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.
Take Off The Mask
Clinton Fearon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too late Mr. Babylon
Too late Mr. Babylon
Too late Mr. Babylon
Take off the mask
Break it up Mr. Babylon
Give it up Mr. Babylon
Take off the mask
We know you well we know your system is a fraud
We know you well you can fool us no more
We know you well we know your system is a fraud
We know you well it's time for us to take control
No bother beg because you've done enough already
No bother beg because you make our heart sore
No bother beg because you've done enough already
No bother beg it's time for us to take control
(chorus)
Come out from your hiding place
Come out let we see your face
Come out from among the human race
Mr. Fraudy
Same thing in the morning
Same thing in the evening
Same thing every time
Take off the mask
Your bribe mommy with yor trickery
Use daddy do your robbery
Mislead the children with your bigotry
Take off the mask
(repeat verse1 and chorsu)
Clinton Fearon's song "Take Off the Mask" is a protest song that calls for the exposure of corrupt and deceitful individuals in positions of power. The song targets those who hide behind a facade to deceive the people they lead, telling them to remove their mask and be honest about their intentions. The song's chorus repeats the phrase "Too late Mr. Babylon, take off the mask" multiple times, emphasizing the message to those who have already caused damage to society with their lies.
The song's first verse accuses those in power of perpetuating a fraudulent system that no longer fools the people. Fearon claims that people have already been hurt, so there is no point in begging for forgiveness. It concludes that it's time for people to take control and make positive changes, instead of relying on corrupt leaders. The second verse continues these accusations, specifically targeting those who use trickery, bribery, and bigotry to deceive and exploit people.
Clinton Fearon's song is a powerful message to those who hold high-status positions and wield power in society. It is a call for transparency and honesty, urging leaders to put aside their masks and work towards creating a better world for everyone. The song's combination of reggae beats and meaningful lyrics creates a compelling and memorable piece.
Line by Line Meaning
Too late Mr. Babylon
It is too late for you to maintain your mask and hide your true identity, Mr. Babylon.
Take off the mask
It is time for you to reveal who you truly are and stop pretending, Mr. Babylon.
Break it up Mr. Babylon
Break down your fake exterior, Mr. Babylon.
Rap it up Mr. Babylon
Stop covering up your true self, Mr. Babylon.
Give it up Mr. Babylon
Stop deceiving the people, Mr. Babylon.
We know you well we know your system is a fraud
We are aware that you, Mr. Babylon, have been operating a fraudulent system.
We know you well you can fool us no more
We cannot be misguided any longer by your deceptive methods, Mr. Babylon.
It's time for us to take control
It is time for the people to take matters into their own hands and gain control, since no one can trust you, Mr. Babylon.
No bother beg because you've done enough already
Do not bother to plead for sympathy, as you have already caused enough harm, Mr. Babylon.
No bother beg because you make our heart sore
Do not try to appeal to our emotions when you have caused us so much pain, Mr. Babylon.
Come out from your hiding place
Expose your true self and stop hiding, Mr. Babylon.
Come out let we see your face
Reveal yourself and let us see who you truly are, Mr. Babylon.
Come out from among the human race
Stop pretending to be a part of society when you are deceiving and exploiting your fellow humans, Mr. Babylon.
Same thing in the morning
You continue to carry out the same deceptive actions every morning, Mr. Babylon.
Same thing in the evening
You continue to carry out the same deceptive actions every evening, Mr. Babylon.
Same thing every time
Every time we encounter you, you are the same deceptive person, Mr. Babylon.
Your bribe mommy with yor trickery
You have bribed and manipulated innocent mothers with your deceitful tactics, Mr. Babylon.
Use daddy do your robbery
You have taken advantage of unwitting fathers to carry out your criminal activities, Mr. Babylon.
Mislead the children with your bigotry
You have misled the innocent children with your narrow-minded and hateful views, Mr. Babylon.
Contributed by Eva W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.