Uprising would… Read Full Bio ↴Originally from the Album Uprising - Album Year: 1980
Uprising would be the final studio album featuring Bob Marley & the Wailers to be released during Marley's lifetime. Prophetically, it also contains some of the band's finest crafted material, as if they were cogent that this would be their final outing. The album's blend of religious and secular themes likewise creates a very powerful and singular quest for spirituality in a material world.
Album Tracks:
01 Coming In From The Cold
02 Real Situation
03 Bad Card
04 We And Dem
05 Work
06 Zion Train
07 Pimper's Paradise
08 Could You Be Loved
09 Forever Loving Jah
10 Redemption Song
11 Redemption Song (Band Version)
12 Could You Be Loved (12" Mix)
We And Dem
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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
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%