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.
What a System
Clinton Fearon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What a system Baba what a system
What a system what a system
What a system Mama what a system
What a system what a system
What a system Dada what a system
What a system what a system
What a system what a dutty system
accused
And just a slap on the wrist to the
murderers
Time and time again time and time again
It's just a warning given to the murderers
Hey what about the victims
Hey of all the pains we share
Nothing said nothing done
I say no one remembers the victims
Greedy men keep on doing them thing
All they want is to win
These games they play
Looking like a sheep
But a wolf in disguise
In this day and age
You can't even trust your brothers
With tears in their eyes
And stories so well dramatized
It's hard to resist their bag full of lies
So many say them a Rasta
But them action say them a babylon
Don't let them fool you
They will abuse you
So many say them a Christian
Yet them keep on living in sin
All they want is to win
These games they play
by Preto
The song "What a System" by Clinton Fearon is a commentary on the injustices that exist in society within political and legal systems. Throughout the song, Fearon points out the hypocrisy and corruption of those in power, who often let murderers off easy but harshly judge and prosecute the innocent. Fearon argues that the justice system is flawed, leaving victims to suffer while the greedy and powerful continue to play games and win at any cost.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "What a system," emphasizing the frustration and disappointment in the systemic issues that plague society. Fearon takes a critical stance on those who claim to be righteous or morally superior, highlighting their hypocrisy and urging listeners not to be fooled by their lies.
Line by Line Meaning
What a system what a system
Expressing disbelief and frustration at the existing social, political, and economic structures
What a system Baba what a system
Calling out to the elderly and experienced for guidance and wisdom in navigating the flawed system
What a system Mama what a system
Seeking comfort and support from the maternal figure for the pain caused by the system
What a system Dada what a system
Looking up to the patriarchal figure for strength and resilience to endure the oppression of the system
What a system what a system
What a system what a dutty system
Labelling the system as dirty and corrupt, highlighting the depth of its flaws
Time and time again they crucify the accused
Pointing out the injustice of punishing the innocent while the guilty go free
And just a slap on the wrist to the murderers
Exposing the leniency shown towards those who commit grave crimes, which should otherwise carry severe punishment
Time and time again time and time again
It's just a warning given to the murderers
Suggesting that even when the guilty are convicted, they are given warnings instead of the full punishment they deserve
Hey what about the victims
Raising a question about the forgotten victims of the system's flaws
Hey of all the pains we share
Acknowledging the common suffering experienced by the masses due to the unjust system
Nothing said nothing done
Expressing disappointment at the lack of action or meaningful change in the face of this oppression
I say no one remembers the victims
Reiterating the neglect of those who have suffered at the hands of the system
Greedy men keep on doing them thing
Calling out the selfish nature of those who benefit from the exploitative system and continue to perpetuate it
All they want is to win
Highlighting the selfish motives and priorities of those who thrive off the system
These games they play
Referring to the manipulative tactics used by those in power to maintain the existing flawed system
Looking like a sheep
Describing how those in power appear innocent and harmless, while they are wolves in disguise
But a wolf in disguise
Highlighting how the powerful can deceive and harm the vulnerable, while appearing harmless
In this day and age
Expressing that even in modern times, the same systemic issues persist
You can't even trust your brothers
Expressing how even those who share a bond of trust can be untrustworthy, especially in a flawed system
With tears in their eyes
Implying that even those who appear emotional can have ulterior motives
And stories so well dramatized
Pointing out how those in power can manipulate narrative to suit their motives, even if it is not truthful
It's hard to resist their bag full of lies
Highlighting how difficult it is to fight against the powerful, who have the means to maintain and propagate the status quo
So many say them a Rasta
Questioning the authenticity of those who claim to be Rastafarians but act in ways that contradict Rastafarian values
But them action say them a babylon
Implying that their actions indicate an allegiance to the oppressive and exploitative system
Don't let them fool you
Warning against falling prey to the manipulative tactics of the powerful
They will abuse you
Highlighting the potential to be mistreated and taken advantage of by those who benefit from the flawed system
So many say them a Christian
Questioning the sincerity of those who claim to be Christians but continue to sin against others and propagate the flawed system
Yet them keep on living in sin
Pointing out the hypocrisy of those who profess an ideology but act in ways that contradict it
All they want is to win
These games they play
Contributed by Josiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.