We Kill The World (Don't Kill The World)
Boney M.
A Plea for Environmental Preservation: Boney M.'s 'We Kill The World (Don't Kill The World)'
Boney M.'s song 'We Kill The World (Don't Kill The World)' is a poignant and urgent call to action for environmental preservation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the devastating impact of human activities on the planet. The imagery of 'mushrooms, atomic mushrooms' and 'rockets, missiles in the sky' evokes the threat of nuclear war and its catastrophic consequences. This is juxtaposed with the destruction of natural landscapes, as 'concrete's rising up' where there once were parks and 'heavy tractor runs' where the air was once clean and cool. The song laments the loss of nature and the encroachment of industrialization, questioning the purpose and benefit of such destruction with the repeated refrain, 'Where will this lead to and what is this good for?'
The song also highlights the impact of pollution and urbanization on wildlife and natural habitats. The lines 'Fishes doomed to die as people live close by' and 'Parking lots will come where flowerfields were bright' illustrate the displacement and death of animals and plants due to human expansion. The chorus, 'We kill the world, kill the world, we surely do,' serves as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility humans have in the degradation of the environment. The song's tone shifts from despair to a plea for change, urging listeners to 'Don't kill the world, don't let her down' and to 'lend ear to nature's cry.'
Boney M. emphasizes the importance of taking concrete actions to protect the environment. The lyrics encourage listeners to 'fight for her trees' and to 'slow progress down' to help the earth survive. The song frames the earth as a precious gift from God, 'a present from God on behalf of all creatures, made by the Lord,' and calls for a collective effort to cherish and care for it. The message is clear: the survival of the planet is in our hands, and it is our duty to act now to prevent further destruction. The song's powerful imagery and urgent message make it a timeless anthem for environmental awareness and action.