The Dubs: African Herbsman Version
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics


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400 years (400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o)
And it's the same -
The same (wo-o-o-o) philosophy
I've said it's four hundred years;
(400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
Look, how long (wo-o-o-o)
And the people they (wo-o-o-o) still can't see.
Why do they fight against the poor youth of today?
And without these youths, they would be gone -
All gone astray

Come on, let's make a move:
(make a move, make a move. Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
I can (wo-o-o-o) see time (wo-o-o-o) - time has come,
And if-a fools don't see
(fools don't see, fools don't see. Wo-o-o-o)
I can't save the youth:
The youth (wo-o-o-o) is gonna be strong.
So, won't you come with me;
I'll take you to a land of liberty
Where we can live - live a good, good life
And be free.

Look how long: 400 years, (400 years, 400 years) -
Way too long! (wo-o-o-o)
That's the reason my people (wo-o-o-o) - my people can't see.
Said, it's four hundred long years - (400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o)
Give me patience (wo-o-o-o) - same philosophy.

It's been 400 years, (400 years, 400 years)




Wait so long! Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o.
How long? 400 long, long years. [fadeout]

Overall Meaning

The song "400 Years" by Bob Marley & The Wailers is a powerful commentary on the oppression and injustice faced by black people over a period of 400 years. The song reflects on the persistence of the same philosophy and mindset, despite the prolonged period of time that has passed. The lyrics criticize the apathy of people towards the struggles of the youth of today, who are fighting against the same injustices that their ancestors faced centuries ago.


The song urges for action and unity, calling for people to make a move towards a land of liberty where they can live a free and good life. The lyrics highlight the importance of patience and perseverance in the fight for freedom and equality, which has been ongoing for centuries.


Line by Line Meaning

400 years (400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o)
For 400 years, we have been oppressed, and it feels like an eternity


And it's the same - The same (wo-o-o-o) philosophy
The philosophy of the oppressor hasn't changed, and we are still being subjugated


I've said it's four hundred years; (400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o) Look, how long (wo-o-o-o) And the people they (wo-o-o-o) still can't see.
Even though it has been 400 years, people are still unable to see the injustice perpetrated against us


Why do they fight against the poor youth of today? And without these youths, they would be gone - All gone astray
The oppressors are attacking the young people who have the power to create change; without them, their regime will crumble


Come on, let's make a move: (make a move, make a move. Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o) I can (wo-o-o-o) see time (wo-o-o-o) - time has come, And if-a fools don't see (fools don't see, fools don't see. Wo-o-o-o)
It's time to act and create change, even if some people do not see the urgency of the situation


I can't save the youth: The youth (wo-o-o-o) is gonna be strong. So, won't you come with me; I'll take you to a land of liberty Where we can live - live a good, good life And be free.
I can't save the young people, but I can help them become empowered and free in a new society that values liberty and life


Look how long: 400 years, (400 years, 400 years) - Way too long! (wo-o-o-o) That's the reason my people (wo-o-o-o) - my people can't see. Said, it's four hundred long years - (400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o) Give me patience (wo-o-o-o) - same philosophy.
400 years is way too long to endure oppression, which is why it is hard for us to see a different reality; but we must have patience and continue to resist


It's been 400 years, (400 years, 400 years) Wait so long! Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o. How long? 400 long, long years. [fadeout]
We have already waited for 400 years, and it is time for things to change




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing,
Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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