War And Crime
Lucky Dube · Retrospective [2008]
People are fighting for freedom
Nobody knows what is right
Nobody knows what is wrong
The black man say it' s the white man
The white man say it' s the black man
Indians say it' s the coloureds
Coloureds say it' s everyone
Your mother didn' t tell you the truth
Cause my father didn' t tell me the truth
Nobody knows what is wrong
And what is right
How long is this gonna last
Cause we' ve come so far so fast
When it started, you and I were not there so
Why don' t we
Bury down apartheid
Fight down war and crime
Racial discrimination
Tribal discrimination
You and I were not there when it started
We don' t know where it' s coming from
And where it' s going
So why don' t we
I' m not saying this
Because I' m a coward
But I' m thinking of the lives
That we lose everytime we fight
Killing innocent people
Women and children yeah
Who doesn' t know about the good(government)not good
Who doesn' t know about the wars
Your mother didn' t tell you the truth
Cause my father did not tell me the truth
Yeah
Black man say it' s the white man
White man say it' s the black man
Indians say it' s the coloureds
Coloureds say it' s everyone
When it started we were not there
We know where we come from
But we don' t know where we' re going
So why don' t we
Bury down apartheid
Fight down war and crime
Racial discrimination
Tribal discrimination
War And Crime - Lucky Dube
Lucky Dube's 'War And Crime' stands as a defining track from his 2008 retrospective, encapsulating the socio-political consciousness that characterizes his career. Rooted in the South African township rap tradition, the song blends gritty storytelling with a rhythmic flow that addresses systemic injustice and the human cost of conflict. Released alongside his extensive discography including 'Life & Times' and 'House Of Exile', the recording reflects Dube's commitment to using music as a vehicle for social commentary. The track exemplifies the genre's ability to merge indigenous musical elements with modern production, creating a sound that resonates deeply with audiences while maintaining a distinct cultural identity. Its enduring relevance lies in its unflinching examination of societal struggles, making it a pivotal moment in the evolution of contemporary South African hip-hop.