Marcus
Culture Lyrics


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Let's talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us to respect a brother, Malcolm X
And man Jomo Kenyatta too
Teaches us to respect man like Mandela
And all his colleagues too

Let me hear you talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us among all
That we are competitive
Imperial do not need superior to serve
Teaches the poor man to be noble

Let me hear you talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us to love our sisters
Stretch a helping hand to our brothers too
Teaches the poor man to be ambitious
To look forward to the light of a great future

Got to talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us there is a brighter day
From the upright people within themselves
Teacher of the boys and girls of tomorrow
The lawyers and the doctors for us to see

We got to talk about Marcus never
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain




If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Overall Meaning

The song "Marcus" by Culture pays tribute to Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican activist and leader of the Pan-Africanism movement in the early 20th century. The lyrics emphasize the impact and legacy of Garvey's teachings and how they continue to resonate with people today. The repetition of the phrase "never lived in vain" reinforces the idea that Garvey's life and message were not meaningless, but rather had lasting importance.


The lyrics also reference other influential figures in black history, such as Malcolm X, Jomo Kenyatta, and Nelson Mandela. They highlight the importance of respecting and learning from these leaders, as well as striving for unity and equality among all people.


The song's overall message is one of empowerment and hope, encouraging listeners to follow Garvey's teachings and pursue a better future for themselves and their communities. It is a celebration of black identity and a call to action for positive change.


Line by Line Meaning

Let's talk about Marcus
Let's have a conversation about Marcus Garvey and the values he instilled in us


Never lived in vain
His legacy lives on and has had profound meaning in our lives


Brother Marcus
Marcus Garvey was a fellow Black man and an important historical figure in Black culture


If you followed that man's words
Garvey's teachings have practical and meaningful applications for our lives


You will live again
Following his guidance can give you a chance to bring forth a new and better version of yourself


Teaches us to respect a brother, Malcolm X
Garvey taught us to have reverence for other strong Black leaders who sought liberation for our communities, like Malcolm X


And man Jomo Kenyatta too
He also taught us about Jomo Kenyatta, an influential Kenyan independence activist


Teaches us to respect man like Mandela
Garvey encouraged us to honor other anti-apartheid leaders like Nelson Mandela, who fought for racial justice


And all his colleagues too
Garvey recognized the importance of collective action and collaboration among those working for Black liberation


Teaches us among all
Garvey taught us that despite competition and striving for individual success, we must prioritize unity in the Black community


That we are competitive
However, he acknowledged the natural human desire for achievement and competition


Imperial do not need superior to serve
Garvey preached that no one needs to feel superior to others, especially when serving the greater good


Teaches the poor man to be noble
Garvey instilled pride and dignity in those struggling with poverty or oppression


Teaches us to love our sisters
Garvey believed in gender equity and taught men to love and respect Black women


Stretch a helping hand to our brothers too
He also emphasized the importance of mutual aid and support within the Black community


Teaches the poor man to be ambitious
Garvey believed that even those who are marginalized or struggling can aspire to greatness and work hard toward their goals


To look forward to the light of a great future
He encouraged us to envision a better tomorrow and work towards it with hope and hard work


Teaches us there is a brighter day
Garvey was a visionary and believed in the possibility of a brighter future for Black people


From the upright people within themselves
He believed that change and progress must come from within the community itself


Teacher of the boys and girls of tomorrow
Garvey was a mentor and educator for future generations


The lawyers and the doctors for us to see
He wanted to inspire and empower Black people to become professionals and leaders in all areas of society


We got to talk about Marcus never
Garvey's legacy is too important to be forgotten or ignored




Writer(s): Joseph Hill

Contributed by Lucy Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@johngitonga7430

Let's talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us to respect a brother, Malcolm X

And man Jomo Kenyatta too
Teaches us to respect man like Mandela
And all his colleagues too

Let me hear you talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us among all
That we are competitive
Imperial do not need superior to serve
Teaches the poor man to be noble

Let me hear you talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us to love our sisters
Stretch a helping hand to our brothers too
Teaches the poor man to be ambitious
To look forward to the light of a great future

Got to talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us there is a brighter day
From the upright people within themselves
Teacher of the boys and girls of tomorrow
The lawyers and the doctors for us to see

We got to talk about Marcus never
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again



All comments from YouTube:

@johngitonga7430

Let's talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us to respect a brother, Malcolm X

And man Jomo Kenyatta too
Teaches us to respect man like Mandela
And all his colleagues too

Let me hear you talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us among all
That we are competitive
Imperial do not need superior to serve
Teaches the poor man to be noble

Let me hear you talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us to love our sisters
Stretch a helping hand to our brothers too
Teaches the poor man to be ambitious
To look forward to the light of a great future

Got to talk about Marcus
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

Teaches us there is a brighter day
From the upright people within themselves
Teacher of the boys and girls of tomorrow
The lawyers and the doctors for us to see

We got to talk about Marcus never
Never lived in vain
Brother Marcus
Never lived in vain
If you followed that man's words
You will live again

@bonyakal2713

Kenya 🇰🇪 massive salute!

@elijahtk3893

RIP, Joseph Hill. It was all tears for us in Ghana when we heard of your passge to the next life in the afternoon hours of February 2006, if I'm right. Jah bless your soul.

@kirstykimani9538

Never forget you father Joseph Hill ,you are a great teacher ,Ive learnt a lot through your words .

@alinethiaw7285

Llooooo

@suleimanmulindo6689

ata mimi

@thierryone6423

He had always been,such a teacher

@singalongwrudy8690

I played this cassette until it broke...I put Scotch tape on the break and played it ANOTHER ten years !! Yes !

@josphatkimangai2521

Mr teacher joseph hills .forever rest in power.
Keeper of zion gate

@jojimtaa6642

Until we get a subject in school and teach our children about the philosophies and opinions of Marcus Garvey , we black people will never know how mighty we ought to be... Up you mighty race... so said Marcus. we still so black and proud.

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