Hypocrites
Bob Marley feat. The Wailers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'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!
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/
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.
@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