Mr. Cab Driver

Lenny Kravitz's song 'Mr. Cab Driver' is a powerful commentary on racial discrimination and social injustice. Through the repeated pleas to the titular cab driver, Kravitz highlights the everyday struggles faced by people of color. The cab driver, representing a society that judges based on appearance, refuses to pick up the singer because of his skin color and dreadlocks. This refusal is not just a literal denial of service but a metaphor for the broader systemic racism that denies opportunities and respect to marginalized communities.

The lyrics are straightforward yet poignant, capturing the frustration and anger of being judged solely on appearance. Lines like 'Mr. Cab Driver don't you like my kind of skin' and 'He don't like dreads he thinks we're all crooks' underscore the prejudices that people of color face daily. The mention of '165'ers' refers to a police code for a person of color, further emphasizing the racial profiling that is rampant in society. Kravitz's use of the phrase 'fuck you, I'm a survivor' is a defiant declaration of resilience in the face of such discrimination.

Musically, the song blends rock and funk elements, a signature of Kravitz's style, which often incorporates themes of love, peace, and social justice. 'Mr. Cab Driver' is not just a song but a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and challenge the biases that permeate society. It serves as a reminder that the fight against racism is ongoing and that survival in such a world requires both resilience and resistance.