Behind the Music: Strangers
One day I was coming home from the grocery store and saw a woman begging for money on the side of the road. She was crying and holding a sign. I was reminded of the men on the side of the road that sell bottles of water and newspapers in lieu of begging for money. I thought about all the disabled veterans, typically with a dog, looking for work or food or .... kindness.
It's not the first time I've seen this type of thing, but as I thought about it all I got emotional. Especially as I thought about the fact that we are all brothers and sisters. We are all children of God. I went home and wrote this song. As I wrote, I was reminded of something Brene Brown wrote in one of her books about privilege. She talked about the shame that comes with privilege and how difficult it is to even look those who are suffering in the eye.
I often feel overwhelmed by the mountain of needs of those surrounding me. How can I help everyone who is struggling? Or even a small percentage? I am praying that God will place in my path those I can help if I keep my eyes open and listen to His guidance.
Lyrics:
Father, Father it isn't right
Got nowhere to go, no where to sleep at night
Can't see the light in my brothers' eyes
I'm looking at strangers, a family of strangers
Father, father no one cares
Gotta make that dough, you know the kind you wear
I'm selling papers, they don't meet my stare
We're looking at strangers
We're nothin' but strangers (repeat)
Brother, sister don't you, don't you know my name?
Well I'll take your love and thank you just the same
Our hearts are filled with blood and dust and shame
We're filled with shame
Turned around and all was lost
Missed the price tag, but now I know the cost
We're acting like strangers (repeat)
Don't want to be strangers