Crying Shame

Jack Johnson's song "Crying Shame" delves into the perpetual and exhausting nature of human conflict. The lyrics paint a picture of a world caught in a repetitive cycle of violence and misunderstanding, questioning whether this 'tired game' will ever come to an end. Johnson's reflective tone suggests a deep frustration with the way humanity handles its differences, often resorting to conflict instead of communication. The phrase 'out of sight, out of mind' underscores the tendency to ignore problems rather than addressing them head-on, leading to a sense of hopelessness about the future.

The song also touches on the paradox of fighting for peace, a concept that seems inherently contradictory. Johnson highlights the futility of this approach, noting that 'nobody wins' in such scenarios. The metaphor of 'burning under the same sun' serves to remind us that despite our differences, we all share the same world and are affected by the same issues. The use of 'fear as fuel' to 'burn down our name' suggests that fear-mongering and divisive rhetoric only serve to exacerbate the problem, leading to further destruction and loss.

In the latter part of the song, Johnson reflects on the personal and collective toll of ongoing conflict. The 'number of people are numbers that aren't coming home' is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and violence. The questions posed—'Are we using what we've learned?' and 'Are we losing what we were?'—invite listeners to consider whether humanity is progressing or regressing in its approach to conflict resolution. The recurring line 'It's such a crying, crying, crying shame' encapsulates the sorrow and frustration felt in the face of these seemingly insurmountable issues, urging a collective introspection and a call for change.