Subject In School
Burning Spear Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jah! Rastafari

I wonder if they love Him
Wonder if they care
I wonder if they know Him
Wonder if they want to

We want a subject in school on Marcus
We want a subject in school on Marcus
We want a subject
Malcolm X, Martin Luther King
Malcolm X, Martin Luther King

This three brethren was one brethren
This three brethren was one brethren
Before the system split them apart
Before the system split them apart

We want a subject in school on Marcus
We want a subject in school on Marcus
We want a subject in school on Marcus

But remember
Marcus been to China, to set up the black business
Marcus been to China, to set up the black business
Jah know
Yes, they copied him, they copied him, they copied him
They copied him, they copied him, they copied him

Africa, Marcus, Liberia
Africa, Marcus, Liberia

When slavery abolished from America
Last day send him back to Liberia
When slavery abolished from Jamaica
Yes, they send him back to Sierra Leone

We want a subject in school on Marcus
We want a subject in school on Marcus
We want a subject in school on Marcus

I wonder if they love Him
I wonder if they care
I wonder if they know Him
I wonder if they want to

Yes, I wonder if they love Him
Yes, I wonder if they care
Yes, I wonder if they know Him
Yes, I wonder if they want to

We will win to win Marcus
We shall win to win Marcus
We will win to win Marcus





We want a subject in school on Marcus
We want a subject in school on Marcus

Overall Meaning

In Burning Spear's song Subject In School, the artist expresses his concern about the lack of knowledge and appreciation for the iconic figures of the African-American community, such as Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. He wonders whether people truly understand and value their contributions to the world. He calls for a subject in school dedicated to Marcus Garvey, who is known for his Pan-Africanism philosophy and activism that encouraged black people to be self-sufficient and proud of their heritage. Garvey's influence is acknowledged in the lyrics, as he is credited with setting up black businesses in China, a move that was later copied by others.


The song also touches on the history of slavery and how it impacted the lives of black people. Burning Spear cites examples of how after the abolition of slavery in America, Marcus Garvey was sent back to Liberia, and in Jamaica, black people were sent back to Sierra Leone. The artist contextualizes the struggles of the African-American community within the larger context of the history of black people in the world.


Overall, Burning Spear calls for more awareness and appreciation for the contributions of these three individuals who were pioneers in their own right.


Line by Line Meaning

Jah! Rastafari
An invocation of the Rastafarian deity


I wonder if they love Him
Does society truly love and revere Jah, the Rastafarian God?


Wonder if they care
Do they have the compassion and empathy towards others to truly care?


I wonder if they know Him
Does society truly understand and respect Jah's teachings and principles?


Wonder if they want to
Do they truly have the desire to learn and follow Jah's teachings?


We want a subject in school on Marcus
Advocating for the inclusion of the teachings and life of Marcus Garvey in school curriculums


Malcolm X, Martin Luther King
Recognizing the significant historical figures in the African-American struggle for civil rights


This three brethren was one brethren
Acknowledging the shared vision and struggle of Garvey, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King


Before the system split them apart
Noting the societal forces that contributed to the divide between these leaders


But remember
Despite these divisions, we must not forget the contributions of Garvey


Marcus been to China, to set up the black business
Highlighting Garvey's efforts to establish black-owned businesses and self-sufficiency in China


Yes, they copied him, they copied him, they copied him
Garvey's ideas were stolen and copied by others, a recognition of his impact and importance


Africa, Marcus, Liberia
Garvey's primary focus was on the betterment of Africa and the establishment of a black nation in Liberia


When slavery abolished from America
After slavery was abolished in America


Last day send him back to Liberia
Garvey was eventually deported to Liberia after facing charges in America


When slavery abolished from Jamaica
After slavery was abolished in Jamaica


Yes, they send him back to Sierra Leone
Garvey was also deported from Jamaica to Sierra Leone for his activism


We will win to win Marcus
Commitment to continue Garvey's legacy and fight for black empowerment and liberation


We shall win to win Marcus
Determination to succeed and achieve Garvey's vision




Writer(s): Winston Rodney

Contributed by Victoria F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

ZimboChild263


on Nyah Keith

my brothers and sisters,
Let us run away together,
Away, zion I , away,
Away can treat you long,
For we walk to go to the lion,
Where the mill can hold before,
For the wise might knock at your door,
Zion I away,
Zion , i away,
High high high high
Who is higher than high ?
High x4
Who is higher than high
When i am on Zion
Mount zion Has,
All land, Jah Rastafarai

Away can treat you long,
For we walk to go to the lion,
Where the mill can hold before,
For the wise might knock at your door,
Zion I away,
Zion , i away,
High high high high
Who is higher than high ?
High x4
Who is higher than high
When i am on Zion
Mount zion Has,
All land, Jah Rastafarai

Richard maina


on Children

Greetings on of my favorite song, of Rodney

GEORGE MANGANYE


on Appointment With His Majesty

I NAMED MY CHILD RITA MARLEY .EVER SINCE SHE WANT TO MEET THE REAL MOTHER(RITA MARLEY).HOW CAN SHE DO THAT.

GEORGE MANGANYE


on Appointment With His Majesty

IS BROTHER WINSTON RODNEY WATCHING THE XENOPHOBIC ATTACK IN AFRICA.LET HIM COME AND CONVINCE THIS JAH-JAH CHILDREN NOT TO KILL EACH OTHER

GEORGE MANGANYE


on Appointment With His Majesty

I AM INTERESTED IN THE LYRICS(EDUCATION)BY WINSTON RODNEY

Malefu Cathy Motaung


on Loved For Who I Am

I love this song how can i download it pls help

Teba Sinker


on Man In The Hills

Jah Live Jah Guide Jah Protect.

Darren Smith


on Throw Down Your Arms

TOCH MY HEART OH JAH.......JAH RASTAFARI

Darren Smith


on The Invasion

SLAVER DAYS

Hamisi Omari Magala


on Give Me

reggae is like school, you can more thing in the reggae music

More Versions