From his website:
If you know reggae music, you know Clinton 'Basie' Fearon. Clinton Fearon is counted among Jamaica's most talented musicians by peers and professionals in the Reggae music industry. His infectious bass riffs, guitar licks, percussion accents and powerful vocals make Bassie a living legend amongst reggae musicians and fans.
As a youth, Bassie went to Kingston to eventually become the well-known bassist, vocalist and lyricist for The Gladiators as well as a house musician for Coxsonne Dodd’s Studio One and Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Black Ark Studio. Fearon recorded many of Perry's best known songs, including Roast Fish and Cornbread which features one of Fearon's most famous bass lines. He also composed some everlasting basslines for Yabby You, Jimmy Riley, Max Romeo, Junior Byles and many many others.
Jah Know His People
Clinton Fearon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He will never leave I alone
Jah will never leave I by the wayside
He will never leave I alone
Jah know his people
Jah know his people dem
Jah know his people
I've got reason
Ive got reason
I've got good reason to believe so
I felt the strain I felt the pain
I've been there that's how I know
Thank you Jah for keeping I alive
Through your mercy I will survive
Oh while I'm giving thanks and praises
Let I not fall from your grace
Jah know his people
Jah know his people dem
Jah know his people
Jah know his people dem
I've got reason
I've got reason
I've got good reason to believe so
I felt the strain I felt the pain
I've been there that's how I know
In this song, Clinton Fearon expresses his belief in the faithfulness and protection of Jah, which is Jah Rastafari, the Rastafarian God. He proclaims that Jah will never leave him alone or by the wayside, suggesting that he trusts in Jah's guidance and presence in his life. Fearon's repetition of this sentiment emphasizes his confidence in Jah's loyalty and support.
The chorus of the song speaks to Jah's knowledge and recognition of his people. Fearon sings, "Jah know his people, Jah know his people dem", suggesting that Jah has a special connection with his followers, those who have faith in him. This connection is further emphasized when Fearon goes on to say that he has good reason to believe in Jah. The strain and pain he has experienced in his life have led him to this belief, and he thanks Jah for keeping him alive.
The last few lines of the song express gratitude towards Jah while acknowledging the possibility of falling from his grace. Fearon's lyrics suggest that he intends to continue to give thanks and praise to Jah as a way of staying connected to him and avoiding this fate.
Overall, Jah Know His People is a song about belief, gratitude, and the relationship between the believer and Jah. Fearon's lyrics emphasize the idea that Jah is always present and faithful, and that those who have faith in him can rely on his protection and guidance.
Line by Line Meaning
Jah will never leave I by the wayside
Jah will always be with me and support me no matter what.
He will never leave I alone
I will never be alone as long as Jah is with me.
Jah know his people
Jah knows and cares for his people deeply.
Jah know his people dem
Jah knows and cares for his people and their struggles.
I've got reason
I have evidence and faith that Jah is always there for me.
I've got good reason to believe so
I have good faith and reason to believe that Jah will always help me through difficult times.
I felt the strain I felt the pain
I have endured hardships and difficulties in my life.
I've been there that's how I know
I have experienced difficult times firsthand and thus know the value of Jah's support and help.
Thank you Jah for keeping I alive
I thank Jah for keeping me alive and well despite any challenges I may face.
Through your mercy I will survive
Thanks to Jah's mercy and support, I will continue to overcome and thrive.
Oh while I'm giving thanks and praises
While I am expressing my gratitude and admiration for Jah,
Let I not fall from your grace
I hope to always be on Jah's good side and not disappoint him in any way.
Contributed by Nora H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.