hand "a" bowl
Culture Lyrics


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What say to Jah people dem?
Lorrd
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart
See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing

They love to give you basket to carry water
Deep within their hearts
Just pure war they are after

See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing
They all are!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart

If you try to be good to them they call you the big boops stem
And if you try to be poor to us, they take you for a ride ′round town

They love to give you basket to carry water
Deep in their hearts
There aint no love
Just war they are after

See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing
They all are!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart

Sometime you try to do good to all of them
And they tell you that the more you look, the less you see
The quickness of your eyes they say, is that deceive your body

See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing
They all are!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart
No want no!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart

Some keep smiling beside you close
And when you come to check dem, dem a Judas

See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing
They all are!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart

Me no want no!




Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Culture's song "Hand a Bowl" depict a sense of betrayal and deceit among people, particularly those who claim to be righteous or religious. The phrase "Hand a bowl, knife a throat" metaphorically suggests a lack of compassion and love in their hearts, as they are willing to harm others for their own gain. The line "No love in their heart" further emphasizes this absence of genuine affection or empathy.


The first verse describes the deceptive nature of these individuals, who may appear welcoming and accommodating on the surface, but in reality, they have ulterior motives. The lyrics suggest that they enjoy giving others burdens or challenges (represented by a basket filled with water), and their intentions are far from pure. Instead, they are focused on causing conflict and war.


The second verse highlights the hypocrisy of these people. If one tries to be kind and generous to them, they are labeled as naive or gullible ("big boops stem"). On the other hand, if one tries to be poor or disadvantaged, they exploit and take advantage of them. The lyrics point out the absence of love and the prevalence of war in their hearts.


The third verse touches upon the frustration and disillusionment one might feel when dealing with such individuals. Despite one's efforts to do good, they are met with skepticism and criticism. The lyrics suggest that these people manipulate and deceive others by doubting the accuracy of their perception and awareness.


Overall, the song "Hand a Bowl" by Culture sheds light on the presence of hypocrisy, deceit, and betrayal among individuals who claim righteousness or religiosity. It warns against trusting such people and urges listeners to remain cautious and discerning in their relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

What say to Jah people dem?
What is your message to the people who follow Jah?


Lorrd
(Possible typographical error, no meaning assigned)


Hand a bowl, knife a throat
They are giving you a bowl to nourish yourself, but at the same time, they are ready to harm you


No love in their heart
They lack compassion and empathy


See dem come live with dem
Witness how they live among their own kind


Its a different thing
Their behavior is unconventional and contradictory


They love to give you basket to carry water
They enjoy burdening you with unnecessary tasks that serve no purpose


Deep within their hearts
In the depths of their inner selves


Just pure war they are after
Their intentions are solely focused on conflict and hostility


If you try to be good to them they call you the big boops stem
If you show kindness towards them, they label you as naive or foolish


And if you try to be poor to us, they take you for a ride ′round town
If you pretend to be in a disadvantaged position, they manipulate and deceive you


There aint no love
Love is absent


Sometime you try to do good to all of them
At times, you make an effort to do good for everyone


And they tell you that the more you look, the less you see
However, they criticize you, claiming that you cannot truly perceive reality


The quickness of your eyes they say, is that deceive your body
They accuse you of being deceptive by relying on your perceptive abilities


Some keep smiling beside you close
Some individuals maintain a friendly facade when they are near you


And when you come to check dem, dem a Judas
But when you investigate them further, you realize they betray and deceive you


Me no want no!
I don't want any of that!


No want no!
I don't want any of that!


Hand a bowl, knife a throat
They offer you sustenance while simultaneously posing a threat to your wellbeing


No love in their heart
They lack compassion and empathy




Writer(s): Joseph Hill, Joseph Constantine Hill

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

@johngitonga7430

What say to Jah people dem?
Lorrd
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart
See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing
They love to give you basket to carry water
Deep within their hearts
Just pure war they are after
See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing
They all are!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart
If you try to be good to them they call you the big boops stem
And if you try to be poor to us, they take you for a ride 'round town
They love to give you basket to carry water
Deep in their hearts
There aint no love
Just war they are after
See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing
They all are!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart
Sometime you try to do good to all of them
And they tell you that the more you look, the less you see
The quickness of your eyes they say, is that deceive your body
See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing
They all are!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart
No want no!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart
Some keep smiling beside you close
And when you come to check dem, dem a Judas
See dem come live with dem
Its a different thing
They all are!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart
Me no want no!
Hand a bowl, knife a throat
No love in their heart



All comments from YouTube:

@calvinsummon6941

😢😢 only tears can be shared here as i see the true nature of human being

@victoriadaly4128

It was good when I was a girl........... it's sauce!!! It's absolutely amazing now!!!!!!!

@lukachakwanda9184

No one can write this song unless holy spirit is with him, this was with holy spirit

@abdulrahmantoronka6960

This track still stands the test of time. RIP Culture

@georgewachira1523

Word after word.

@amenyaviestephen234

See them, come live with them, its a different thing....no love in their hearts.......Rest in Peace legend..... Ghanaians will always remember you..

@benjamintwumasi6311

Yes, Ghanaians will always remember him, indeed. The last time I went to his show was in 2004 at Kumasi sports stadium, and that was absolutely fantastic.

@godfreyomira4022

Nice song. Nuff respect n love

@emanicipatejuda753

Another great tune from the Mighty man of reggae, the man of truth. Keep the Zion Gate open for goodmen and women, I wanna shake your hand where I get there.

@OneDemMedia99

hand a bowl knife a throw, no love in their hearts

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