Corner Stone
Bob Marley & Peter Tosh Lyrics
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Will always be the head cornerstone-a sing it brother
The stone that the builder refuse
Will always be the head cornerstone
You're a builder, baby
Here I am, a stone
Don't you pick and refuse me
Are the things they should choose
Do you hear me?
Hear what I say!
Stone that the builder refuse
Will always be the head cornerstone-a tell me why
The stone that the builder refuse, yeah!
Will always be the head cornerstone
Here I am baby
I am, a builder's stone!
Don't you pick and refuse me, listen
The tings people refuse
Are the things they should use
Do you hear me
Hear what I say
The stone that the builder refuse
Will always be the head cornerstone
The stone that the builder refuse
Will always be the head cornerstone
The stone that the builder refuse
Will always be the head cornerstone
The stone that dem builder refuse
Will always be the head cornerstone
The stone that the builder refuse
Will always be the head cornerstone
The stone
that the builder rejects has a deeper philosophy that goes beyond just the literal interpretation of construction. The message behind the lyrics is that not everything that is rejected or seen as lesser has no value, and sometimes things that are not accepted have great potential and should be given a chance. This can be applied to people, ideas or cultures that often face discrimination or exclusion. In this sense, the message of the song is about acceptance and seeking the value in what others may overlook.
The repetition of the line "The stone that the builder refuse will always be the head cornerstone" emphasizes the importance of the message and the idea that the unjustly rejected will eventually rise to be the foundation or the most important part of something. Bob Marley also adds the line "Do you hear me? Hear what I say!" which implies that he is not just delivering a message but urging people to listen and act accordingly.
The use of the word "stone" as a symbol in the song is notable as well. In biblical times, stone was important in building and was viewed as a metaphorical symbol for salvation and strength. Bob Marley may have employed the use of the term to reflect the spiritual beliefs and cultural significance of his Rastafarian faith.
Line by Line Meaning
The stone that the builder refuse
The object rejected by those constructing something
Will always be the head cornerstone - a sing it brother
This rejected object will ultimately become the most important part of the final product
You're a builder, baby
Addressing those who have the power to include or exclude certain elements in a project
Here I am, a stone
The object being presented as an option for inclusion
Don't you pick and refuse me
Requesting to be given a fair chance
'Cause the things people refuse
Often times, rejected objects or ideas have potential
Are the things they should choose
Instead of rejecting these options without considering their value, they should be used
Do you hear me? Hear what I say!
Emphasizing the importance of this message
Here I am baby. I am, a builder's stone!
Reiterating that the object can add value to the project if given the chance
The tings people refuse
The objects or ideas rejected by others
Are the things they should use
These options should be reconsidered and implemented
Do you hear me. Hear what I say!
Another call to action to give rejected options a chance
The stone that the builder refuse
Once again emphasizing the importance of the rejected object
Will always be the head cornerstone
This rejected option will become the most important aspect of the final product
The stone that dem builder refuse
Using Jamaican patois to repeat the message
Will always be the head cornerstone
Reiterating the message one final time
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind