The song "Born Tuff" by Eddy Grant addresses issues of discrimination, inequality, and the struggle for acceptance and recognition. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration with the way the singer is treated and the prejudices they face. The song starts by expressing disbelief at the mistreatment the singer has experienced. They mention how their convictions are often overlooked or ignored by others. Despite their efforts, they feel unseen and misunderstood. The singer acknowledges the power of those who judge and license what is right or wrong. However, they also recognize that even when they believe they have met the expectations, new challenges and criticisms arise. This suggests a continuous cycle of trying to please others but never feeling good enough. The lyrics then touch upon the issue of privilege and discrimination. The singer criticizes those who claim to support philanthropy and human rights but only pay lip service to these ideals. They accuse these individuals of practicing racism and only seeing the world through their own subjective view. The reference to painting God in their image and seeing the devil like "we" suggests that the singer feels marginalized and oppressed by those in power. They reject the idea of harming their own community or fellow humans for the sake of appeasing others. In essence, "Born Tuff" tells the story of someone who has been repeatedly judged and deemed inadequate by society. It addresses themes of inequality, hypocrisy, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The song emphasizes the need for love, understanding, and the recognition of all individuals' worth, regardless of their background or circumstances.
