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Cocoa Tea (Calvin Scott) born in Rocky Point, Clarendon was one of many vocalists who emerged from the dancehall 'explosion' of the early 80's in Jamaica. His honeyed voice brought him a healthy following with a marvellous vitality and purity of vocal tone.
He has recorded with most of the top producers on the island at one time or another and his body of work includes; 'Lost Me Sonia', 'Rocking Dolly', 'Good Life', 'Heathen' and countless others worth checking out.
Cocoa Tea (born September 3, 1959 as Calvin George Scott, Jamaica) is a Jamaican reggae dancehall singer, songwriter, and DJ. He was popular in Jamaica from 1985, but has become successful worldwide only since the 1990s. One of his most famous songs is "Rikers Island", which was later put into a dub version by Nardo Ranks entitled "Me No Like Rikers Island" (featured on Dancehall Reggaespanol) which was released the same year as the original Rikers Island. He also gained fame with the song "18 and Over". He gained notoriety in March 2008 after releasing a song titled "Barack Obama" in support of the U.S. Presidential candidate by the same name.
Rastaman
Cocoa Tea Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mmmm
Woah na na na naii
Life's nothing but an illusion
In this world of confusion
War and sufferation
Dismantling this nation
Sell out their bredrens and sistrens for less than a dollar, mmm
They will do anything just to get some pay, I know
That a' many many careless Ithiopians has gone astray
But go tell them seh me say
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, no way
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
Mi say go tell them seh me say
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, no way
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
Mmmmm, yes
'Cause when you think it's a' peace and saf-e-ty
Then a' sudden destruction
And there must be a reaction
The result is destruction
Now no need to be looking so cold
A Rastaman cannot be bought nor sold
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, no way
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
Mi say go tell them seh me say
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, no way
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
Mmmmm
Now they will lower you to doing crime
And make Jah be the farthest thing from your mind
No need to fufill their plan
You can't sing king alpha song inna strait land
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, no way
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
Mi say go tell them seh me say
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, no way
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
Mmmmm, yes
Life's nothing but an illusion
In this world of confusion
War and sufferation
Dismantling this nation
And because of that certain people turn informer, Lord
Sell out their bredrens and sistrens for less than a dollar, mmm
They will do anything just to get some pay, I know
That a' many many careless Ithiopians has gone astray
But go tell them seh me say
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, no way
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
Beg unu go tell them seh me say
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, mmm God
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
Rastaman him sing again
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
What the Rastaman a' say
Rastaman
The song "Rastaman" by Cocoa Tea is a powerful protest against the injustice and corruption that pervades society, particularly the use of informants and the involvement of law enforcement agencies in illegal activities. The lyrics are a call for unity and resistance, reminding listeners that despite the challenges and setbacks they may face, they must remain true to their principles and refuse to be compromised. The chorus, "Rastaman no work with the DEA, no way / No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA," is a defiant declaration that the Rastafarian community will not cooperate with institutions that perpetuate oppression and inequality.
The song opens with an acknowledgement that life is often an illusion, a series of confusing and disorienting experiences that can lead people astray. The world is full of suffering and conflict, and many people are willing to betray their friends and family for personal gain. However, the song rejects this mentality and calls for a higher standard of integrity and morality. The Rastafarian way of life, with its emphasis on peace, love, and unity, offers an alternative to the violence and corruption that dominates society.
The second verse warns against the dangers of compromising one's values in order to survive or thrive in a hostile environment. The powers-that-be will exploit and manipulate those who are desperate or vulnerable, and try to control their thoughts and actions. However, the Rastaman is not so easily manipulated, and remains steadfast in his commitment to justice and equality. The bridge reinforces this idea, emphasizing that the Rastaman cannot be bought or sold, and will not be swayed by empty promises or threats.
Overall, "Rastaman" is a powerful statement of resistance and solidarity, reminding listeners that they must remain vigilant and stay true to their beliefs in the face of adversity. By refusing to collaborate with oppressive institutions and staying committed to their principles, they can help create a better world for themselves and future generations.
Line by Line Meaning
Woah na na na naii
Introductory sound effects
Mmmm
Background hum
Life's nothing but an illusion
Life is a mere concept that doesn't represent reality
In this world of confusion
The world is full of chaos and disarray
War and sufferation
Conflict and distress are prevalent in society
Dismantling this nation
The country is being destroyed and taken apart
And because of that certain people turn informer, mhmm yes
Some individuals become snitches due to their dire circumstances
Sell out their bredrens and sistrens for less than a dollar, mmm
These informers betray their own people for very little financial gain
They will do anything just to get some pay, I know
They are willing to do anything for money
That a' many many careless Ithiopians has gone astray
Numerous carefree Ethiopians have veered off the right path
But go tell them seh me say
Spread the word, let them know
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, no way
Rastafarians don't collaborate with the Drug Enforcement Agency
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
They also avoid working with the British, Soviet, and American intelligence agencies
Mi say go tell them seh me say
I repeat, let them know
Cause when you think it's a' peace and saf-e-ty
Even when everything seems calm and secure
Then a' sudden destruction
Sudden destruction can still happen
And there must be a reaction
An action must follow this destruction
The result is destruction
The outcome is devastation
Now no need to be looking so cold
No need to act indifferent or hostile
A Rastaman cannot be bought nor sold
A Rastafarian cannot be bought or influenced by material things
Now they will lower you to doing crime
Others will influence you to do illegal activities
And make Jah be the farthest thing from your mind
In the process, they will make you forget about Jah, or God
No need to fufill their plan
You don't have to follow their agenda
You can't sing king alpha song inna strait land
It's difficult to express yourself and your beliefs in a narrow-minded society
Beg unu go tell them seh me say
I ask you again, spread the word
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA, mmm God
Rastafarians don't collaborate with the DEA, for the love of God
Rastaman him sing again
The Rastafarian is singing again
Rastaman no work wit' the DEA
Rastafarians don't work with the DEA
No Scotland Yard, KGB, neither the CIA
They also avoid working with British, Soviet, and American intelligence agencies
What the Rastaman a' say
What the Rastafarian is saying
Writer(s): Philip Burrell, Sly Dunbar, Calvin Scott, Donald Dennis
Contributed by Violet F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@WorldWidePatriots
I love how the Reggae artists aren't scared to talk truth.
You won't ever hear such wisdom or truth in any other genre.
@yungvarg2301
rap, punk, underground metal, hardcore, etc...
@frenchguiana-southamerica8978
Real talk, in NO other genre
@mcallizo4683
@DJ Kropotkin [LSC] Yeah, I do consider some Rap to be poetry. In spanish. R de revolución (revolution), A de actitud (attitude) P de poesía (Poetry) =)
@yungvarg2301
@m callizo nice one :D
@badseedzontop5687
All genres of music derived from ppl like this. So if you hear it in a different genre you know where it comes from.
@MsDumbAss420
this song hit the spot tonight for me. Love it.
@justintravieso3625
Recently been falling in love with raggae music now in 2023 and happy to have learned about this gem 🙌🏽🙌🏽
@Dhom108
Welcome to Rasta world 🤍🟩
@albertmedina812
Love this song great harmonious music positive vibes in a negative world.