Afro Lover

James' song 'Afro Lover' delves into the universal human desires for happiness, wealth, and love. The repetition of 'Everybody wants to be happy' and 'Everybody wants more money' underscores the commonality of these aspirations across different cultures and societies. This repetition serves to highlight the shared human experience, suggesting that despite our differences, we all seek similar outcomes in life.

The song also explores the complexities and contradictions of human conflict. The lyrics 'I came across the border through the east and the west divide' and 'The land between the trenches was patrolled by the deaf and the blind' paint a vivid picture of a world divided by misunderstandings and miscommunications. The metaphor of the blind shouting 'Listen!' and the deaf saying 'Can't you see?' emphasizes the irony and futility of these conflicts, where neither side truly understands the other.

Furthermore, the song touches on the paradox of seeking peace through violence. The lines 'The salesman called it 'freedom' so my enemy bought a bigger one' and 'I'm saving up for a missile that will shoot him up with love' illustrate the absurdity of using weapons to achieve freedom and love. This paradox is further emphasized by the line 'Every key can lock you up or set you free,' suggesting that the tools we use to seek freedom can also imprison us. The repeated phrase 'I have seen' implies a deep understanding and awareness of these complexities, urging listeners to reflect on the true nature of happiness and conflict.

'Afro Lover' by James is a thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to consider the universal desires that unite us, the misunderstandings that divide us, and the paradoxes that complicate our quest for happiness and peace.