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 “We no know how we and dem a-go work this out,” 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 “what the bible say” to emphasize the importance of living in harmony and peace with each other. The second verse includes the line “Givin' man dominion over all things,” 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 © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Ninjah

TRADUCTION EN FR
On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir
On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir

Mais quelqu’un devra payer
Pour tout le sang innocent
Qu’ils répandent tous les jours
Oh, les enfants, retenez mes paroles
C’est ce que la Bible dit !

On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir
On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir

Mais au commencement, Jah créa tout
Il donna à l’Homme la domination sur tout
Mais maintenant c’est trop tard,
Vous voyez, les hommes ont trahi le pacte
En dévorant toutes les chairs de la terre

On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir
On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir

(..)

On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir
Ils sont de chair et d’os
On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir

Mais nous n’avons pas d’amis dans la haute société
Nous n’avons pas d’amis, oh retenez mon identité
Nous n’avons pas d’amis, oh non
On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir
On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir
On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir
On ignore comment eux et nous allons nous en sortir



All comments from YouTube:

R DJ

I can listen to Bob Marley at anytime. Best music. ❤

zelmix sg

excuse me what is the message of his song please

Juan Ramos

Yes

A JN

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.

zelmix sg

excuse me what is the message of his song please

Ed Ortega

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

Elsy Valenciana

En estos tiempos estás canciones son amor puro.
🙌🏻✌🏻

Leroy Lilly

Bring back memories Bob Marley the legend.

Namke Banyan

The greatest philosophical works by this legend which is so under appreciated.

Daniel Macmillan

100%

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