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Sky Larking
Horace Andy Lyrics


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Skylarking, skylarking
That's what youth do today
Skylarking, skylarking
Before they stand up firm on their feet
Get a likkle work, a likkle work
And earn their bread honestly
Beggin' you a five cent, sir
Beggin' you a ten cent, sir
Cannot help, no, cannot help
So if you all keep on doing what you all are doing
You will end up, up up in jail

Overall Meaning

The song "Sky Larking" by Horace Andy is a commentary on the lifestyle of youth in Jamaica, particularly their tendency to engage in aimless, careless behavior. The chorus of the song, "Skylarking, skylarking, that's what youth do today," is a reference to this behavior, which involves loafing around and not taking responsibility. Andy suggests that this behavior is a result of the youth not having yet found their footing in life, and needing to earn their living honestly in order to stand up firmly on their own two feet.


The verses go on to highlight the consequences of this behavior, which include begging and eventually leading to jail time. The line "Begging you a five cent, sir, begging you a ten cent, sir, cannot help" speaks to the poverty that many youth face, leading them to resort to begging for even small amounts of money. However, Andy suggests that this is not a sustainable way of life, and that young people need to focus on finding honest work in order to achieve long-term success.


Overall, "Sky Larking" is a call to action for youth to take responsibility for their futures, stop engaging in aimless behavior, and focus on building a better life for themselves. It serves as a commentary on the challenges facing young people in Jamaica, and the need for them to be proactive in creating a better future.


Line by Line Meaning

Skylarking, skylarking
Engaging in reckless behavior and having fun with friends


That's what youth do today
Adolescents tend to engage in such behavior in the present times


Before they stand up firm on their feet
Before they become self-sufficient and responsible adults


Get a likkle work, a likkle work
Get a small job to earn some income


And earn their bread honestly
To earn honest livelihood


Beggin' you a five cent, sir
Asking for petty cash


Beggin' you a ten cent, sir
Asking for a small amount of money


Cannot help, no, cannot help
Unable to provide any support


So if you all keep on doing what you all are doing
If you continue with your current actions


You will end up, up up in jail
You may end up in jail for engaging in reckless or illegal behavior




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALBERTO BLACKWOOD, CLEMENT N DODD, HORACE N HINDS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@sonnetsandtruth1642

My mum loves reggae. This reminds me of her and I’m thankful for the amazing richness of the music I was surrounded with growing up. Music for the spirit.

@Wanstagco

Ganja farmer dub

@user-ov8qv3hp9d

May the whole SPIRIT be with you my sister.

@nigelAshby

​@@Wanstagco
1975

@skinheadsoulbhoy2858

One of the sweetest voices to come out of Jamaica, such a talent such a great record . 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

@miggy2times

So timeless, reggae is old now and still thrilling well, I particularly choose roots over modern day reggae in my opinion. Bless!

@jarkokoo

Saw Horace Andy performing live yesterday. His voice is still amazing.

@0601989m

ditto, saw him perform this classic yesterday a mere 10 years after your comment.... what a voice, what a band!!

@dpianist1

Anyone still jamming to classics like these in September of 2019 give me a thumb up!!!

@CoDNaMoPRaTioNBLuDRaoN

November 2019 here

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