Rebel Warrior
Asian Dub Foundation Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my war cry!

I'm hear to teach you a lesson
I'm hear to torture your soul
I'm the itch in your side that's got out of control
Gonna prey on your conscience
You'll be praying for forgiveness
Seen all the evidence
No longer need a witness
So take my word man
Here's my sentence
One hundred thousand years of repentance.

Check my anger, it's real
Ain't no token
I'll be satisfied only when your back's been broken
It's my burning ambition to burn down your empire
Man I'll be building you a funeral pyre
The fire in my eyes
If looks coulda kill
I won't be satisfied until I've had my fill.
Check my anger, it's real
Ain't no token
I'll be satisfied only when your back's been broken

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my war cry!

Repetitive beats beating against your skull
I'll be striking you down
To the sounds of the wardrum
The doum!
The doum of the dhol
Taking it's toll
Null and void is what you've become
An underground army with my brothers and sisters
Hand to hand fighting
Building up a resistance
Repetitive beats beating against your skull
Null and void is what you've become

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my war cry!

A radical fusion
Strange alliance
The siren and the flute in unison
'cause it?s a part of my mission
To break down division
Mental compartments
Psychological prisons.

I?ll be sowing the seeds of community
accommodating every colour every need
So listen to my message and heed my warning
I'm telling you know
How a new age is dawning

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my warcry!

Ami bidrohi! ami bidrohi!
Yes the unity of the hindu and the muslim




Will end your tyranny
Ami bidrohi! ami bidrohi!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Asian Dub Foundation’s Rebel Warrior are a battle cry against oppression and injustice. The song is an anthem of resistance and a call to arms for people who have been marginalized and oppressed. The opening of the song, “Ami bidrohi,” means “I am a rebel” in Bengali. The lyrics are a declaration of defiance, a vow to fight against oppression and the oppressor.


The song’s opening verse sets the tone for the rest of the song; the singer declares himself a warrior, who will only rest when the oppressed is no longer crying and the sound of the oppressor’s sword is no longer heard in battle. The repetition of “when” emphasizes the singer’s unwavering resolve to fight for justice until it is achieved. The second verse is a warning to the oppressor that the singer will torture their soul and prey on their conscience, bringing to light the evidence of the oppressive acts they have committed. He will not be satisfied until they are broken; a testament to his unrelenting determination.


In the third verse, the singer calls upon the listener to join him in his resistance, painting a picture of an underground army fighting hand in hand to build up a resistance. The rhythm and beats of the song suggest that this resistance is not just physical but also mental, with the singer breaking down the psychological prisons that divide people.


The song ends with a call for unity, “the unity of the Hindu and the Muslim will end your tyranny” which is an affirmation that people from all walks of life should unite to fight against the oppressor. Rebel Warrior is a powerful song about resistance and the need to unite in the fight against oppression.


Line by Line Meaning

I the rebel warrior
I am a fighter who actively opposes your oppressive regime.


I have risen alone with my head held high
I stand tall with confidence and determination to fight for justice, even if I am alone in my pursuit.


I will only rest
I will not stop fighting until I see a world where the oppressed are no longer suffering.


When the cries of the oppressed
The voices of the marginalized and mistreated.


No longer reach the sky
Are no longer unheard and ignored.


When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
The violent and unjust methods used by those in power.


No longer rings in battle
Stop being used to dominate and control others through fear and intimidation.


Hear my war cry!
Take notice of my message - I will keep fighting until change is made.


I'm here to teach you a lesson
You have crossed a line and I won't let you get away with it.


I'm hear to torture your soul
You will be held accountable for your actions and suffer the consequences.


I'm the itch in your side that's got out of control
My actions will cause you discomfort and annoyance in a way that cannot be easily brushed off.


Gonna prey on your conscience
The guilt that you feel will eat you up and consume you.


You'll be praying for forgiveness
You'll have to live with the burden of your actions and seek redemption.


Seen all the evidence
Your true intentions and actions have been exposed and cannot be denied.


No longer need a witness
The truth is now clear and obvious.


So take my word man
Believe me when I say the following.


Here's my sentence
This is the punishment you deserve.


One hundred thousand years of repentance.
You will regret your actions for an immeasurable amount of time.


Check my anger, it's real
Don't underestimate how passionate and serious I am about fighting for change.


Ain't no token
This isn't just for show - I truly believe in this cause and am dedicated to it.


I'll be satisfied only when your back's been broken
I won't be happy until those who have caused harm are held accountable and forced to change their ways.


It's my burning ambition to burn down your empire
I am determined to bring an end to your oppressive control and dismantle your systems of power.


Man I'll be building you a funeral pyre
Your time is up and I will be celebrating your downfall.


The fire in my eyes
My passion and determination to bring about change are evident in my gaze.


If looks could kill
The intensity with which I regard you could be lethal if looks alone could cause harm.


I won't be satisfied until I've had my fill.
I will keep going until the mission is accomplished and full justice is achieved.


Repetitive beats beating against your skull
The rhythm of protest and resistance is constantly in your face and impossible to ignore.


I'll be striking you down
I am actively fighting against those in power who perpetuate oppression and inequality.


To the sounds of the wardrum
The beat of the drum signifies the call to action and the rhythm of protest.


The doum!
The beat of the drum.


The doum of the dhol
The beat of the traditional Indian drum.


Taking it's toll
The constant beat of the drum is having an effect on those in power and wearing them down.


Null and void is what you've become
Your oppressive systems and methods are useless and void of value when faced with the force of resistance.


An underground army with my brothers and sisters
We are united in our struggle against oppression and will support each other in the fight for justice.


Hand to hand fighting
Literal fighting against those in power and standing up to their methods of control.


Building up a resistance
Together, we are creating a movement that fights for justice and equality.


A radical fusion
We are combining our different cultures and backgrounds in the fight against oppression.


Strange alliance
Those who may not typically come together are joining forces in the fight for justice.


The siren and the flute in unison
Different sounds and instruments are united in creating a powerful message of resistance.


'cause it?s a part of my mission
Fighting against oppression and working towards justice is at the core of my purpose.


To break down division
We are fighting against the systems that create division and inequality among people.


Mental compartments
Ideas and beliefs that contribute to division and inequality.


Psychological prisons.
Systems of power and oppression that keep people trapped and unable to achieve their full potential.


I?ll be sowing the seeds of community
I will promote unity and understanding among people, planting the seeds for a more just and equal society.


Accommodating every colour every need
We are creating a society that appreciates and supports everyone, regardless of their individual differences or needs.


So listen to my message and heed my warning
Pay attention to what I am saying and take it seriously or face the consequences of continued oppression and resistance.


I'm telling you know
This is not a message that can be ignored or brushed off.


How a new age is dawning
We are on the brink of a new era, one characterized by justice, equality, and freedom for all.


Yes the unity of the hindu and the muslim
The coming together of people of different faiths to fight for justice and equality.


Will end your tyranny
It is only a matter of time until we achieve justice and end the oppressive systems that continue to harm and divide us.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANIRUDDHA DAS, JOHN ASHOK PANDIT, STEVE CHANDRA SAVALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@dust6969

Lyrics:

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my war cry!

I'm hear to teach you a lesson
I'm hear to torture your soul
I'm the itch in your side that's got out of control
Gonna prey on your conscience
You'll be praying for forgiveness
Seen all the evidence
No longer need a witness
So take my word man
Here's my sentence
One hundred thousand years of repentance.

Check my anger, it's real
Ain't no token
I'll be satisfied only when your back's been broken
It's my burning ambition to burn down your empire
Man I'll be building you a funeral pyre
The fire in my eyes
If looks coulda kill
I won't be satisfied until I've had my fill.
Check my anger, it's real
Ain't no token
I'll be satisfied only when your back's been broken

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my war cry!

Repetitive beats beating against your skull
I'll be striking you down
To the sounds of the wardrum
The doum!
The doum of the dhol
Taking it's toll
Null and void is what you've become
An underground army with my brothers and sisters
Hand to hand fighting
Building up a resistance
Repetitive beats beating against your skull
Null and void is what you've become

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my war cry!

A radical fusion
Strange alliance
The siren and the flute in unison
'cause it?s a part of my mission
To break down division
Mental compartments
Psychological prisons.

I?ll be sowing the seeds of community
accommodating every colour every need
So listen to my message and heed my warning
I'm telling you know
How a new age is dawning

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my warcry!

Ami bidrohi! ami bidrohi!
Yes the unity of the hindu and the muslim
Will end your tyranny
Ami bidrohi! ami bidrohi!

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Aniruddha Das / John Ashok Pandit / Steve Chandra Savale

Rebel Warrior lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc



@gavindoyle692

I love this song! I’m an Irishman who first heard this song when listening to “Community Music” when I was living in Australia in 2000.

I’m now a teacher in Mexico, but I still play this song for my students.

ADF are a perfect example of cross-cultural fertilisation and how immigration can keep a culture vital and vibrant.

Too bad that instead the UK decided to turn to narrow nationalism and Brexit in the interim. It had been a leading country in Europe for integration prior to the London Olympics in 2012. No longer, alas.

But, all hail to the Asian Dub Foundation. ✊🏽 🇮🇳 🇵🇰 🇧🇩 🇱🇰



@christmasanchez1.038

This band is my first pick to listen to Asian Underground. While pondering around on google for Jet Set Radio Future soundtracks for The Latch Bros. (AKA The Beastie Boys) soundtracks that they made for the game I decided I look for world music. Plus, listening to The Latch Brothers Bounce got me that vibe of Hindi or Asain beat for me so that is why I am here. Furthermore, this is big ups for me to put on my playlist very good songs I would say.







😉👍



All comments from YouTube:

@deffyme7357

Man I was 14, getting high listening to this and this introduced me to so many different new genres I have never ever heard of before. Such as drum & bass. This paved the way for the music I make today. And everything is still the same except that I don't smoke or drink nowadays. This is brings back such good memories man. :')

@annonymous3948

So you're 39?

@mattiaciani1

Disfruta de todo lo que puede. Siempre. Respectando los además, claramente

@pulakahmed2447

The beginning lines are from a poem of Kazi Nazrul Islam. He is a Bengali poet, writer, musician and revolutionary. He is the national poet of Bangladesh.

@79pejeperro

Pulak Ahmed translate ?

@pulakahmed2447

poetandpoem.com

@pulakahmed2447

Please read at the end of the page. Translation always reduces the real notion of the original.
Thanks for your intetest.

@dante666jt

Kazi Nazrul is fire

@mikeshramko8331

@@pulakahmed2447 You are so right that translation invariably diminishes culturally unique sentiments and ideas. However, it is my opinion that Kazi Nazrul, with this poem, has captured a quintessential aspect of the human condition and, as such, his meaning transcends language, culture, and indeed time and space. His notion of the ideal rebel is felt and understood by all of the oppressed of the world across peoples, nations, and continents. The Bengali people should indeed be most proud of his contribution to art and literature. His poem should be considered a world treasure, as such. I believe the Asian Dub Foundation proved it with this impressive lyrical masterpiece in English.

10 More Replies...

@dust6969

Lyrics:

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my war cry!

I'm hear to teach you a lesson
I'm hear to torture your soul
I'm the itch in your side that's got out of control
Gonna prey on your conscience
You'll be praying for forgiveness
Seen all the evidence
No longer need a witness
So take my word man
Here's my sentence
One hundred thousand years of repentance.

Check my anger, it's real
Ain't no token
I'll be satisfied only when your back's been broken
It's my burning ambition to burn down your empire
Man I'll be building you a funeral pyre
The fire in my eyes
If looks coulda kill
I won't be satisfied until I've had my fill.
Check my anger, it's real
Ain't no token
I'll be satisfied only when your back's been broken

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my war cry!

Repetitive beats beating against your skull
I'll be striking you down
To the sounds of the wardrum
The doum!
The doum of the dhol
Taking it's toll
Null and void is what you've become
An underground army with my brothers and sisters
Hand to hand fighting
Building up a resistance
Repetitive beats beating against your skull
Null and void is what you've become

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my war cry!

A radical fusion
Strange alliance
The siren and the flute in unison
'cause it?s a part of my mission
To break down division
Mental compartments
Psychological prisons.

I?ll be sowing the seeds of community
accommodating every colour every need
So listen to my message and heed my warning
I'm telling you know
How a new age is dawning

Ami bidrohi!
I the rebel warrior
I have risen alone with my head held high
I will only rest
When the cries of the oppressed
No longer reach the sky
When the sound of the sword of the oppressor
No longer rings in battle
Hear my warcry!

Ami bidrohi! ami bidrohi!
Yes the unity of the hindu and the muslim
Will end your tyranny
Ami bidrohi! ami bidrohi!

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Aniruddha Das / John Ashok Pandit / Steve Chandra Savale

Rebel Warrior lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc

More Comments

More Versions