Hypocrite
Bunny Wailer Lyrics


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Dip fi diplomatic;
'Yp for hypocratic;
Dry, dry, dry for dry-land tourist;
Tup-a tup-a tup for Topper Norris!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh! Man, go!

Dem a cut, cut, cut agains' dem one another;
Dem a cut, cut, cut agains' dem one another.
Don't dem teach to love one another ?
Don't dem teach to love one another ? oh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh! dem go!

Dem a shout up dem mouth 'pon dem one another
Dem a bruck bad lang' 'pon dem one another
Dem a cut sing Joe (?) 'pon dem one another
Dem a cut, cut, cut agains' dem one another
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh! Man, go! Man, go!

Dip, dip, dip fi diplomatic
Hip fi hypocratic




Dry, dry, dry fi dry-land touris'
A-tup, a-tup, a-tup-a (for Topper Norris)!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bunny Wailer's song "Hypocrite" speak to the behavior of people who are being fake and insincere in their interactions with others. The song suggests that these hypocrites are "dip fi diplomatic," meaning they pretend to be diplomatic and courteous. In contrast, they are "yp for hypocratic," being hypocritical in their true beliefs and intentions. These people act "dry, dry, dry for dry-land tourist," meaning that they are uninterested and dispassionate towards people who come from a different place or background. Finally, the song calls out a man named Topper Norris, who is referred to with the rhythmic phrase "Tup-a tup-a tup."


The repeated refrain of "See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!" emphasizes the prevalence of these dishonest individuals in society. The later lines of the verses suggest that this behavior of cutting others down and speaking ill of them goes against the idea of love and kindness that are taught in most religious and cultural traditions. The song speaks to the irony that people who are supposed to be loving and compassionate are often the ones who are the most cruel and selfish. Overall, "Hypocrite" is a call to action for people to be more genuine and reflective in their interactions, as well as a criticism of the ways in which societal structures and cultural norms often promote dishonesty.


Line by Line Meaning

Dip fi diplomatic;
Pretending to be diplomatic but with hidden intentions.


'Yp for hypocratic;
Showing hypocrisy and pretending to be virtuous when one is not.


Dry, dry, dry for dry-land tourist;
Referring to people who are not genuine, have no roots or connection to the land, and only come for their own benefit.


Tup-a tup-a tup for Topper Norris!
Referring to someone who is always in a rush but going nowhere important.


See de 'ypocrite, dem a-galang deh!
Pointing out that hypocrites are all around us.


Dem a cut, cut, cut agains' dem one another;
People who are tearing each other down instead of building each other up.


Don't dem teach to love one another ?
Questioning why people are not following the basic, fundamental principle of loving others.


Dem a shout up dem mouth 'pon dem one another
People who are always talking bad about each other.


Dem a bruck bad lang' 'pon dem one another
People who are using bad language to hurt each other.


Dem a cut sing Joe (?) 'pon dem one another
People who are spreading rumors and lies about each other.


Dip, dip, dip fi diplomatic
Pretending to be diplomatic but with hidden intentions.


Hip fi hypocratic
Showing hypocrisy and pretending to be virtuous when one is not.


Dry, dry, dry fi dry-land touris'
Referring to people who are not genuine, have no roots or connection to the land, and only come for their own benefit.


A-tup, a-tup, a-tup-a (for Topper Norris)!
Referring to someone who is always in a rush but going nowhere important.




Contributed by Avery J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@TitiUploads

Great tune with a legendary wailer. Jah lives!

@jtdavis62

Thanks for posting this classic album! One of my all-time favorites.

@-jamhuon-2488

Beautiful Song from The Wailing Wailers, thanks Jah B !!! (Bunny Wailer, original Wailer. Message is unfortunatly actual for sure.

@wagwankingston8913

A big tune Kenya 🇰🇪

@belezal3102

Essa lenda do reggae, agora em memória. M.R.

@nixonnguni3166

Simply awesome!!!😊💯👏

@218maryland

I wish you all peace and love

@mxolisidlamini7983

Bunny wailer at his best wish I could have this voice

@highmac4070

Big big tune with no doubt 💥

@cherisantoine9706

May All Beings Be Happy N Free From Pain ;

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