Can't Study The Rastaman
Culture Lyrics


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They are Trying Hard to Study the Rastaman
They′re trying trying trying very hard to study rastaman.

Babylon you can't, you can′t you can't study the rastman
(History guided you this time)

Babylon you can't, you can′t you can′t study the rastman
But when you think
That the Rastman is down
Jah Jah help I to be around
And when you think
That the Rastman is came to the society
Jah put I up to Humanity

Babylon you can't, you can′t you can't study the rastman
(Neither study around and study I)

Babylon you can′t, you can't you can′t study the rastman

Aaahh aahh aaa... aaaah
Oooooh ooo ooohh ooooh

Aaahh aahh aaa... aaaah
Oooooh ooo ooohh ooooh I and I
Oooooh ooo ooohh ooooh

But when you think
That the Rastman is hungry
There is a handful of corn on the Mountain tops

But when you think
That the Rastman thought on a stream
Jah keep I thinking on Mount Zion

Babylon you can't, you can't you can′t study the rastman
(Go back to College and come again)
Babylon you can′t, you can't you can′t study the rastman




(Never Never attempt to study I)
Babylon you can't, you can′t you can't study the rastman

Overall Meaning

The song "Can't Study the Rastaman" by Culture is a commentary on the inability of Babylon (a term Rastafarians use for oppressive systems and institutions) to understand and study the Rastafari way of life. The lyrics assert that Babylon is trying very hard to comprehend the Rastaman, but it is an effort in futility. The Rastaman is not a subject to be studied, as his faith and way of life are intertwined and inseparable. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Babylon you can't, you can't you can't study the Rastaman" to emphasize this point.


The verses of the song further elaborate on the theme. The lyrics suggest that when Babylon thinks the Rastaman is down, Jah (God) is present to help him rise up. When Babylon thinks the Rastaman has come into society, Jah has put him there for a reason. The song also touches on the idea that even when the Rastaman is hungry or without material possessions, he has spiritual abundance. The line "there is a handful of corn on the Mountain tops" indicates that Jah provides sustenance, even in the most barren of places.


In conclusion, "Can't Study the Rastaman" is a powerful and insightful song that celebrates the resilience and spiritual strength of the Rastafarian people while also pointing out the limitations of Babylon in understanding their way of life.


Line by Line Meaning

They′re trying trying trying very hard to study rastaman.
People are making great efforts to understand the Rastafarian culture and way of life.


Babylon you can't, you can′t you can't study the rastman (History guided you this time)
It is impossible for outsiders to truly comprehend the beliefs and practices of Rastafarians due to their complex and historical origins.


But when you think That the Rastman is down Jah Jah help I to be around
When it seems like Rastafarians are facing oppression or adversity, they turn to their faith in Jah for support and guidance.


And when you think That the Rastman is came to the society Jah put I up to Humanity
Rastafarians believe that they have been called by Jah to work towards a more just and compassionate world for all people.


Neither study around and study I
Attempts to understand Rastafarianism by studying the individuals themselves do not provide an accurate understanding of their beliefs and practices.


But when you think That the Rastman is hungry There is a handful of corn on the Mountain tops
Rastafarians believe that they will be provided for by Jah, and that even in times of scarcity, there will be enough to sustain them.


But when you think That the Rastman thought on a stream Jah keep I thinking on Mount Zion
Rastafarians focus their thoughts and energies on spiritual matters, rather than material possessions or concerns.


Babylon you can't, you can't you can′t study the rastman (Go back to College and come again)
The beliefs and practices of Rastafarianism are so complex and rooted in their history and culture that it is difficult for outsiders to fully comprehend them without additional study and understanding.


Babylon you can′t, you can't you can′t study the rastman (Never Never attempt to study I)
Rastafarians may feel that attempts by outsiders to study or understand their beliefs and practices are disrespectful, and that outsiders should instead respect and appreciate their culture without trying to dissect or analyze it.


Babylon you can't, you can't you can't study the rastman
Overall, Rastafarianism is a complex and nuanced cultural and religious identity that is difficult for outsiders to fully understand and appreciate.




Writer(s): Joseph Hill

Contributed by Sydney M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@lawrencesylva3058

For me---Bob Marley & Joseph Hill are the best reggae musicians to have ever exist on planet earth

@Roland-vo3ym

When I listen to this music goosebumps over my body.
You were a blessing to the reggae family. RIP Joseph Hill 😭😭

@Roland-vo3ym

This is Roland Fleming Nyawuto from Ghana - Spintex road.
RIP Joseph Hill.
Soul searching lyrics.😢

@florenceflorence7125

U don't need to eat food if u hav reggae music

@mtanzaniamzalendo7001

Real

@the3besties936

So underated 😥 Rip you legends, you will never be forgotten no matter how many times they try to make us forget. Forever in our hearts. One love ❤️

@the3besties936

Stop saying that you are here in what ever date, we never left. Always be listening and gaining strength from these messages that we are receiving from these legends

@destinyowusuamstrong1462

I feel soo lonely and sad, have been here since.... who is still here with me 😢💔💔

@mwirigistephen4775

Me

@ibrahimmassaquoi3725

Always here

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