Rebel Music
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

"Rebel Music" is a song by Bob Marley that expresses the sentiments of someone who is frustrated with the limitations of society and the cruel measures taken by the authorities to enforce them. The song begins with the singer boldly declaring that he is a rebel who believes in the power of music to express dissent and protest. He questions why people are not allowed to roam freely in their own country and be who they want to be. The use of the word "we" in this instance emphasizes his desire for collective freedom rather than individual liberation.

The song then takes a more personal turn as the singer describes throwing away his "little herb stalk," indicating that he has chosen to forfeit his freedom and his pleasure in order to avoid punishment. This shows the dire consequences of rebelling against the establishment and the personal sacrifices that people have to make every day to maintain their dignity and freedom. The phrase "three o'clock roadblock" is a reference to the common police tactic of setting up checkpoints to catch people who are out past curfew or breaking other laws.

The final verse of the song refers to the singer being stopped by a cop who demands to see his birth certificate, a piece of paper that represents the bureaucratic control that authorities exert over the lives of citizens. By saying "I ain't got no birth certificate on me now," the singer asserts his right to be free from this type of surveillance and control. Overall, the song is a powerful anthem for those who feel oppressed or marginalized and a call to action for those who want to challenge the status quo.