بنی آدم (Children of Adam)

Coldplay's 'بنی آدم (Children of Adam)' is a profound exploration of human unity and compassion. The song draws from a famous Persian poem by Saadi Shirazi, a revered 13th-century poet. The opening lines, 'banī ādam a'zā-ye yek pey-karand / ke dar āfarīn-aš ze yek gowhar-and,' translate to 'The children of Adam are limbs of one body / They are created from the same essence.' This metaphor emphasizes the interconnectedness of all human beings, suggesting that we are all part of a single, unified entity. When one part suffers, the entire body feels the pain, highlighting the importance of empathy and mutual support.

The lyrics continue with a poignant reminder: 'čo ‘ozvī be dard āvarad rūzgār / degar 'ozvhā-rā na-mānad qarār,' meaning 'If one limb is afflicted with pain / The other limbs cannot remain at rest.' This line reinforces the idea that indifference to the suffering of others is not an option for true humanity. The song calls for a collective sense of responsibility and compassion, urging listeners to care for one another as they would for themselves.

The chorus, 'May there be peace and love and perfection / Throughout all creation, through God,' is a universal prayer for harmony and well-being. It transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, resonating with a global audience. The inclusion of lines in Igbo, 'gi nwa nke chukwu, gini ka ina ekwu / n'ihi ihe nile / nke chukwu mere,' further underscores the song's message of universal unity and divine creation. Coldplay's choice to blend different languages and cultural references enriches the song's appeal and reinforces its central theme of global interconnectedness and compassion.