Punky Reggae Party
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

Ooh, yeah, yeah yeah
The song begins with an enthusiastic and positive exclamation.

Say you gonna punky punky punk
The singer encourages the listener to participate in a new style of music and dance.

New wave, new phrase
The song describes a new trend in music, with innovative language and rhythms.

New wave, new craze
The new style of music is popular and widespread.

We're going to the party
The song describes an event that everyone is going to attend.

And I hope you are hardy
The singer hopes that the listener is strong and ready for an exciting time.

So please don't be naughty
The singer asks people to behave well at the party, to keep it safe and enjoyable.

For it's a punky reggae party
The party is going to feature this new genre of music that combines punk and reggae styles.

It takes a joyful sound
The song suggests that a happy and uplifting sound is needed to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.

To make the world go 'round
Music has the power to bring people together and create a sense of unity.

Come with your heart and soul
The singer encourages people to participate fully and authentically in the party.

Come 'a come and rock your boat
People are invited to have fun and dance to the music, which will be lively and exciting.

What did you say?
The singer addresses the listener directly, asking them to pay attention to the message of the song.

Rejected by society (do re mi fa)
The song references the struggles and marginalization experienced by people who are not accepted by mainstream culture.

Treated with impunity (so la te do)
These same people are often mistreated or ignored by those in power.

Protected by their dignity (do re mi fa)
Despite this treatment, people can still maintain their self-respect and sense of worth.

I search reality (so la te do)
The singer is on a quest for truth and authenticity, seeking a deeper meaning and understanding of life.

Now I'm saying the wailers be there
The song names several famous bands who will be performing at the party, building excitement and anticipation for the event.

The Dammed, The Jam, The Clash
These bands are all well-known in the punk and new wave scenes.

Maytals will be there
The Maytals are a reggae group, indicating that the party will feature a fusion of different musical styles.

Doctor Feelgood too, ooh
Doctor Feelgood is another band that plays a style of rock and roll music.

No boring old farts
The singer uses colorful language to describe people who would not be interested in this kind of party or music.

Will be there
The party is only for people who appreciate this new and innovative music.

Singing, no boring old farts
The repetition of this line reinforces the idea that this party is only for people who are open-minded and excited about new cultural experiences.

Well, it's the punky reggae party
The chorus repeats, underscoring the theme of the song and the exciting event that is coming up.

And it's tonight
The singer tells the listener that the party is happening soon, generating a sense of urgency and excitement.

Oh ah
This exclamation is an expression of joy and enthusiasm about the upcoming event.

A tip from a gypsy (do re mi fa)
The song references a fortune teller or mystic, who gives advice to the singer about life and the world.

She said man you got a tipsy (so la te do)
The advice from the mystic is to stay grounded and not lose sight of reality, even while enjoying the party and the music.

Hidin' from reality (do re mi fa)
The singer acknowledges the temptation to escape from everyday life through music and other pleasures.

In your world of hypocrisy (so la te do)
The song criticizes the disingenuous and superficial aspects of mainstream culture, which the singer sees as lacking authenticity and sincerity.

Say hidin' from reality
The song repeats the theme of avoiding reality through music or other means.

A bubble, a bubble, a bubble, a bubble
This repetitive phrase suggests a kind of escapism or fantasy.

We ain't lookin' for no trouble yeah
The song asserts that the party is not meant to be confrontational or aggressive, but rather a positive and joyful experience for everyone involved.

New wave
This phrase repeats, emphasizing the newness and innovation of the music.

New craze
The song ends with a final repetition of this phrase, cementing the message of the song and the excitement of this new cultural phenomenon.