Four Hundred Years
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

Four hundred years (four hundred years, four hundred years, wo-o-o-o)
It has been four hundred years since the start of something, as denoted by the repetition of the phrase; the term 'wo-o-o-o' emphasizes this passage of time.

And it's the same
Despite the passage of time, nothing has changed; the current situation is identical to what it has been for four centuries.

The same (wo-o-o-o) philosophy
The ideas and beliefs that have caused this situation haven't changed either, symbolized again by the phrase 'wo-o-o-o.'

I've said it's four hundred years (Four hundred years, four hundred years, wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
Reiterating the fact that the situation has been ongoing for four centuries, the repetition of the phrase 'four hundred years' and the emphasis on 'wo-o-o-o' further highlight this point.

Look, how long (wo-o-o-o)
The duration of time passed is emphasized once again, as the artist wonders aloud how much longer this will continue.

And the people they (wo-o-o-o) still can't see
Despite four hundred years having passed, people fail to recognize the root causes of their struggles; the 'wo-o-o-o' once again denoting the ongoing nature of this problem.

Why do they fight against the poor youth of today?
The singer questions why some oppose the younger generation, even though they are integral to the future of society.

And without these youths, they would be gone
The older generation would cease to exist without the younger generation to carry on their legacy; they should therefore work together to ensure a brighter future for all.

Come on, let's make a move (Make a move, make a move, wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
Urging action, the artist wants people to take initiative and work together to effect change; 'wo-o-o-o' once again emphasizing the ongoing nature of the situation.

I can (wo-o-o-o) see time (wo-o-o-o) time has come
The artist believes that the time for change has finally arrived, with 'wo-o-o-o' once again emphasizing the passage of time.

And if-a fools don't see (Fools don't see, fools don't see, Wo-o-o-o)
If certain individuals fail to recognize the need for change, the singer cannot help them; 'wo-o-o-o' once again underlining the ongoing nature of the situation.

I can't save the youth
The artist cannot protect the younger generation from the problems of the world

The youth (wo-o-o-o) is gonna be strong
Despite this, the younger generation will overcome the difficulties they face, as the phrase 'wo-o-o-o' highlights the ongoing nature of their strength.

So, won't you come with me
The singer invites others to join together in this pursuit of a brighter future for all.

I'll take you to a land of liberty
Together, the singer will guide others towards a society free from the struggles that have plagued them for four centuries.

Where we can live, live a good, good life
In this society of freedom and equality, people can live a fulfilling and enjoyable life.

And be free
Without the problems that currently afflict society, people can experience true freedom and live their lives to the fullest.

Look how long four hundred years (four hundred years, four hundred years)
Reiterating the length of time passed, the singer emphasizes the scale of the problem.

Way too long! (wo-o-o-o)
The duration of time is once again emphasized, as the phrase 'way too long' conveys the sense of exhaustion and hopelessness.

That's the reason my people (wo-o-o-o) my people can't see
The passage of time has caused people to become blind to the root causes of their problems, with the repetition of 'my people' emphasizing the shared struggle.

Said, it's four hundred long years (four hundred years, four hundred years. wo-o-o-o)
Once again reiterating the duration of time passed, the phrase 'four hundred long years' conveys the sense of desperation and exhaustion.

Give me patience (wo-o-o-o) same philosophy
Despite the struggles faced by the people, the artist urges them to keep going with the same philosophy of change; 'wo-o-o-o' once again symbolizing the ongoing nature of the problem.