Children In The Streets

Lucky Dube's song "Children In The Streets" is a poignant commentary on the plight of neglected and abandoned children. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of children who are left to fend for themselves, wandering the streets without the guidance and support of their parents. Dube contrasts these children with those who are fortunate enough to attend school, highlighting the stark differences in their futures. The song questions the responsibilities of parents and the societal structures that allow such neglect to occur.

The imagery of children moving up and down the streets with nowhere to go is a powerful metaphor for their aimless lives. Dube's lyrics suggest that these children are trapped in a cycle of poverty and lack of education, which severely limits their future prospects. The song also delves into the reasons behind this neglect, questioning why parents who are unwilling or unable to care for their children bring them into the world in the first place. This rhetorical question serves as a critique of irresponsible parenting and societal indifference.

Dube's narrative becomes even more compelling as he describes the contrasting lives of the parents. The father is depicted as indulging in luxury, relaxing in the best bar in town, while the mother is involved with another man. This stark contrast between the parents' lives and the children's suffering underscores the theme of neglect and misplaced priorities. The song calls for a deeper reflection on the responsibilities of parenthood and the societal obligation to protect and nurture the younger generation. Through his heartfelt lyrics, Lucky Dube urges listeners to consider the consequences of neglect and to take action to support vulnerable children.