About The Song
Released in 1981, “We Kill the World (Don’t Kill the World)” might raise eyebrows at first glance. It’s Boney M., after all, known for party anthems like “Daddy Cool” and “Rasputin.” But this song takes a sharp turn, urging listeners to confront the environmental destruction unfolding around them.
The disco beat is still there, but it’s laced with a sense of urgency. The opening lines sung by Bobby Farrell, the group’s male dancer, paint a stark picture: “I see mushrooms, atomic mushrooms / I see rockets, missiles in the sky.” The imagery is a chilling reminder of the Cold War anxieties of the time, but it also foreshadows the environmental consequences of unchecked nuclear proliferation.
Marcia Barrett, the band’s lead vocalist, takes over with a powerful plea. The lyrics shift from the threat of nuclear war to the more insidious, everyday actions that contribute to environmental degradation. We hear about “concrete rising up, where yesterday was park,” “heavy tractors” replacing clean air, and “parking lots” swallowing vibrant flower fields.
The song doesn’t shy away from the bleakness. It paints a picture of a “Poor World,” choked by pollution, with “fishes doomed to die” and “oceans in despair.” The repeated refrain, “We kill the world, kill the world / We surely do in peace we do!” is a stark indictment of humanity’s unintentional destruction, often driven by progress and development.
But here’s the twist: the song’s full title is “We Kill the World (Don’t Kill the World)”. It’s a call to action cleverly disguised within a seemingly contradictory statement. Boney M. isn’t advocating for passive acceptance of the destruction. The parenthetical addition is a plea for awareness and change.
“We Kill the World (Don’t Kill the the World)” might not be the typical Boney M. song, but it’s a testament to the band’s ability to address serious issues within a catchy pop framework. It’s a reminder that even amidst the carefree disco era, voices were rising to warn about the perils of environmental neglect. So, the next time you hear that familiar Boney M. beat, take a moment to listen closely. You might be surprised by the message it carries