I And I Survive
Burning Spear Lyrics


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Should I go on my knees and plea to you
To free my people universally
Should I go, should I go, should I go
Should I go on my knees and plea to you
To free my people universally
Should I go, should I go, should I go

World leaders, world leaders, what about South Africa?
What about Ethiopia?
World leaders, world leaders, what about South Africa?
What about Ethiopia?

Should I go on my knees and plea to you
To free my people universally
Should I go, should I go, should I go
Should I go on my knees and plea to you
To free my people universally
Should I go, should I go, should I go

Marcus Garvey say, we declare to the world
Africa must be free
Martin Luther King say, he had a dream

Should I go on my knees and plea to you
To free my people universally
Should I go, should I go, should I go
Should I go on my knees and plea to you
To free my people universally
Should I go, should I go, should I go

Should I, should I, should I
Should I, should I, should I

Pain in my knees
Pain I all over
Pain in my knees
Pain I all over

Should I go on my knees and plea to you
To free my people universally
Should I, should I, should I
Should I go, should I go, should I go, should I
Should I go, should I, should I go

Pain in my knees
Pain I all over
Pain in my knees
Pain I all over

Should I go, should I, should I go
Go on my knees, should I, should I
Should I go on my knees, should I, should I
Should I go, should I





Should I go on my knees and plea to you
To free my people universally

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Burning Spear's "Should I" is an anti-apartheid song that questions whether the singer should plead on his knees to world leaders to free his people universally. The song begins with the Singer questioning his stance on whether he should plead on his knees to world leaders to declare freedom for his people or not. The repeated refrain is a cry for help from a people long oppressed and struggling for their freedom.


The song mentions South Africa and Ethiopia because at the time, both countries were affected by apartheid and the singer is trying to bring attention to this fact. The mention of Marcus Garvey and Martin Luther King Jr highlights their advocacy for black liberation and emphasizes the need for solidarity in the struggle for black liberation globally.


The repetition of the line "Pain in my knees, Pain all over" indicates the emotional and physical pain that comes with fighting for liberation. The song is a call to action, a plea for unity, and highlights the struggle of those who stand up against oppression.


Line by Line Meaning

Should I go on my knees and plea to you
Asking if he should humble himself and beg for freedom on behalf of his people.


To free my people universally
Asking for freedom for all his people, not just a select few.


Should I go, should I go, should I go
Repeating the question of whether he should plead for freedom or not.


World leaders, world leaders, what about South Africa?
Questioning why world leaders are not doing anything to help in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.


What about Ethiopia?
Questioning why world leaders are not doing anything to help Ethiopia in their struggles.


Marcus Garvey say, we declare to the world
Referencing Marcus Garvey's message of declaring Africa's freedom to the world.


Africa must be free
Declaring the need for Africa to be free from oppression and colonization.


Martin Luther King say, he had a dream
Referencing Martin Luther King's dream of equality and freedom for all, regardless of race.


Pain in my knees
Expressing physical discomfort, possibly from kneeling in prayer or protest.


Pain I all over
Expressing a deeper pain that is felt throughout the body and mind, possibly from the struggle for freedom.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WINSTON GODFREY RODNEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Augmuse

One solid reggae tune. I never tire of hearing this song. Thank you Burning Spear

@mattkurstin2395

Just found out i have cancer and am very greatfull that i can listen to some of my favourite music til the end.to all the reggae listners may jah protect and bless you we are truly the chosen ones

@toneejai7358

Get a book called "The One minute cure" or google 35% food grade Hydrogen Peroxide and try the 23 day therapy...very good chance your cancer will be no longer.
Jah love :)

@otuke3897

Bless you too

@nathanknott48

Hope you make it out bigman

@sydney8312

I hope you're still keeping well, brother. Keep the faith, you will beat this.

@mcdaniels6188

May good vibes come never ending. Stay the course!! Feel IRIE!!!

@alfvar

One of the best Dub songs ever.

@jackcommonman1395

The first dub I ever heard somewhere in the early 90's...loved dub reggae ever since

@swittle

The album is without doubt a masterpiece.

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