Hypocrites
Bob Marley feat. The Wailers Lyrics


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Dip for diplomatic;
'Yp for hypocratic;
Dry for dry-land tourist;
Tup for Topper Norris!
See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh! Man, go!
/Instrumental break/

Dem cut - cut - cut 'gainst 'em one another;
Cut - cut - cut 'gainst 'em one another.
Oh, dem teach to love one another;
Oh, dem teach to love one another. Man, go!

/Instrumental break/

Dem a run - come - come wid a gravalicious;
Dem a run - come - come wid a gravalicious;
Dem a run-a - come-a - come-a wid a gravalicious;
Sehd, a run-a - come - come-a wid a gravalicious.

/Instrumental break/

See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh! Man, go!

/Instrumental break/

Dip-a (for diplomatic);
A 'yp-a (for hypocratic);
Dry - dry - dry (for dry-land tourist);
A tup-pa - tup-pa - tup-pa (for Topper Norris)!
See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh! Man, go!





/Instrumental ending/
/fadeout/

Overall Meaning

In "Hypocrites," Bob Marley & The Wailers explore the theme of hypocrisy and fake behavior in society. Through the use of witty wordplay and repetition, Marley calls out those who pretend to be diplomatic, hypocratic, or dry when they are actually doing the opposite. The chorus, "See de hypocrites, dem a-galang deh," which means "See the hypocrites, they are walking around here," emphasizes the idea that these individuals are among us, pretending to be something they are not.


The song also touches on the way people interact with each other. Marley points out that despite the teaching of love and compassion, people still cut each other down and behave in a dishonest and unkind way. The use of the phrase "cut - cut - cut 'gainst 'em one another" emphasizes this negative behavior and highlights the contrast between what people are taught and what they actually do.


Overall, "Hypocrites" is a powerful commentary on societal issues and the need for authenticity and honesty in our interactions with one another.


Line by Line Meaning

Dip for diplomatic;
Be diplomatic in their political communications.


'Yp for hypocratic;
Be hypocritical and insincere in their words and actions.


Dry for dry-land tourist;
Be tourists who only stay on dry land and avoid real adventure or experiences.


Tup for Topper Norris!
Follow blindly without questioning, like how Topper Norris is known to follow Bob Marley as a close confidant.


See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh!
Point out the hypocrisy that these people exhibit.


Dem cut - cut - cut 'gainst 'em one another;
Criticize and accuse each other of wrongdoing.


Oh, dem teach to love one another;
Promote love and acceptance publicly, but do not practice what they preach privately.


Dem a run - come - come wid a gravalicious;
Fawn over Bob Marley and The Wailers, hoping for approval and rewards.


Sehd, a run-a - come - come-a wid a gravalicious.
As above: fawning and insincere.


Dip-a (for diplomatic);
reiteration of line 1


A 'yp-a (for hypocratic);
reiteration of line 2


Dry - dry - dry (for dry-land tourist);
reiteration of line 3


A tup-pa - tup-pa - tup-pa (for Topper Norris)!
reiteration of line 4


See de 'ypocrites, dem a-galang deh! Man, go!
reiteration of line 5 with a directive to leave or go away.




Writer(s): Bob Marley

Contributed by Samantha L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@coloneldjahngostomper5170

Fantastic Tune! Great Original Wailers

@56postoffice

Without doubt, one of the Wailers' greatest tracks.

@56postoffice

If this tune isn't in the new Wailers film, I ain't watching.

@honiideslysses12

Politicians. Some things never change, do they? Great rocksteady era Bob.

@ranica47

Politricks carried out by politricksters.

@dreadermichael

Fantastici Wailers ❤️❤️❤️❤️🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲👍👍👍

@rasoftheredsea7826

YessssssssssRAsssssss!!!!

@patsiebentley111

Music ! R should I say tune !

@stevereid926

Old duty hypocrite dem. Dem even more prevalent ina dis yah time.

@joshuaxlucas

Rocksteadyyyyy

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