Don't Mess Up the Children (interlude) Lyrics Meanings
by Lupe Fiasco

Adults are responsible for teaching children how to observe the ways of their ancestors
In fact, God insists that adults talk to their children when they sit at home
And when they walk along the road, when they lie down, and when they get up
In other words, God is saying, "Don't mess up the children"
African American families are being driven further and further apart from each other
To the extent their children, particularly those living in urban neighborhoods
Are growing up without the benefit of having adults in whom they can confide
Consequently, African-American cultural values are at risk of being lost
Like teaching children to respect their elders and saying "thank you" or "no thank you"
And other forms of common courtesy, God is saying, "Don't mess up the children"