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I wrote the song "Show Me" as a prayer to God asking simple, honest questions about life and death and why there is so much suffering in the world. As I grew with the song I realized I shouldn't limit these questions solely to God; I should ask those questions of others and of myself.
John Legend
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the importance of questioning life's purpose and seeking answers both from a divine perspective and through self-reflection.

John Legend expresses that his song 'Show Me' originated from a deep desire to understand the complexities of life, death, and suffering. He emphasizes that as he developed the song, he recognized the value of not only directing these profound questions to God but also encouraging open dialogue with others and introspection to seek clarity and understanding.

Themes

LifeDeathSufferingQuestionsSpiritualityReflection

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about mental health awareness, one might say: 'As John Legend reflects on the questions of life and death in his song, we too should explore these questions among each other to foster understanding.'

More from John Legend

In America we have big issues with education - in impoverished communities especially. I work with Teach For All, and so we're encouraging more people to get into teaching.
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Hip-hop is one of the most free art forms there is. There's so many sounds you can use, so many things you can bring in. You never know, man. I bet years ago people would've never said they would hear me with Rick Ross, and we did four classic songs together.
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For me as a songwriter, I love when other people cover my songs.
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To have the chance to see your music be elevated and to have almost universally positive response to that music, makes me feel better every day. I feel more confident and inspired, and that's fun.
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Why wouldn't I help? What good reason do I have as a human being with power and a sense of empathy and morality, why wouldn't I do something?
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Hip hop is usually a bunch of guys talking to a bunch of guys, in my experience. It's homosocial, not homosexual, in that it's almost always all one gender in a room where it's being created. That locker-room environment has an impact on the language. I think the music suffers 'cause it allows an almost cartoonish level of misogyny.
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