Rastaman Live Up
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

Rastaman, live up!
Encouraging the followers of the Rastafari movement to stay strong and true to their beliefs

Bongoman, don't give up!
Encouraging the drummers to keep the rhythms going and not lose hope

Congoman, live up! (Yeah)
Encouraging the singer to keep spreading the message and staying positive

Binghi-man don't give up!
Encouraging the percussionists to keep playing the sacred rhythms and not lose faith

Keep your culture
Urging people to maintain their cultural heritage and not be swayed by outside influences

Don't be afraid of the vulture!
Advising people not to be afraid of those who prey on them or try to exploit them

Grow your dreadlock
Encouraging people to embrace their natural hair and not be ashamed of their appearance

Don't be afraid of the wolf-pack!
Advising people not to fear those who threaten them or try to oppress them

David slew Goliath
Recalling the story of David defeating the giant Goliath and emphasizing the power of faith and determination

With a sling and a stone
Describing the way David defeated Goliath with a simple weapon

Samson slew the philistines
Recalling the story of Samson defeating the enemies of the Israelites and emphasizing the power of physical strength

With a donkey jawbone
Describing the way Samson defeated the philistines with an unconventional weapon

Iyaman, live up!
A variant of 'Rastaman, live up!' emphasizing the power of the individual

Natty dread, no give up!
Urging those with the natural dreadlocks associated with the Rastafari movement to stay strong and not lose hope

Trodding through creation
Describing the journey through life and emphasizing the importance of a peaceful and positive outlook

In a irie meditation
Emphasizing the importance of a calm and positive state of mind

Seen many visions
Referring to experiences of spiritual insight and understanding

Inna dis 'ya Armageddon
In the midst of the final battle between good and evil, referring to the present moment as a time of crisis

Rastaman, live up!
Repeating the refrain to reinforce the message

Natty dread, no give up!
Repeating the encouragement to stay strong and not lose hope

Saw it in the beginning
Referring to the origins of humanity and emphasizing the cyclical nature of history

So shall it be in this iwa
So it shall be in this age, emphasizing the idea of a repeating cycle

And they fallen in confusion
Referring to those who have been led astray or lost their way

Well ah just a step from Babel Tower
Referring to the danger of losing communication and unity among people

Grow your dreadlocks
Repeating the encouragement to embrace natural hair rather than succumbing to societal pressure to alter one's appearance

Don't be afraid of the wolf-pack!
Repeating the advice not to fear those who seek to oppress or exploit you

Ah tell you, one man a-walkin'
Emphasizing the power of the individual and the potential for change that comes with collective action

And a billion man a-sparkin'
The collective efforts of many people have the potential to bring about positive change

Don't give up, don't give up, don't give up!
Repeating the encouragement to stay strong and not give up in the face of adversity