Ladies and Gentlemen
I wanna introduce to you right now
Young Donovan… He’s eleven (mmmmm)
The problem we’re facing right now
Is we’re losing our children (ooooooo)
Father’s we need you (mmmmmm)
Can you feel me?
Chorus:
It takes a whole nation
To help me raise this generation
When you look out of your window
Tell me what do you see
If it’s a world without a father
Then you’re looking at me
It takes a whole nation
To help me raise this generation
My respect to the mother’s that be holdin it down
But it sure would be nice to have my daddy around.
Verse 1:
All I need is one mic(one mic)
I know you can see
I’m not a rapper
But there’s some dudes that are just like me
Everytime you took a picture with you and your family
It was only two people and it’s supposed to be 3
It’s supposed to be me asking
(Why’s the sky blue when I grow up I wanna be like you)
Yo daddy can you teach me how to
(Tie my shoes can I go with you to work so I can see what you do?)
Lemme see what you do
So I can love my kids too
But you didn’t stick around was that too much to ask of you?
Too much to get a blueprint(No)
Too much to show your way (No)
That’s the reason why this building is not finished still today(We’re lost boys)
So you wanna believe that (My daddy’s coming back he didn’t forget about me)
Only child after school
We just sit there and wait (I know he’s gonna come)
Your dad is 78
Chorus:
It takes a whole nation (It takes a whole nation)
To help me raise this generation
When you look out of your window (Look out this evening)
Tell me what do you see
If it’s a world without a father
Then you’re looking at me (Come on)
It takes a whole nation (Nation)
To help me raise this generation (uh uh)
My respect to the mother’s that be holdin it down
But it’d sure be nice to have my daddy around. (Daddy around)
Verse 2:
Check this out
They say raising kids is the parents responsibility (mmmmm)
But there’s a million of Y’all and only one of me(hey)
What happened to the village as far as I can see
It’s been burned down by this modern day slavery
Donovan:
For 11 years I’ve been living here
I’ve seen mamma cry more than 11 tears
Watchin mamma see daddy while he slips away
Does Jesus really hear kids when they pray?
Kirk:
She’s working to jobs
She can’t do it alone
She shouldn’t have to she didn’t get knocked up on her own
Both: And I know that baby’s mamma drama
Brothas it’s real
But before you close the door
Don’t forget how it feels
Remember
Donovan:
Daddy missed my game and I made a touchdown
I won the talent show but you weren’t around
If a girl breaks my heart what do I do with this pain (and one more thing daddy)
Can you tell me my name?
Chorus:
It takes a whole nation
To help me raise this generation (I need my daddy)
When you look out of your window
Tell me what do you see
If it’s a world without a father
Then you’re looking at me (Yay)
It takes a whole nation (It’s a million of us)
To help me raise this generation (Oh… uh… Oh Lord)
My respect to the mother’s that be holdin it down
But it’d sure be nice to have my daddy around.(Everybody that didn’t have a father in your life… I want you to stand up and sing this part right here)(Hey)
Tell em!
Bridge:
Ain’t nothing gonna break me down (Yes sir)
Can’t let nobody take me down
Can’t let nobody break me down
Me down (Sing it)
Say it with me now
Ain’t nothing gonna break me down
Can’t let nobody take me down
Can’t let nobody break me down… Me down (Take me down no)
(Sing it!)
Bridge
Ain’t nothing gonna break me down (Hey)
Can’t let nobody take me down (Nobody taught me)
Can’t let nobody break me down… Me down (Break me down)
(I had to figure this thing out by myself)
(Heaven can you hear me?)
Ain’t nothing gonna break me down
Can’t let nobody take me down (can’t you here we’re lonely?)(Come on)
Can’t let nobody break me down… Me down (I’ll be their father… I’ll be their man! Come on)
(Yay)
Chorus:
(If you feel me say yeah!)
It takes a whole nation
(Ain’t nothing gonna break me down)
To help me raise this generation(If you feel me say yeah
(Can’t let nobody take me down)
(I hear you people)
When you look out of your window
(Can’t let nobody break me down… me down)(If you feel me say yeah)
Tell me what do you see
If it’s a world without a father (Oh)
Then you’re looking at me
It takes a whole nation (I know)
(Please Lord)(You can’t take my joy devil)
(Ain’t nothing gonna break me down)
To help me raise this generation
(Can’t let nobody take me down)(Daddy could be there?) (Sing it boy!)
My respect to the mother’s that be holdin it down
(Can’t let nobody break me down… me down)(Daddy could be there?… oh yea)
But it’d sure be nice to have my daddy around. (Oh)
Young Donovan (Hey)
To be continued (ooooo)
Let’s go (ohhh)
Taking care of your kids is cool (mmmmm)
But if you ain’t seen em since Christmas
song drifts off
A Whole Nation Video
A Whole Nation Song Meaning
Title: A Whole Nation by Kirk Franklin: Uniting a Generation Through Fatherhood
Introduction:
“A Whole Nation” is a powerful song by renowned Christian artist Kirk Franklin, addressing the societal issue of absent fathers and its impact on the younger generation. With heartfelt lyrics and a compelling message, the song aims to inspire a collective effort to raise children in a nurturing environment. This article will delve into the meaning of the song, explore the inspiration behind it, and provide relevant Bible verses that relate to its theme.
I. Understanding the Meaning of “A Whole Nation”
The title itself, “A Whole Nation,” signifies the idea that it takes an entire community to support and guide the younger generation. The song emphasizes the importance of fathers in children’s lives and the detrimental effects of their absence. Kirk Franklin, through his lyrics, calls for unity and collaboration to ensure the well-being and proper upbringing of children.
II. The Inspiration and Story Behind the Song
While it is unclear if Kirk Franklin has shared the specific inspiration behind “A Whole Nation,” the song is undoubtedly influenced by the prevalent issue of absent fathers in society. Franklin, being a Christian artist and pastor, likely drew from personal experiences and conversations with individuals affected by this issue. He understands the significance of fathers in children’s lives and the need to address this societal concern.
III. Relevant Bible Verses
The Bible provides guidance and wisdom on the importance of fatherhood and the responsibilities of parents. Here are some relevant verses that relate to the theme of “A Whole Nation”:
1. Proverbs 22:6 (ESV): “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
This verse highlights the responsibility of parents, particularly fathers, to train their children and instill godly values in them. It emphasizes the long-lasting impact that parental guidance can have on a child’s life.
2. Ephesians 6:4 (NIV): “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
This verse encourages fathers to raise their children with love, discipline, and godly instruction. It emphasizes the importance of being present in their children’s lives, nurturing them in a way that honors God.
3. Psalm 127:3-5 (NLT): “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!”
This passage celebrates children as a blessing from God and recognizes the role of fathers in shaping their lives. It conveys the profound joy and fulfillment that comes from embracing fatherhood.
IV. Analyzing the Lyrics
1. Verse 1:
In the opening verse, Kirk Franklin conveys the desire of a young child, Donovan, to have his father present in his life. The lyrics express the longing for guidance, support, and the opportunity to learn from his father’s example. Franklin highlights the disappointment and confusion experienced by children when their fathers are absent.
2. Chorus:
The chorus serves as a powerful and catchy reminder of the collective responsibility to raise the younger generation. It encourages individuals to look out their windows and reflect on the absence of fathers in the world. The lyrics emphasize the need for a community effort to support and guide children, acknowledging the important role that mothers play while expressing the desire for fathers to be present as well.
3. Verse 2:
In the second verse, Franklin addresses the societal issue of absent fathers, emphasizing the impact it has on children. He highlights the importance of the community, referring to the concept of “the village” that traditionally played a role in raising children. Franklin calls for a return to this collective mindset, where fathers and the community work together to nurture and guide the younger generation.
4. Bridge:
The bridge section of the song conveys a sense of resilience and determination. It encourages individuals to remain strong in the face of challenges, refusing to let circumstances break them down. The lyrics express the resolve to provide love and guidance to children, even in the absence of their biological fathers.
V. The Song’s Relevance Today
“A Whole Nation” remains highly relevant in today’s society, where the absence of fathers continues to have a significant impact on children’s lives. The song serves as a reminder of the importance of fatherhood and the need for a collective effort to support and guide the younger generation. It encourages individuals to reflect on their role in shaping the lives of children, whether as fathers, mentors, or members of the community.
VI. Conclusion
Kirk Franklin’s “A Whole Nation” is a poignant song that addresses the issue of absent fathers and the impact it has on children. With its heartfelt lyrics and powerful message, the song calls for unity and collaboration to ensure the proper upbringing and well-being of the younger generation. By drawing inspiration from biblical teachings and personal experiences, Franklin highlights the importance of fatherhood and the responsibilities of parents. “A Whole Nation” serves as a reminder that it takes an entire community to raise and nurture children, emphasizing the need for fathers to be present in their children’s lives.
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