Meaning of "Born And Raised In Black And White" by Brooks & Dunn

"Born And Raised In Black And White" is a narrative-driven song that delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our choices. The contrasting concepts of black and white are used symbolically to represent different paths in life. The first verse presents the image of the wind blowing hard across the Texas plains, a vivid metaphor for the harsh realities and challenges faced by the characters in the song.

The two boys mentioned in the lyrics are portrayed as opposites. One is described as being studious, seeking solace in prayer, and following a path of moral righteousness, as suggested by the line "With a Christian sense of wrong and right." On the other hand, the second boy is portrayed as someone drawn to violence, as implied by the line "One with books and one with guns." This contrast sets the stage for a juxtaposition of their choices and the consequences that follow.

The chorus reinforces the theme of opposites, emphasizing the contrasting paths these boys took. One "learned to pray" and the other "learned to fight," highlighting the divergent ways they navigated through life. The line "We were born and raised in black and white" not only references their upbringing but also suggests that their choices were predetermined based on their circumstances.

The second verse introduces the idea of redemption through the story of the narrator's brother, who dedicated his life to saving souls. However, when he witnesses the narrator's violent actions, he is unable to comprehend or reconcile them, leading to a strained relationship. This emphasizes the struggle between conflicting moralities and the difficulty in understanding the choices made by others.

The final verse presents a scene where the narrator is facing death, offered a cigarette as their last request. The lyric "I asked my mortal soul be blessed, by someone close to me" implies the longing for spiritual guidance and forgiveness. The trembling hands and the narrator's declaration of not understanding the reasons behind their actions suggest regret and a search for absolution.

Overall, "Born And Raised In Black And White" tells a story of choices, consequences, and the shades of gray that exist within human nature. It explores themes of morality, religion, and the struggle to reconcile conflicting ideas in a world where decisions are not always clearly defined.