We And Dem
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics


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We no know how we and dem a-go work this out, oy
We no know how we and dem a-go work it out

But someone will 'ave to pay
For the innocent blood
That they shed every day
Oh, children, mark my word
It's what the bible say, yeah, yeah

Oh, we no know how we and dem a-go work this out
We no know how we and dem a-go work it out

But in the beginning jah created everythin' (ooh)
Givin' man dominion over all things
But now it's too late
You see, men has lost their faith (ooh), hey-ey-hey
Eating up all the flesh from off the earth, eh

We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (we no know)
We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (no, we don't know)
Dub-da-dub-da-dub
Dub-a-dippidi-doop-de-doo
Nim-a-nummany num-na-noo
Num-a-nummana-num-da-nay
Dippy-dippy-dippy, dip-de-dub-de-day
Dip-a-dubbada-dub-da-day

But I say, we no know how we and dem a-go work this out
Them a flesh and bone
We no know how we and dem a-go work it out

But we now have no friends
In-a high society, yeah
We no have no friends
Oh, mark my identity
We no have no friends, oh-oh, yeah

We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (no, we no know)
We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (we no know)
We no know how we and dem a-go work it out (no, we don't know)




(We no know how we and dem a-go work this out) rasta
(We no know how we and dem a-go work this out) ilyabom

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bob Marley & The Wailers' song We And Dem address the ongoing conflict between different social groups and classes in society. The chorus repeats the phrase โ€œWe no know how we and dem a-go work this out,โ€ emphasizing the fact that there seems to be no easy solution to this complex issue. The verses indicate that the conflict has escalated to a point where innocent blood is being shed every day, and someone will have to pay for it. Bob Marley is urging people to come together and find a solution that can prevent further violence and suffering.


Marley's lyrics also reflect his beliefs as a Rastafarian. He references โ€œwhat the bible sayโ€ to emphasize the importance of living in harmony and peace with each other. The second verse includes the line โ€œGivin' man dominion over all things,โ€ further emphasizing the idea that all people should be treated equally and with respect. Marley also criticizes those who have lost their faith and are consuming the earth's resources without regard for the consequences.


The song's dub-style rhythm adds to the powerful meaning of the lyrics. The repetitive phrases and intricate vocal harmonies create a mesmerizing effect that draws the listener in, while the lyrics leave a lasting impact. We And Dem is a call to action, urging people to work together to create a more just and equitable society.


Line by Line Meaning

We no know how we and dem a-go work this out, oy
We don't know how we and our adversaries will resolve their conflicts, my friend


But someone will 'ave to pay
However, someone will have to bear the consequences


For the innocent blood
For the untainted lives


That they shed every day
Spilled brutally by them every day


Oh, children, mark my word
Listen attentively, my children


It's what the bible say, yeah, yeah
As scripture states


But in the beginning jah created everythin' (ooh)
At first, Jah created everything


Givin' man dominion over all things
Giving humankind control over everything


But now it's too late
However, now it's beyond repair


You see, men has lost their faith (ooh), hey-ey-hey
As humans have abandoned their belief


Eating up all the flesh from off the earth, eh
Devouring all living beings on earth


But I say, we no know how we and dem a-go work this out
Still, I affirm that we don't know how we and our foes will resolve things


Them a flesh and bone
They are mere mortals


But we now have no friends
However, we don't have any companions left


In-a high society, yeah
Even in the upper echelons of society


We no have no friends
We don't have any friends at all


Oh, mark my identity
Oh, recognize my individuality


We no have no friends, oh-oh, yeah
We don't have any friends, oh yeah


Dub-da-dub-da-dub


Dub-a-dippidi-doop-de-doo


Nim-a-nummany num-na-noo


Num-a-nummana-num-da-nay


Dippy-dippy-dippy, dip-de-dub-de-day


Dip-a-dubbada-dub-da-day


We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (no, we no know)
We still don't know how we and our adversaries will resolve their conflicts


We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (we no know)
We don't know how we and our adversaries will resolve their conflicts


We no know how we and dem a-go work it out (no, we don't know)
We don't know how we and our adversaries will resolve their conflicts


(We no know how we and dem a-go work this out) rasta
(We don't know how we and our adversaries will resolve their conflicts) rasta


(We no know how we and dem a-go work this out) ilyabom
(We don't know how we and our adversaries will resolve their conflicts) ilyabom




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Zion91

In the beginning.. Jah created everything. He gave man dominion over all things! But now it's too late.. you see man has lost their faith! Eating up all the flesh from off the Earth..

@joshstanton267

@Joe Bloggs you might just be a moron

@blitheringrando1410

Today I play this and think of the people at war in ukraine

@shaunstewart7834

Too late for what?? Redemption??? Jahova is waiting for us not the other way around!!!

@dereknankivell1604

@@blitheringrando1410 ukraine is the devil's headquarters

@cherylwilliams5810

Serious music ๐ŸŽถ

20 More Replies...

@ajn8110

Bob is up there with the father looking down at us and usual, praying for us. We have lost the biggest thing God gave us. We should know by now. I cry anytime I listen to his songs. Such is wisdom. Rest in perfect peace, Bob.

@edortega7671

He's music was so strongly anointed by the Lord. Nothing else comes close.

@zelmixsg9000

excuse me what is the message of his song please

@FC-xc3zy

@@zelmixsg9000 Bob is saying that evil leaders have destroyed the earth. God had given man the earth to protect, love and cherish, but our leaders murder, divide , steal and pollute

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