Meaning of "Border Song (Holy Moses)" by Aretha Franklin

The lyrics of "Border Song (Holy Moses)" delve into themes of belonging, identity, and the search for peace in a world filled with division and prejudice. The repeated refrain of "Holy Moses, I have been removed" hints at a sense of displacement and estrangement, as the speaker feels out of place among certain groups of people. The references to deception and being poisoned suggest a deep emotional pain and a need to retreat to a safer and more familiar environment. The call for unity and an end to hatred highlights the universal desire for harmony and understanding, transcending societal constructs like race or ethnicity. By questioning whether we can live in peace, the song challenges listeners to look beyond surface differences and strive for genuine connections based on compassion and empathy.