Deep in the heart of Africa
children run free
among tomorrow’s dreams
free from you and me
free from our tears and fears.
Again and again we see
them, innocently bear
the heartache and despair
upon their smile after tears.

Set them children free
give ’em love and love.
Set the children free
let ’em love and be loved.

Deep in the moans of a nation
children run wild
among fussing and fighting
running from you and me
hiding from our minefields and wars.
Again and again we see
them, unknowingly bear
the color of our hate
upon their joy in the acid rain.

Set the children free
give ’em love and love.
Set the children free
let ’em love and be loved.

Deep in the cries of a people
children run aloof
between then, now, and forever
hiding from our greed and envy.
Time after time we see
them, blindly bear
our disease and death camps
upon their dying smiles.

Set them children free
hear their laughter in the wind
see them smiling in the rain.
Set the children free
let them love and be loved.