Coldplay – WE PRAY [ft. Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, TINI]. Lyrics & Meaning
Coldplay [ft. Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, TINI] – WE PRAY : A Universal Anthem of Hope
Ever have one of those moments? You know, when life gets a bit too heavy, the world feels a little chaotic, and all you can do is just look up and whisper a tiny wish into the universe for things to be okay? It’s not always a formal, on-your-knees kind of moment. Sometimes it’s a quiet thought while you’re driving, a silent hope for a friend who’s struggling, or just a deep breath and a wish for your own strength to get through the day.
That incredibly human, deeply personal feeling is exactly what Coldplay, alongside an absolute powerhouse team of collaborators—Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, and TINI—have bottled up and turned into music with their song “WE PRAY”. This track isn’t just another tune; it’s a feeling, a shared experience put to a melody. Let’s dive in and really unpack the beautiful, layered story this song is telling us.
More Than a Song: The Global Prayer of “WE PRAY” by Coldplay and Friends
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First off, let’s get one thing straight. When this song says “pray,” it’s talking about something much bigger than any single religion. It’s about the universal act of hoping, of wishing, of sending out positive energy for yourself and for others. It’s the raw, unfiltered desire for goodness, for peace, and for a little bit of light in the dark. The song opens with Chris Martin setting a beautifully humble and relatable tone.
He isn’t asking for fame or fortune. He’s praying for the simple, yet profound, things:
I pray that I don’t give up, pray that I do my best
Pray that I can lift up, pray my brother is blessed
Praying for enough, pray Virgilio wins
Pray I judge nobody and forgive me my sins
This opening is so powerful because it’s a mix of personal goals (“I do my best”) and selfless wishes for others (“my brother is blessed”). It’s a quiet acknowledgment of our own flaws and a hope to be better. It’s the kind of prayer we all make in our own way, every single day.
A Tapestry of Voices, A Symphony of Hopes
What makes “WE PRAY” so incredibly special is how it weaves together different perspectives from its amazing guest artists. Each one brings their own unique flavor, their own personal prayer, to the table, creating a rich and diverse emotional landscape.
Little Simz: A Prayer for Strength and Truth
When Little Simz comes in, the energy shifts. Her verse is a powerful declaration of strength, truth, and empowerment, especially for women. She’s not just praying for herself; she’s praying for her “sisters” and for a world where women see their own power and worth.
Pray that we speak with a tongue that is honest
And that we understand how to be modest
She sees a queen, she sees a goddess
Seriously, how amazing is that? It’s a prayer that seeks to build others up, to help them recognize the royalty within themselves. It’s a call for authenticity and for a world that celebrates female strength.
Burna Boy: A Vulnerable Confession
Then we have Burna Boy, who brings a raw, emotional honesty to the track. He shares a moment of deep vulnerability that so many of us can connect with. His lines hit hard because they admit that sometimes, our own minds can be a difficult place to be.
On my knees, I pray, as I sleep and wake
Keep a smiling face, only by this grace
This is such a real and poignant confession. It’s a prayer for inner peace, for the strength to keep going even when you’re fighting internal battles. It’s a reminder that even when we put on a “smiling face,” we might be praying for the grace to just make it through.
The Global Heartbeat: Understanding the Chorus
The chorus is where all these individual prayers merge into one massive, collective voice of hope. It’s a plea for guidance, for comfort (“some shelter and some records to play”), and for the simple promise of seeing another day.
And so we pray
We’ll be singing “Baraye”
Pray that we make it to the end of the day
Now, that line about singing “Baraye” is incredibly significant. “Baraye” is a song by Iranian artist Shervin Hajipour that became the anthem for the Mahsa Amini protests in Iran. It’s a song about freedom, rights, and a better future. By including this reference, Coldplay and their collaborators elevate “WE PRAY” from a personal song to a global anthem of solidarity. It’s a prayer for everyone fighting for a better life, for freedom, and for their voices to be heard.
This song is a beautiful reminder that no matter where we are in the world, what we look like, or what we believe, we are all connected by our hopes and our dreams for a kinder, safer world. It teaches us that the simple act of wishing well for another person, of hoping for strength, or of dreaming of a better tomorrow is a powerful force that unites us all.
So, what do you think? “WE PRAY” is such a layered and emotional track, and its meaning can feel different for everyone. Did a particular artist’s verse resonate with you more? How do you interpret the song’s message of a global prayer? I’d love to hear your perspective on it!