Black Or White Song Analysis Essay

Michael Jackson released a single entitled. “Black or White” from his eighth album Dangerous. The song was written on June 25, 1990, but released the following year, November 11, 1991. At the time this song was brought to the public’s attention African Americans were becoming more prominent in the music industry, which Jackson used as an opportunity to speak out on the diversion between blacks and whites. The song protests colorism and racism with the message being conveyed that despite what race or ethnic background you come from, your race does not determine your character or values. An example from the song comes from the chorus which states, “It don’t matter if you’re black or white.” Also, “See, it’s about races, Just places is a lyric that consists of alliteration and …show more content…
The theme being conveyed to listeners is strength and unity. Although, the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner had protesters chanting the final words before their deaths and refusing to comply with police officer rules, Keys is singing that prayer is another key to sending our sympathy to the African American men who lost their lives of white police officers. Another theme found in the song is unity. The lyric, “We’re gonna make it or dying till we gotta pray”, is talking about how African Americans are going to make it through the difficulties of being a minority in the United States, even if it means going to God for help. Another lyric in the song that pertains to unity is, “Pray for love tonight”, which means that we can all pray whether it be together or separate and give our sympathy or pain to those who have lost their love