Meaning of Black Man in a White World lyrics by Michael Kiwanuka

June 18, 2023

"Black Man in a White World" by Michael Kiwanuka is a powerful song that expresses the feelings experienced by a black man living in a predominantly white society. The lyrics suggest a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, and a sense of displacement. The chorus "I'm a black man in a white world" is repeated throughout the song, emphasising the theme of racial identity and the challenges of being a minority in a society where whiteness is often the norm.

The verses of the song are full of contradictions, describing the difficulties of finding a place and an identity in a society where blackness is still often seen as "other". The narrator is in love but still sad, finds peace but is not glad, and has been trying the wrong way. These lines suggest a confusion and lack of clarity about how to navigate the world as a black man, and perhaps also express a sense of disillusionment with existing social structures.

The song ends on a positive note, with the repeated line "it's alright" suggesting a sense of acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity. The final lines "It's alright, I'm not fighting, I got something on my mind" suggest a determination to move forward and make a change, despite the challenges of living in a world where blackness is often marginalised. Overall, "Black Man in a White World" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of race and identity in modern society.

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