Foundation
Beenie Man feat. The Taxi Gang Lyrics
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Oh, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nigh
Hey, yu see Sly & Robbie
A just Selassie send dem, well
Play music fi heathen, well
Si di Christian we call dem, yeh
Dut just di devil control dem, Sly
A Selassie send dem, well
'Cause music a fi play dem, yeh
Mr. Robbie him bass dem, well
Taxi Gang come tell dem dat
Well Mr. Sly, well
Music we all play an we a trample over jungle
Trample down a TG, rema man we a talk to
All rema man unuh fi cool an unuh fi humble
Put down all di guns an leave di chain an all di bangle
'Cause Selassie, well we ready fi di people
All Rastaman an bogo man we all a talk to
Sly dem a play, we licking out di devil
Come Taxi Gang come play fi di people
A just Selassie send dem, well
Play music fi heathen, well
Si di Christian we call dem, yeh
Dut just di devil control dem, Sly
A Selassie send dem, well
'Cause music a fi play dem, yeh
Mr. Robbie him bass dem, well
Taxi Gang come tell dem dat
Long time we a tell dem fi louh all di band
Dem want mix Rastaman in dem Bachanal
Chu Missa Sly him a foundation
Dats why we play di music fi each and everyone
Music we a play yes a we run di route
Music we a play fi all dem down a south
Easy Mr. Sly and Taxi Gang run di route
Yuh, nuh, hear music dem a bawl out
Mission Impossible and a teach people
Play fi all di dumb, di deaf, di blind and all di cripple
Oh, Mr. Sly how yuh humble, nah rumble
Because we too comfortable so we tell dem
A just Selassie send dem, well
Play music fi heathen, well
Si di Christian we call dem, yeh
Dut just di devil control dem, Sly
A Selassie send dem, well
'Cause music a fi play dem, yeh
Mr. Robbie him bass dem, well
Taxi Gang come tell dem dat
Well, trample di Christian, di beast a albashan
Dis Rastaman don't yuh know seh yuh ever wrong
Mr. Sly play di music from 19 how long
Dem a play fi Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, how much
How dem fi dis we when yuh know seh we nuh nervous
A foundation, a we dig di land
A wi set di plan, an a wi buy, oh, na
A just Selassie send dem, well
Play music fi heathen, well
Si di Christian we call dem, yeh
Dut just di devil control dem, Sly
A Selassie send dem, well
'Cause music a fi play dem, yeh
Mr. Robbie him bass dem, well
Taxi Gang come tell dem dat
Dis yah one yah pass january morning
From now mi a give out di warning
Some bwoy a fi try do some farming
Mr. Sly a music wi playing
Well from now bad man I talking
Well Taxi Gang don't you know dem run di tune
And don't yuh know sehh a we have di engine
Well follow Beenie Man and sing
In the song "Foundation" by Beenie Man feat. The Taxi Gang, the artist pays homage to Jah, Rastafari, and his belief in the power of music. The lyrics take on a spiritual and religious tone as the artist claims that the music played by The Taxi Gang is divinely inspired by Selassie. The song discusses the negative influence of the devil on Christians and heathens alike, but the music played by The Taxi Gang is meant to combat this control. The song encourages listeners to put down their weapons and material possessions and instead embrace spirituality and humility. The Taxi Gang is lauded for their role in playing music for all people, including the dumb, deaf, blind, and crippled. The artist asserts that The Taxi Gang is a foundation in the music industry and their influence can be traced back to the likes of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
Overall, the lyrics of "Foundation" convey a sense of spirituality and the power of music to transcend negative influences. The song pays homage to influential figures in reggae music and the importance of continuing their legacy.
Line by Line Meaning
Glorious be to the most high, Jah, Rastafari
Let us give praise to the Almighty and divine creator, Jah, Rastafari
Oh, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nigh
Expressing excitement or happiness about a particular thing or event
Hey, yu see Sly & Robbie
Acknowledging the presence of Sly and Robbie, two well-known musicians
A just Selassie send dem, well
Selassie is responsible for sending them, meaning that their musical talents and abilities are a gift from the divine
Play music fi heathen, well
The purpose of their music is to uplift and transform the consciousness of those who may not yet have a spiritual connection or understanding
Si di Christian we call dem, yeh
Referring to Christians who may not fully understand or practice the true essence of Rastafarianism
Dut just di devil control dem, Sly
Implying that some Christians may fall under the influence of negative forces or may not be living in alignment with their true divine purpose
Mr. Robbie him bass dem, well
Robbie is known for his exceptional bass playing and is credited for creating an impactful and rhythmic sound
'Cause music a fi play dem, yeh
The purpose of the music is to inspire and change people's consciousness
Well Mr. Sly, well
Acknowledging Sly's exceptional musicianship and contribution to the industry
Music we all play an we a trample over jungle
Referring to the fact that music has the power to eliminate obstacles or barriers and unite people from various cultural backgrounds
Trample down a TG, rema man we a talk to
Expressing the importance of standing up for oneself and pushing beyond limits to achieve success
All rema man unuh fi cool an unuh fi humble
Encouraging listeners to remain grounded and positive despite challenges and adversity
Put down all di guns an leave di chain an all di bangle
Encouraging listeners to let go of material objects or possessions that may hold them back from their true purpose and divine potential
'Cause Selassie, well we ready fi di people
Expressing belief that Selassie has blessed them with their musical talents to serve and uplift the people
All Rastaman an bogo man we all a talk to
Addressing an inclusive audience, inviting people from all walks of life to listen and connect with their music
Sly dem a play, we licking out di devil
Their music has the power to dispel negativity and evil forces
Come Taxi Gang come play fi di people
Inviting the Taxi Gang, another well-known group of musicians, to play music in service of the people
Long time we a tell dem fi louh all di band
For a while now, they have been encouraging people to listen to all kinds of music
Dem want mix Rastaman in dem Bachanal
Acknowledging that some people may not fully understand or appreciate Rastafarianism, and may only associate it with partying or having fun
Chu Missa Sly him a foundation
Sly, being a legendary musician and influential figure in Jamaica and the music industry, is a foundational or seminal figure
Dats why we play di music fi each and everyone
Their music is intended to transcend cultural, social, and economic boundaries and connect with all people
Music we a play yes a we run di route
They are taking an active role in shaping the trajectory of music and have a strong presence and influence
Music we a play fi all dem down a south
Their music is universal, meant to reach all people, even those from the southern hemisphere
Easy Mr. Sly and Taxi Gang run di route
Sly and the Taxi Gang are leading the way in their musical journey and have the expertise and experience to guide others
Yuh, nuh, hear music dem a bawl out
Acknowledging the powerful and transformative nature of music and the way it can evoke strong emotions or reactions
Mission Impossible and a teach people
Their music aims to inspire and teach people, even if their goals seem unattainable or difficult (like the movie Mission Impossible)
Play fi all di dumb, di deaf, di blind and all di cripple
Their music has the power to reach and connect with all people, regardless of their physical or mental abilities or challenges
Oh, Mr. Sly how yuh humble, nah rumble
Sly is an exceptional musician, but remains humble and grounded, choosing to focus on making music rather than becoming involved in conflict or drama
Because we too comfortable so we tell dem
Implying that they are not willing to compromise their values or mission just to appease others or make themselves more comfortable
Well, trample di Christian, di beast a albashan
Acknowledging that some Christians may not fully understand or appreciate their message or music
Dis Rastaman don't yuh know seh yuh ever wrong
Addressing the misconception that Rastafarians are always wrong or misguided in their beliefs or actions
Mr. Sly play di music from 19 how long
Sly is an experienced and seasoned musician, with a career spanning several decades
Dem a play fi Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, how much
Acknowledging the legendary status of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, and the impact they have had on Jamaican and world music
How dem fi dis we when yuh know seh we nuh nervous
Expressing surprise or confusion at why some may still choose to criticize or judge them, despite their unwavering strength and courage
A foundation, a we dig di land
They are the foundation or bedrock of Jamaican music and have paved the way for future generations of musicians and artists
A wi set di plan, an a wi buy, oh, na
They are the architects of their own destiny, and have set out to achieve their goals and dreams with their music
Dis yah one yah pass january morning
Referring to this musical track as something new or fresh, like a new year or a new beginning
From now mi a give out di warning
This music is a warning, a call to action or a message that should not be dismissed or ignored
Some bwoy a fi try do some farming
Encouraging some individuals to take stock of their actions or behavior, and to make positive changes in their lives
Mr. Sly a music wi playing
Reaffirming that music is at the heart of their message and what they stand for
Writer(s): Ernie Freeman, Sly Dunbar, Moses Anthony Davis, Robbie Shakespeare, Lloyd Oliver Willis
Contributed by Lillian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.