The song "Your Eyes Were Open" by UB40 tells the story of a desperate man seeking help from a doctor. The lyrics describe the protagonist's physical and mental pain, including being crippled with disease, experiencing aching body and bones, and hallucinating mushrooms growing in the sky. The man pleads for the doctor's assistance, as he is on the verge of death. However, as the man lays there contemplating his condition, he realizes that he has shut his eyes to the truth. The burning pain in his head symbolizes the realization that he has been oblivious to the suffering around him. The tired old eyes of the doctor reflect the years of pain and anguish this man failed to see. The doctor explains to the protagonist that he did not speak up against the injustice or evil he witnessed. Although he heard the cries and screams, he remained silent, contributing to the failure of the human race. The doctor highlights the paradoxical nature of the man's existence, as he had just woken up to the reality of his inaction but has already forgotten the dreams and aspirations he once had. The song ultimately serves as a critique of passivity and complacency, urging listeners to speak out against injustice and actively work towards a better world. It conveys a sense of regret and the need for personal and collective introspection.
