Redemption Song
Ben Harper and Ziggy Marley Lyrics
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Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever have
Redemtion songs
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the Almighty
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fulfill the book
Won't you help to sing
Another song of freedom
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
And other songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
The song Redemption Song by Ben Harper and Ziggy Marley is a cover of Bob Marley's original song that was written during the time of the civil rights movement. The lyrics of the song are powerful as they address the issues of slavery, mental slavery, and the need for freedom. The song starts with the lines "Old pirates, yes, they rob I, sold I to the merchant ships, minutes after they took I from the bottomless pit", describing the hardships and struggles of the African slaves who were taken from their homeland and sold into slavery. The phrase "from the bottomless pit" refers to the unspeakable horrors of the slave trade.
The second stanza talks about the strength that the singer has found through faith in God, "but my hand was made strong by the hand of the Almighty". The song then progresses towards a more philosophical approach where the singer is urging everyone to break free from mental slavery, "none but ourselves can free our minds". He also urges the people to not fear atomic energy and to stand up for their rights. The song ends with the refrain "Won't you help to sing another song of freedom, 'Cause all I ever have, Redemption songs".
Overall, the song Redemption Song is a powerful message of hope and strength to those who have faced oppression and injustice. It reminds us that we are all capable of finding redemption and breaking free from mental and physical slavery.
Line by Line Meaning
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Referring to slavery and the loss of personal autonomy.
Sold I to the merchant ships
Being sold into slavery to work on a ship.
Minutes after they took I
Immediately being taken away from freedom.
From the bottomless pit
Living in inhumane conditions as a slave.
But my hand was made strong
Overcoming the challenges of slavery with the help of a higher power.
By the hand of the Almighty
Dependence on a divine power to help overcome life's challenges.
We forward in this generation
Moving forward and breaking the chains of slavery for future generations.
Triumphantly
With a sense of victory and accomplishment.
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
Breaking free from psychological oppression and societal restrictions.
None but ourselves can free our minds
Taking control of our own thoughts and perception is essential to achieving true freedom.
Have no fear for atomic energy
Don't be afraid of nuclear power or other technological advancements.
'Cause none of them can stop the time
Time is unstoppable and progress is inevitable.
How long shall they kill our prophets
Questioning the unjust persecution of leaders and visionaries who strive for equality.
While we stand aside and look
Observing without taking action against oppression is wrong.
Some say it's just a part of it
Belittling injustice as part of everyday life.
We've got to fulfill the book
Acting to fulfill the prophecy of equality and justice for all.
Another song of freedom
Continuing the fight for freedom and equality through music and activism.
And other songs of freedom
Many more songs of freedom and hope exist.
Redemption songs
Songs that inspire hope for a better future.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dean Baker
Dear Ben... if ever in South Africa... would love to hear this one song... i will buy the drinks!
Dean Baker
Will see you on the 6th June 2019!! Cant wait!!