Gil Scott-Heron's song "Explanations" discusses the frustration and exasperation of constantly having to provide explanations and justifications for one's actions. The lyrics depict a conversation where the narrator is interrupted and not allowed to speak, which leads to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. The song reflects the struggle of dealing with cross-examinations and the feeling of being constantly interrogated by others. The narrator questions why they are constantly required to give explanations and why they are met with intimidation and confrontation instead of understanding. The lyrics also touch on the concept of searching for an explanation, not necessarily based on what really happened, but rather on something that the other person may believe or want to hear. The narrator compares this process to being a treasure hunter, desperately searching for an explanation to satisfy the other person's expectations. Overall, "Explanations" highlights the frustration and weariness of constantly having to explain oneself, questioning the value and worth of this ongoing battle. The song suggests that despite the narrator's attempts to communicate and clarify, they feel unheard and isolated in their struggle to provide satisfactory explanations.
