Small Axe
Bob Marley Lee "Scratch" Perry Lyrics
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Oh, evil men
Playing smart
And not being clever?
I said, you're working iniquity
To achieve vanity (if a-so a-so)
But the goodness of Jah, Jah
I-dureth forever
So if you are the big tree
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
These are the words
Of my master, keep on tellin' me
No weak heart
Shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, fall in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it (fall in it)
If you are the big tree, let me tell you that
We are the small axe, sharp and ready
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
(to cut you down)
(to cut you down)
These are the words
Of my master, tellin' me that
No weak heart
Shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, uh, bury in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall bury in it, uh (bury in it)
If you are the big, big tree
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
If you are the big, big tree, let me tell you that
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
Sharpened
with righteousness, oh yeah!
The lyrics of Small Axe by Bob Marley and Lee "Scratch" Perry are a call to action against those who are arrogant and believe they are better than others. The song uses a tree metaphor to denote people who have achieved a certain level of success or power, and it tells them that they shouldn't become vain and arrogant, because this will be their downfall. The small axe represents those who are considered weak or powerless in the eyes of the big tree. The tree may act superior and indestructible, but the small axe-symbolizing the humble and honest ones-- is sharper and more powerful than the big tree. "No weak heart shall prosper" means that those who are not true to themselves and others will eventually fall victim to their own wrongdoings.
The song's message is rooted in Jamaican cultural and political struggles that aimed to promote equality and social justice. Bob Marley and Lee "Scratch" Perry were inspired by Rastafarianism, a spiritual movement that advocated for the recognition of African heritage and self-determination. The music reflects their desire for social change and fighting against systems of oppression that make it hard for marginalized people to thrive. The song's style is distinctly reggae, with its repetitive, upbeat rhythm and call-and-response vocals. It is a powerful anthem that has become a popular symbol of resistance and rebellion.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK ANTHONY MYRIE, DONOVAN GERMAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind