Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

Dread, Natty Dread now (Natty Dread)
The singer is referencing their movement, Natty Dread, which is based on Rastafarianism and the belief in the natural state of dreadlocks.

Dreadlock Congo Bongo I (Natty Dread)
The singer proudly declares that they have dreadlocks, which is a symbol of their faith and culture. Congo Bongo is a reference to Africa, where the Rastafari movement originated.

Natty Dreadlock in a Babylon (Natty Dread)
The singer is proud to wear their dreadlocks in Babylon, which symbolizes the oppressive system they are fighting against. Babylon represents the materialistic, capitalist world that the Rastafari reject.

A dreadlock Congo Bongo I (Natty Dread)
The singer again emphasizes their connection to Africa through their dreadlocks.

Eh! Children get your culture (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer is urging young people to learn about their cultural heritage and embrace their Rastafari beliefs.

And don't stay there and gesture, a-ah (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer is warning against simply going through the motions of the Rastafari faith without truly understanding its principles.

Or the battle will be hotter (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer is warning that those who do not fully embrace the Rastafari faith will face more difficult challenges and struggles in life.

And you won't get no supper (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer is using a metaphor to suggest that those who do not embrace the Rastafari faith will not be nourished spiritually, and will suffer in the long term.

Roots Natty, Roots Natty! (Natty Dread)
The singer again emphasizes their connection to their cultural roots and heritage.

Then I walk up the first street (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer is describing their journey through life as a Rastafarian, with each street representing a new challenge or experience.

And then I walk up the second street to see (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer continues the metaphor of the streets representing life experiences, suggesting that each new experience offers an opportunity for growth and understanding.

Then I trod on through third street (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer continues to describe their journey through life, emphasizing the persistence and determination required to stay true to their faith.

And then I talk to some Dread on fourth street (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer is describing the community of Rastafarians who support and inspire one another as they navigate life's challenges.

Natty Dreadlock in a fifth street (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer celebrates their identity as a Rastafarian, even as they face challenges and obstacles.

And then I skip one fence to sixth street (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer suggests that their journey as a Rastafarian requires breaking down barriers and pushing beyond boundaries to find spiritual growth and fulfillment.

I've got to reach seventh street (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer is determined to complete their journey as a Rastafarian, despite the challenges and obstacles they face.

Natty Dreadlock Bingy Bongo I (Natty Dread)
The singer again emphasizes their identity as a Rastafarian with dreadlocks.

Oh, Natty, Natty
The singer is addressing themselves as a Rastafarian with pride and affection.

Natty twenty one thousand miles away from home, yeah!
The singer emphasizes the distance they feel from the dominant culture, highlighting their sense of being an outsider in the world at large.

And that's a long way
The singer emphasizes how difficult it can be to maintain their identity as a Rastafarian in a world that is often hostile to their beliefs and culture.

Don't care what the world seh (Natty Dread)
The singer rejects the opinions and judgments of outsiders, and is resolved to hold on to their identity and beliefs as a Rastafarian.

I'n'I couldn't never go astray (Natty Dread)
The singer trusts in their faith and their community of Rastafarians to help them navigate life's challenges and remain true to their beliefs.

Just like a bright and sunny day (Natty Dread)
The singer is optimistic that their journey as a Rastafarian will be one of spiritual enlightenment and growth.

Oh, we're gonna have things our way (Natty Dread)
The singer is confident in their ability to create a community of Rastafarians that supports their beliefs and values, and has a positive impact on the world around them.

If a egg Natty in a the red (Natty Dreadlock)
The singer is using Jamaican patois to suggest that even if Rastafarians are persecuted and oppressed by the dominant culture, they will not abandon their beliefs and culture.

Natty Dread, Natty Dreadlock
The singer repeats the phrase that represents their identity and their movement, emphasizing the importance of their faith and culture in their lives.