Some songs speak the truth, making use of actual events and personalities to urge people to take action and make the needed change. “Used To Be”, a duet by Stevie Wonder and Charlene in 1982, is one of those songs.
The song talks of wars taking place in remote and unknown places, creating unwilling refugees in the process. Yet, when these victims seek shelter in wealthier nations, they are unwelcomed.
Great big wars in little places
Look at all those frightened faces
But don’t come here, we just don’t have the room
“Used To Be” likewise looks into the drug menace, a problem that was already existing then, and how this has changed the character of the ordinary man.
Used to be a knight in shining armour
Didn’t have to own a shiny car
Dignity and courage were the measure of a man
Not the drugs he needs to hide the scar
Interestingly, the song also referred to real people and how their fate changed the course of history.
Superman was killed in Dallas — John F. Kennedy
There’s no love left in the palace — Prince Charles and Princess Diana
Someone took the Beatles’ lead guitar — John Lennon
The final part of the song is most touching though. It wanted to end on a positive note. For this, it made reference to the truth that will set us free, and the unfortuate action that we took against the one man tried to say it.
I belive that love can save tomorrow
I believe the truth can make us free
Someone tried to say it, then we nailed Him to a cross
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