The expression "the least we can do" usually refers to some small action one can take to contribute to some important, common goal. "The least we can do to support him in his misery is to give him a phone call every now and then".
This song's protagonist offers a different idea about "the least we can do". He thinks no "small action" is the least we can do, but several remarkable big actions, which are pretty hard to achieve:
'make the world a better place for the (whole) human race'
'to end wars and quarrels'
'build a new set of morals'
show continuous love & support for people who feel 'low'
to set people free from various kinds of oppression
'peace for all mankind'
So the question arises: why does the song's protagonist call such huge, hardly achieveable actions 'the least we can do'?
My guess is that he makes a very principled stance, showing that we should not be satisfied until the very last shred of injustice in this world has been removed, and the very last man, woman and child can lead peaceful lives.
Less is not enough. 'The least' that is necessary to do will take a huge, common effort. And it's time we started.
The expression "the least we can do" usually refers to some small action one can take to contribute to some important, common goal. "The least we can do to support him in his misery is to give him a phone call every now and then".
This song's protagonist offers a different idea about "the least we can do". He thinks no "small action" is the least we can do, but several remarkable big actions, which are pretty hard to achieve:
So the question arises: why does the song's protagonist call such huge, hardly achieveable actions 'the least we can do'?
My guess is that he makes a very principled stance, showing that we should not be satisfied until the very last shred of injustice in this world has been removed, and the very last man, woman and child can lead peaceful lives.
Less is not enough. 'The least' that is necessary to do will take a huge, common effort. And it's time we started.