So Long
Culture Lyrics


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Ooh Jah really, real just now

Calling Rastafari
Calling Rastafari
Calling Rastafari (for who)

For I and for I (ooh yeah)
For I and for I (shout it out)
For I and for I

Send I and I on
Send I and I on (oh Jah)
Send I and I on

For I come to Zion
For I come to Zion (eeh-yeah)
For I come to Zion (and that's why)

Calling Rastafari
Calling Rastafari
Calling Rastafari

For I and for I (eeh-yeah)
For I and for I (only Jah Jah knows oh-yeh)

(.)

Many will be called
Many will be called
Many will be called

A few shall be chosen (eeh-yeah)
A few shall be chosen (and dats a fact dat)
A few shall be chosen (and that's why)

Calling Rastafari (?.by my head.)
Calling Rastafari (oh Jah)
Calling Rastafari (for who)

For I and for I (shout it out)
For I and for I (Jah Rasta for I)
For I and for I (oh Jah)

For I and for I (Rootsman I & I ay)
For I and for I (faster Babylon on-ya)




For I and for I (stay away leader)
For I and for I.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Culture's song So Long can be seen as a call to Rastafarianism, an Abrahamic religion that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. In the song, the singer calls out to Jah (a name for God in Rastafarianism) several times, stating that they come to Zion (often used as another name for Ethiopia, the birthplace of Rastafarianism) and that they are sent by Jah. The repeated phrase "For I and for I" suggests a personal connection to Jah, and a belief that Rastafarianism is a religion for individuals, rather than a collective belief system.


The chorus of the song, "Many will be called, a few shall be chosen," is a reference to a line from the Bible, specifically Matthew 22:14, which states "For many are called, but few are chosen." In Rastafarianism, this could be interpreted as a belief that not everyone who believes in Jah will attain the ultimate goal of living with him in Zion.


The lyrics also contain several criticisms of Babylon (a term used in Rastafarianism to refer to oppressive powers), such as "faster Babylon on-ya" and "stay away leader." These can be interpreted as a call to resist oppressive forces and stay true to one's Rastafarian beliefs.


Line by Line Meaning

Ooh Jah really, real just now
Addressing Jah, expressing awe in His presence


Calling Rastafari
Invoking the name of Rastafari


Calling Rastafari
Invoking the name of Rastafari


Calling Rastafari (for who)
Questioning who is being called upon the name of Rastafari


For I and for I (ooh yeah)
Emphasizing that the call to Rastafari is for oneself


For I and for I (shout it out)
Reiterating that the call to Rastafari is for oneself


For I and for I
Continuing to emphasize that the call to Rastafari is for oneself


Send I and I on
Asking for guidance and blessing from Jah to continue on one's journey


Send I and I on (oh Jah)
Reinforcing the request for guidance and blessing from Jah


Send I and I on
Continuing to ask for guidance and blessing from Jah


For I come to Zion
Declaring one's intention to reach Zion, a symbol of spiritual enlightenment


For I come to Zion (eeh-yeah)
Reiterating one's intention to reach Zion


For I come to Zion (and that's why)
Explaining that one's journey is motivated by reaching Zion


Calling Rastafari
Invoking the name of Rastafari


Calling Rastafari
Invoking the name of Rastafari


Calling Rastafari
Invoking the name of Rastafari


For I and for I (eeh-yeah)
Reiterating that the call to Rastafari is for oneself


For I and for I (only Jah Jah knows oh-yeh)
Emphasizing that Jah knows the true nature of the call to Rastafari


(.)
Instrumental break


Many will be called
Expressing that many will be called upon to follow Jah


Many will be called
Reiterating that many will be called upon to follow Jah


Many will be called
Continuing to express that many will be called upon to follow Jah


A few shall be chosen (eeh-yeah)
Explaining that only a select few will be chosen by Jah


A few shall be chosen (and dats a fact dat)
Asserting that only a few will be chosen, with certainty


A few shall be chosen (and that's why)
Explaining the reason behind the selection process


Calling Rastafari (?.by my head.)
Invoking the name of Rastafari, with a possible gesture of respect


Calling Rastafari (oh Jah)
Invoking the name of Rastafari and addressing Jah


Calling Rastafari (for who)
Questioning who is being called upon the name of Rastafari


For I and for I (shout it out)
Reiterating that the call to Rastafari is for oneself, with enthusiasm


For I and for I (Jah Rasta for I)
Affirming that Jah Rastafari is one's personal savior


For I and for I (oh Jah)
Addressing Jah and reiterating that the call to Rastafari is for oneself


For I and for I (Rootsman I & I ay)
Identifying as a rootsman, a follower of the Rastafari movement


For I and for I (faster Babylon on-ya)
Encouraging fellow Rastafarians to persevere against oppressive forces


For I and for I (stay away leader)
Cautioning against corrupt leaders who may lead astray


For I and for I.
Emphasizing that the call to Rastafari is for oneself




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

@orapelengmokgeledi9764

Jah
So long Babylon fool I
So long
So long Babylon fool I
So long
For the enemies are around I
Trying to devour I
So long Babylon fool I
So long

So long Babylon just starve I
So long
So long Babylon just starve I
So long
For the rich men, them, them have it
Them no want to give to Natty
So long Babylon just fool I
So long
Jah


So long Babylon hide the truth from I
So long
Jah
Rastafari
So long Babylon hide the truth from I
So long
For them take my copy version
And left me King James version
So long Babylon hide the truth from I
So long
Long time, dread
Yes I, seen

So long I call I
So long
So long I call I
So long
Watch that, brethren
Rastaman
Way Babylon
Way Babylon
Way Babylon
Dread
Fire
(...)

Jah
Rastafari
So long them rule I with them guns and bionic
So long
So long them rule I with guns and bionic
So long
For the enemies are around I
Trying to devour us
Them rule I long time with guns and bionic
So long
So long we want go a Africa
So long
Long time I
Yes I, seen
So long we want go a Africa
So long
Nyabinghi
Nyabinghi
For the Babylon them poor I
No want fe I go
So long I want go in Africa
So long
Long time I
Long time begging
(Joseph Hill talks)

So long Babylon no want hear right
So long
Jah
Rastafari
So long Babylon them no want hear right
So long
His Imperial Majesty I
Selassie I
Jah
Rastafari
Almighty God
For the enemies are around I
Trying to devour I
So long
So long, so long, long, long time
So long
A long, long, long, long time
So long
What a long, long, long time
So long
Long Congo Natty Dread
So long
Bongo, Bongo, I and I
So long
What that Selassie I
So long
I and I Selassie I
So long
I and I dreadlocks style
So long
Jah-Jah children want go home
So long
Long, long, long time
Bong' long Natty Dread, bong' long Natty Dread, bong' long
So long
Jah
We want go home now
So long
Free up the calice now
So long
So long
Right now



All comments from YouTube:

@merlindanorman6356

Give thanks for the Elevated Vibes. More 'Do Good" Sounds.

@esselababio4633

This man was more than reggae Artist thank you Mr Joseph hill culture

@seiduibrahim4456

Me love JOSEPH HILL so much.🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭🇧🇫🇧🇫🇧🇫

@anitahoughton7494

Heard this in Kenya 1991. Love it!

@andrewsnketia1939

Me too

@chesengeny

Kenya is a home of reggae, playing it now

@jayxtacee5695

Malawi 93'

@jamaaldavidson1285

Culture boss' and love love love love ❤️

@thomaswafula6663

It wont be for long brother Jose,truth will reveal...uplifting tune

@Iamgroot685

so long my friend Joseph.

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