' on you to die." The world, or a hostile external force, is actively anticipating and perhaps even wishing for the narrator's downfall, creating a palpable sense of being under siege. The most striking aspect of the craft is the direct address and the shift in perspective. While the initial pleas seem personal, the lyrics pivot to offer encouragement: "Don't look back, don't look back my brother," and "Do your best, do your best my sister." This suggests the narrator, having articulated their own struggle, is now extending solidarity and resilience to others facing similar battles. The repeated warning, "make sure you buckle your shoe," and "make sure that you don't fall," serves as a practical, yet urgent, piece of advice, underscoring the precariousness of their situation and the ever-present threat of those "waiting on you to fall." Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw emotional honesty and the communal spirit that emerges from shared adversity. The blend of personal supplication and outward encouragement creates a powerful message of perseverance. It’s the feeling of being in a fight for survival, acknowledging the external forces that seek to bring you down, while simultaneously finding the strength to urge others to keep going, to "stay strong."