It's Not Easy

Lucky Dube's song "It's Not Easy" is a poignant narrative about the pain and disillusionment that comes with a failed marriage. The lyrics tell the story of a man who excitedly informs his mother about his impending marriage, only to return to her later with the sad news of his divorce. The song captures the emotional journey from the joy of love and commitment to the despair of a relationship falling apart.

The protagonist's conversation with his mother serves as a central theme in the song. Initially, she questions whether he truly knows his partner, a question he dismissively answers, confident in his choice. However, as the marriage unravels, he reflects on his mother's wisdom and realizes the gravity of his decision. The mother's words, "It's not easy to understand it son, but I hope you will make it," echo as a comforting yet somber refrain throughout the song, acknowledging the complexity of love and the challenges of moving on.

Dube's lyrics delve into the idealization of love and the harsh reality that sometimes follows. The singer laments the hidden truths that only reveal themselves after the vows are exchanged, suggesting that the beauty and innocence he saw in his partner masked deeper issues. The line "Beautiful woman is another man's plaything" hints at betrayal and the pain of realizing that the person he married was not who he thought she was. The song is a testament to the trials of love and the resilience needed to heal from its disappointments.