Punky Reggae Party
Bob Marley/Lee "Scratch" Perry Lyrics


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Are you ready?

New wave, new rave
New wave, new wave, new rave
Let me tell you, we're going to a party
And I hope you are hardy
So please don't be naughty
For it's a punky reggae party
New wave, new rave
New wave, new rave

Tell you what, take a joyful sound
To make the world go 'round
Come with your heart and soul
Come-a, come-a and rock your boat
'Cause it's a punky reggae party
And it's tonight
It's a punky reggae party
And it's alright

Oh-oh-oh?

Rejected by society (do re mi fa)
Treated with impunity (so la te do)
Protected by their dignity (do re mi fa)
I face reality (so la te do)

New wave, new rave
New wave, new wave, new rave

Wailers be there
The Dammed, The Jam, The Clash
Maytals will be there
Doctor Feelgood too, ooh
No boring old farts, no boring old farts, no boring old farts
Will be there
No boring old farts, no boring old farts, no boring old farts
Will be there

And it's a punky reggae party
And it's tonight
Punky reggae party
And it's alright

Oh-oh, ah

A tip from a gypsy (do re mi fa)
She said man, you got a tipsy (so la te do)
Hidin' from reality (do re mi fa)
In your world of hypocrisy (so la te do)

In your world of hypocrisy
In your world of hypocrisy
In your world of hypocrisy
In your world of hypocrisy

Let me tell you, a bubble, a bubble, a bubble, a bubble
A bubble, we a bubble
We ain't lookin' for no trouble
So if you trouble-trouble
We'll give it to you double

New wave, new rave
New wave, new wave, new rave

Said we gonna punk, punk, punk, punk, punk, punk
Punk, punk, punk, punk, punk, punk
Punk, ah aaah-aah-aah
(Punk, punk, punk, punk, punk, punk)
(Punk, punk, punk, punk, punk, punk)
(Punk, punk, punk)

Eh, it takes a joyful sound
To make the world, make the world go 'round
It takes a joyful sound
Come-a, come-a rock your boat

It's a punky reggae party
And it's tonight
Punky reggae party
And it's alright

Roots, roots, roots!

(Do re mi fa)
(So la te do)
(Do re mi fa)
(So la te do)
(New wave, new rave)
(New wave, new wave, new rave)





Said we gonna punk, punk, punk, punk, punk, punk
Ah aaah-aah-aah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song "Punky Reggae Party" by Bob Marley & The Wailers express their excitement to attend a punk rock and reggae party. The first verse sets the tone of the song, telling the listener about the party where they will be going and asking them to come along. The second verse calls for them to bring their "heart and soul" to the party and "rock their boat." The chorus repeats that the event is a "punky reggae party" and that it's tonight, and that it is alright.


The third verse protests against society's rejection of people who don't fit in, stating that they are still protected by their dignity, before the bridge of the song urges everyone to come out, as there will be no "boring old farts" at the party. The lyrics encapsulate the spirit of the era it was written in, a time when punk rock and reggae were two genres uniting on the dance floor against societal constraints.


Overall, "Punky Reggae Party" is a very upbeat and joyful song that encourages the listener to let go of any inhibitions and come dance the night away. The lyrics are both a call to unite people from diverse backgrounds and a protest against societal norms that stifle individuality.


Line by Line Meaning

New wave, new rave
A new kind of music is emerging and taking over; everyone is excited about it.


New wave, new wave, new rave
There's a new sound in town, and everyone is enjoying it.


Let me tell you, we're going to a party
We're all going to an exciting event that will be happening soon.


And I hope you are hardy
I hope you're ready for this party and can handle all the excitement.


So please don't be naughty
Please don't act out and ruin the party for everyone else.


For it's a punky reggae party
This party has a mix of punk and reggae music styles.


Tell you what, take a joyful sound
Listen to the happy, upbeat sound of the music.


To make the world go 'round
Music is a universal language that brings people together and makes the world a happier place.


Come with your heart and soul
Put all of your energy and passion into listening to the music and enjoying yourself.


Come-a, come-a and rock your boat
Dance and move your body to the beat of the music.


'Cause it's a punky reggae party
This party is all about celebrating punk and reggae music together.


And it's tonight
The party is happening tonight.


Rejected by society (do re mi fa)
We've been pushed away and excluded by mainstream society.


Treated with impunity (so la te do)
We've been mistreated without any consequences.


Protected by their dignity (do re mi fa)
We maintain our self-respect and honor in the face of adversity.


I face reality (so la te do)
I confront the truth of my situation.


Wailers be there
Bob Marley and The Wailers will be performing at the party.


The Dammed, The Jam, The Clash
Other punk bands will also be performing at the party.


Maytals will be there
The Toots and the Maytals will also be performing at the party.


Doctor Feelgood too, ooh
Doctor Feelgood, a British pub rock band, will also be performing at the party.


No boring old farts, no boring old farts, no boring old farts
Only fun and exciting people will be allowed at this party.


And it's a punky reggae party
This party is all about celebrating punk and reggae music styles mixed together.


Oh-oh, ah
Expressing excitement and anticipation for the upcoming party.


A tip from a gypsy (do re mi fa)
Advice received from a free-spirited, unconventional person.


She said man, you got a tipsy (so la te do)
She thinks I'm getting a bit drunk.


Hidin' from reality (do re mi fa)
Trying to escape from the harsh truths of life.


In your world of hypocrisy (so la te do)
The world is full of people who say one thing but do another.


Let me tell you, a bubble, a bubble, a bubble, a bubble
Continuing to express excitement for the upcoming party.


A bubble, we a bubble
We are enjoying ourselves and having a good time.


We ain't lookin' for no trouble
We're not here to start any problems.


So if you trouble-trouble
If you cause any trouble, watch out.


We'll give it to you double
We'll make sure that any trouble is dealt with quickly and forcefully.


Said we gonna punk, punk, punk, punk, punk, punk
Expressing the energy and excitement of punk music through this repeated phrase.


Eh, it takes a joyful sound
Reiterating that the joyous sounds of music are important to keep spirits high.


To make the world, make the world go 'round
Music has the power to bring people together and create a happier world.


Roots, roots, roots!
Celebrating the roots of reggae music and the culture it comes from.


(Do re mi fa)
Musical interlude.


(So la te do)
Musical interlude.


(New wave, new rave)
Repeating the excitement and energy of the new music style taking over.


(New wave, new wave, new rave)
Expressing the excitement of the new kind of music that everyone is enjoying.


Said we gonna punk, punk, punk, punk, punk, punk
Continuing to express the fast-paced and energetic sound of punk music.


Ah aaah-aah-aah
Long, extended musical interlude.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BOB MARLEY, LEE PERRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Stephano Zalmuna

Chega arrepia, Descanse em paz Lee .

Laura Nicholls

Very sad to hear about your passing. Lee. Perry,Scratch, thank you for all the beautiful music you’ve given, Your a musical genius, your legend will live on forever ♥️💛💚♥️💛💚♥️💛💚♥️💛💚♥️💛💚♥️💛💚♥️💛💚♥️💛💚🌈

Mike Norledge

the skinny little fellow at the start of this clip is Lee Perry, he co-ordinated the development of Jamaican Ska through the hot-steppers to Reggae and Roots (Nesta and many other wonders) and beyond that to Dub, Dubstep, Drum and Bass, Jungle, House, Techno, Trance, Chillout, Hip Hop, Trip Hop, Two Tone (UK) .. and all that he was really singing about was to Stop Slavery of all kinds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbb192bVGAU

Laura Nicholls

Different times. Different minds. Got a way with words.❤️💛💚❤️

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Mel Mortimer

Great mix....and by two masters...of the craft...♥️💛💚

Chris Lybeert

this is the Rasta with more.

Mellow Alchemist

Well Said! Respect

Chris Lybeert

I am very happy and surprised that there are still connoisseurs who know that this Roots of The Rasta is the right extension for everyone.Comon folks lets play Punky Reggae.

Mellow Alchemist

@Chris Lybeert Likewise Brother!
New Wave~New Phase
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
❤💛💚❤💛💚❤💛💚

Mellow Alchemist

@Chris Lybeert
Why are you surprised?
Marley LIVES FOREVER
He is the CornerStone of All Respectable Civilization 🔥

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