Number In The Book

Lucky Dube's song 'Number In The Book' is a poignant call for responsibility and awareness in the face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The phrase 'No glove, no love' serves as a recurring motif throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of using protection to prevent the spread of the virus. Dube's lyrics highlight the dire consequences of neglecting this responsibility, pointing out that every statistic in the news represents a real person—a father, mother, son, or daughter. This humanization of the numbers serves to make the issue more relatable and urgent for the listener.

The song's narrative also touches on the lives of sex workers, who are often at higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. The line 'a lady from the street corner talks to a customer' paints a vivid picture of the transactional nature of their work. However, the woman in the song insists on using protection, saying, 'no glove, no love,' and underscores that no amount of money is worth her life. This moment in the song serves to highlight the agency and awareness of individuals who are often marginalized and stigmatized in society.

Through its powerful lyrics and emotive delivery, 'Number In The Book' serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. Lucky Dube uses his platform to educate and urge listeners to take personal responsibility for their actions. The song's message is clear: the choices we make have real, sometimes fatal, consequences, and it is up to each individual to ensure they are not just another statistic in the book. By focusing on the human stories behind the numbers, Dube makes a compelling case for empathy, responsibility, and proactive behavior in the fight against HIV/AIDS.