Real Situation
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Check out the real situation
Nation war against nation
Where did it all begin?
When will it end?
Well, it seems like, total destruction the only solution
And there ain't no use no one can stop them now
Ain't no use, nobody can stop them now
Give them an inch, they take a yard
Give them a yard, they take a mile (ooh)
Once a man and twice a child
And everything is just for a while
It seems like, total destruction the only solution
And there ain't no use, no one can stop them now
There ain't no use, no one can stop them now
Ain't no use, no one can stop them now
There ain't no use, no one can stop them now

Check out the real situation (check it out, check it out)
Nation fight against nation
Where did it all begin, wooh
Where will it end?
Well, it seems like, total destruction the only solution
Mmh, no use, can't stop them
W'ain't no use ya can't stop them
Ain't no use no one can't stop them now
Can't stop them now (no one can't stop them now)

There ain't no use, no one can't stop them now
Everybody strugglin', ain't no use, ain't no use
Ain't no use you even try
Ain't no use got to say bye bye




Ain't no use, ain't no, ain't no use, no one can stop them now (no one can stop them now)
(No one can stop them now)

Overall Meaning

"Real Situation" is a song by Bob Marley and the Wailers that discusses the ongoing state of conflict in the world. The song depicts nations fighting against nations with no end in sight, and reflects on the futility of trying to stop them. Bob Marley's lyrics ask the questions of where it all began and when it will end, but come to the conclusion that total destruction is the only solution.


The song's chorus repeats the phrase: "There ain't no use, no one can't stop them now," emphasizing the hopelessness people feel in the face of such conflicts. Marley also makes allusions to the cyclical nature of history with the line, "Once a man and twice a child," suggesting that humans seem destined to repeat the mistakes of the past. The second verse, "Give them an inch, they take a yard / Give them a yard, they take a mile," speaks to the concept that disputes can escalate quickly and dangerously. Ultimately, "Real Situation" is a call for peace and understanding in a world torn apart by war.


Line by Line Meaning

Check out the real situation
Take a closer look at the current state of the world


Nation war against nation
Countless conflicts between countries are happening


Where did it all begin?
What was the origin of all this chaos?


When will it end?
Is there a resolution in sight?


Well, it seems like, total destruction the only solution
It looks like destruction is the inevitable outcome


And there ain't no use no one can stop them now
There's no point in trying to stop the events from happening


Ain't no use, nobody can stop them now
There's no way anyone can prevent the situation from unfolding


Give them an inch, they take a yard
If you let them have a little, they'll want more


Give them a yard, they take a mile (ooh)
If you give them a lot, they'll take advantage and push beyond that


Once a man and twice a child
People start off strong, but will eventually weaken and become vulnerable


And everything is just for a while
Nothing is permanent, everything is temporary


Check out the real situation (check it out, check it out)
Look at the world with a critical eye


Nation fight against nation
The fighting between countries is ongoing


Where did it all begin, wooh
What was the root cause of all this?


Where will it end?
Will there ever be a resolution?


Mmh, no use, can't stop them
It's useless to try and prevent it from happening


W'ain't no use ya can't stop them
There's no point in trying to stop them


Ain't no use no one can't stop them now
No one can prevent what's about to happen


Can't stop them now (no one can't stop them now)
It's too late to try and prevent it


Everybody strugglin', ain't no use, ain't no use
Everyone is fighting, but it's futile


Ain't no use you even try
It's pointless to even try to stop the chaos


Ain't no use got to say bye bye
It's time to accept what's happening and move on


Ain't no use, ain't no, ain't no use, no one can stop them now (no one can stop them now)
It's pointless to try and prevent the situation from unfolding, it's already in motion


(No one can stop them now)
It's too late to try and prevent the chaos




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Cooking with Cleo

Where did it all begin ? When will it end? Seems like total destruction the only solution. Very powerful words! RIP legend

Delly

Powerful.words

1 More Replies...

Rex97

Bob Marley literally frees my mind from stress. It’s so laid back and has nice summer vibes

Out of Fashion

it is because he his the brother of Jah... go on watch your atlantis documentaries

Rmanu1

I'm with you mate. When I have a bad day I listen to Marley and all is good. Good for the soul

Matt Monson

This song is about endless war, boomer. Go listen to Jimmy Buffet, lol

Yo Kells

Way ahead of his time. Only a few people in our lifetime/generation who has had such a profound impact on so many people. This is the type of music that will always be remembered. Mr. Marley has secured his spot in heaven. His music has helped millions of people! 40+ years later and the music is still relevant! He was a messenger! His entire bloodline cannot even come close to what he has done. The man is still a modern marvel! Give them an inch, they take a yard. Give them a yard, they a mile; once a man and twice a child., and everything is just for a while!

buddy parmanand

Listen to some of super cat music from the 80s

Laurie Arthur

This one is so good! How did I skip over this one for so long. I guess all things come at the right time.

Dave

He's gonna get you sooner or later.

More Comments

More Versions