Burn One Down
Ben Harper / Jack Johnson Lyrics
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From end to end
And pass it over
To me my friend
Burn it long, we'll burn it slow
To light me up before I go
If you don't like my fire
'Cause I'm gonna burn one down
Yes I'm gonna burn one down
My choice is what I choose to do
And if I'm causing no harm
It shouldn't bother you
Your choice is who you choose to be
And if your causin' no harm
Then you're alright with me
If you don't like my fire
Then don't come around
'Cause I'm gonna burn one down
Yes I'm gonna burn one down
Herb the gift from the earth
And what's from the earth
Is of the greatest worth
So before you knock it try it first
You'll see it's a blessing
And it's not a curse
If you don't like my fire
Then don't come around
'Cause I'm gonna burn one down
Yes I'm gonna burn one, uh
The song Burn One Down by Ben Harper is an ode to the use of marijuana and the freedom of choice. The lyrics start by inviting someone to smoke with the singer, encouraging them to pass the joint around and burn it slowly. The goal is to get high before the singer has to leave, and the act of smoking together is seen as a bonding experience between friends. However, the lyrics also make it clear that this is not for everyone, and if someone does not like the "fire," they should stay away.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of personal choice and the harmlessness of smoking marijuana. The singer states that if he is not causing any harm, others should not be bothered by his choice to smoke. He also acknowledges that everyone has the right to choose who they want to be, and as long as they are not harming anyone, they should be respected.
The last verse of the song is a defense of the use of marijuana as a natural gift from the earth. The singer states that what is natural is of the greatest worth, and that before judging or rejecting something, one should try it first to see its benefits. The lyrics suggest that marijuana should be seen as a blessing and not as a curse, and it is a gift that should be appreciated and respected.
Line by Line Meaning
Let us burn one
Let's light up a joint
From end to end
Light it up completely
And pass it over
Hand it over to me
To me my friend
Addressing the person he's handing the joint to as friend
Burn it long, we'll burn it slow
Take our time smoking the joint
To light me up before I go
Smoke the joint before leaving
If you don't like my fire
If you don't like me smoking weed
Then don't come around
Stay away from me
'Cause I'm gonna burn one down
I'm going to smoke weed regardless of other's opinions
Yes I'm gonna burn one down
Reiteration of his intention to smoke weed
My choice is what I choose to do
I have the right to make my own choices
And if I'm causing no harm
As long as I'm not hurting anyone
It shouldn't bother you
You have no reason to be bothered by my actions
Your choice is who you choose to be
You have your own choices to make in life
And if your causin' no harm
As long as you're not hurting anyone
Then you're alright with me
I accept you for who you are
Herb the gift from the earth
Marijuana is a natural gift from the earth
And what's from the earth
Things that come from nature
Is of the greatest worth
Are some of the most valuable things
So before you knock it try it first
Don't judge it before experiencing it yourself
You'll see it's a blessing
You'll realize how great it is
And it's not a curse
It's not something evil or bad
Yes I'm gonna burn one
Reiteration that he's going to smoke weed
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BEN C HARPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind