The song "Love Weself" by Eddy Grant touches upon themes of self-love, pride, and the struggle for equality and justice. The lyrics express the speaker's amazement at the plans that various groups have to help their people. However, the speaker also hears doubts and limitations, represented by the phrase "I hear what we can't do." The song encourages the listener to forget their tears and burn their books, suggesting that the traditional knowledge and narratives may not always be true. It specifically addresses the African kings and queens, emphasizing their responsibility to take action and improve their condition. The lyrics criticize the lack of ambition and satisfaction within the community. The speaker questions why their condition is so good when there is still so much more that can be achieved. They urge the need for self-love and self-acceptance as the key to progress. The song also touches on the history of colonization and exploitation, referring to plantations and the looting of resources. The lyrics highlight the injustice and genocide that the African community has faced for 400 years. The speaker expresses frustration towards the pilgrims (referring to the European colonizers) who continue to benefit from the exploitation, questioning why they should have to bear the burden. Overall, "Love Weself" calls for a stronger sense of ambition and self-love within the African community, advocating for equal rights, justice, and a refusal to accept the limitations imposed by others. It urges a collective effort to create a better future and challenges the existing power dynamics.
