Where Is the Love - radio version - Black Eyed Peas song inspired by September 11 attacks

Current Events, Oct 10, 2003

When you turn on the radio, catchy rhythms and pulsing beats fill the air. Although you may sing along, how much attention do you pay to the meaning of a song's lyrics? Musicians use their lyrics to express their opinions. The Black Eyed Peas' hit song "Where Is the Love" was inspired by the September 11 terrorist attacks. The song touches on a wide range of global issues, including the war in Iraq. The first verse and the chorus are printed below. Read each line carefully. Then answer the questions that follow.

Where Is the Love (radio version) by the Black Eyed Peas

   What's wrong with this world, mama
   People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
   I think the whole world addicted to the drama
   Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
   Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
   But we still got terrorists here livin'
   In the USA, the big CIA
   The Bloods and the Crips and the KKK
   But if you only have love for your own race
   Then you only leave space to discriminate
   And to discriminate only generates hate
   And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
   Badness is what you demonstrate

   And that's exactly how anger works and operates
   ... You gotta have love just to set it straight
   Take control of your mind and meditate
   Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all

   People killin', people dyin'
   Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
   Can you practice what you preach
   And would you turn the other cheek

   Father, Father, Father help us
   Send us some guidance from above
   'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
   Where is the love

1. What emotions does this song express?--

2. What social issues does this song address? --

3. Who are the Black Eyed Peas addressing when they ask, "Can you practice what you preach?" --

4. Why do you think the Black Eyed Peas called this song "Where is the Love"?--

5. In five words or less, describe what the Black Eyed Peas are trying to say.--

6. How is this song's message different from the messages of other popular songs?--

7. Which is your favorite line? Why?--

8. Has your impression of this song changed after looking at the lyrics more closely?--

ANSWERS

Answers will vary.