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I and I Survive
Bad Brains Lyrics


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Why must all the people keep on shooting and robbing. Why? Why must must all the people keep on killing and fighting. No, not I. I and I will would never try. No, not I. I and I would never try. And why must the rich man keep on hoarding all his money. And why must the this poor man, my living ain't very funny. No, not I. I and I would never try. No not I. I and I would never try, try to live that way. And what did Jah show them. I and I survive. They tried to stop this nation. But I and I survive. To chant down creation, I and I survive. And once again a nation.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bad Brains's song I and I Survive address the violence and inequality present in society. The lyrics question why people continue to engage in harmful behavior such as shooting, robbing, killing, and fighting. The singer rejects this behavior and states that they would never try to live that way. The lyrics also bring attention to the disparity between the rich and poor, with the rich hoarding their money while the poor struggle to make a living.


The chorus of the song, "I and I survive," emphasizes the resilience and strength of the singer and their community in the face of adversity. The lyrics suggest that Jah (Jamaican Patois for God) has shown them a path to survive and overcome the challenges thrown their way. The lyrics further state that their survival has defied those who have tried to stop them and that they have come together as a nation once again.


Overall, the song I and I Survive is a call for unity and the rejection of violence and inequality in society. It acknowledges the challenges faced by the singer and their community but provides a message of hope and strength in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Why must all the people keep on shooting and robbing. Why?
Why do people continually resort to violence, crime, and theft?


Why must must all the people keep on killing and fighting. No, not I.
I choose not to engage in acts of violence and aggression.


I and I will would never try. No, not I. I and I would never try.
I refuse to participate in violent and aggressive behavior.


And why must the rich man keep on hoarding all his money.
Why do wealthy individuals feel the need to accumulate vast amounts of wealth?


And why must the this poor man, my living ain't very funny. No, not I. I and I would never try.
I refuse to live in poverty or engage in actions that may lead to poverty.


No not I. I and I would never try, try to live that way.
I will not lower myself to living in poverty or participating in acts of aggression and violence.


And what did Jah show them. I and I survive.
Through my faith and belief in Jah, I will overcome any challenges or adversity.


They tried to stop this nation. But I and I survive.
Despite opposition and attempts to suppress our culture and beliefs, I will persevere.


To chant down creation, I and I survive.
I will use my voice and my beliefs to stand up for what is right and bring about positive change.


And once again a nation.
Together, through our faith and perseverance, we can rebuild and unite as a nation.




Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: EARL C HUDSON, PAUL D HUDSON, JENIFER DARRYL AARON, GARY W MILLER

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