13. Africa Must Wake Up
Damian Marley Lyrics

Morning to you man
Greetings to you, my fellow man.

Morning to you love
Greetings to you, my beloved.

Africa must wake up
The people of Africa need to come together and rise up.

The sleeping sons of Jacob
The people who have been oppressed and forgotten must awaken and take their rightful place in history.

For what tomorrow may bring
To prepare for what the future may hold.

May a better day come
To hope for a brighter future for generations to come.

Yesterday we were Kings
Referencing the greatness of African civilizations of the past.

Can you tell me young ones
Asking the younger generation to reflect on their heritage and what it means to them.

The black oasis
Africa as a symbol of strength and resilience.

Ancient Africa the sacred
Highlighting the deep-rooted history and significance of Africa.

Awaken the sleeping giant
Encouraging the people of Africa to rise up and take action.

Science, Art is your creation
Recognizing the many contributions that Africa has made to the world in various fields.

I dreamt that we could visit Old Kemet
Expressing a desire to learn more about Ancient Egypt (also known as Kemet) and its influence on African history.

Your history is too complex and rigid
Acknowledging that African history is often misunderstood and misrepresented.

For some western critics
For those who have criticized or dismissed African history and culture.

They want the whole subject diminished
Western critics may seek to minimize the importance of Africa and its contributions to history.

But Africa's the origin of all the world's religions
Highlighting the significance of African spirituality and how it has influenced religions all over the world.

We praised bridges that carried us over
Acknowledging the struggles and obstacles that the African people have overcome in their history.

The battle front of Sudanic soldiers
Honoring the bravery and sacrifice of African warriors throughout history.

The task put before us
The responsibility that we have to continue the legacy of our ancestors and build a better future for Africa.

Ya hear me out
An expression of wanting to be heard and understood.

Who are we today?
Questioning the current state and identity of Africa and its people.

The slums, diseases, AIDS
Recognizing the challenges that many Africans face, including poverty and illness.

We need all that to fade
Expressing a desire for change and improvement in the lives of African people.

We cannot be afraid
Encouragement to face challenges head-on and not be intimidated.

We are the morning after
Reference to the potential for a brighter future.

The make shift youth
Acknowledging the challenges that young people in Africa face and their resilience in overcoming them.

The slave ship captured
Referencing the harmful legacy of the slave trade on African people.

Our diaspora, is the final chapter
Honoring the African diaspora and acknowledging its significance in history.

The ancestral lineage built pyramids
Recognizing the incredible achievements of African civilizations, such as the building of the pyramids.

Americas first immigrant
Highlighting the role that Africans played in the history of the Americas, including as the first immigrants.

The Kings sons and daughters from Nile waters
Referencing the rich and diverse history of African royalty and nobility.

The first architect, the first philosophers, astronomers
Crediting Africa with many important firsts in various fields.

The first prophets and doctors was us
Recognizing the contributions that African people made to various fields, including spiritual and medical.

Now can we all pray
Encouraging unity and collaborative effort moving forward.

Each in his own way
Acknowledging individual differences.

Teaching and learning
Encouraging growth and education.

And we can work it out
Expressing hope for future progress and collaboration.

We'll have a warm bed
A symbol of comfort and security.

We'll have some warm bread
A symbol of sustenance and nourishment.

And shelter from the storm dread
Protection from difficult times.

Mother Nature feeds all
Recognizing the importance and interconnectedness of the natural world.

In famine and drought
Acknowledging the challenges that many Africans face, such as food insecurity.

Tell those selfish in ways
Calling out those who are more concerned with their own success and well-being than the collective good.

Not to share us out
Encouraging collective effort and resources to build a better future for all Africans.

What's a tree without root
Highlighting the importance of understanding and appreciating one's history and heritage.

Lion without tooth
A metaphor for the loss of strength and power.

A lie without truth
Highlighting the importance of honesty and transparency.

You hear me out
A call to action and to be heard.

Ye lord
An expression of respect and devotion.

Well Africa must wake up
Reiterating the need for the people of Africa to rise up and take action.

May some more love come
Expressing a desire for more compassion and understanding in the world.

I'll tell you young blood
Addressing the younger generation and sharing wisdom and insight.

This world is yours today
Empowering the younger generation and encouraging them to take action for a better future.

Dadyahow daali waayey, nabada diideen
Somali phrase that means 'God bless you, bringer of peace.'

Oo ninkii doortay dinta, waadinka dillee
Somali phrase that means 'If you choose the path, you must walk it.'

Oo dal markii ladhiso, waadinka dunshee
Somali phrase that means 'When you build a country, you must do it with dedication.'

Oo daacad ninkii damcay, waadinka dooxee
Somali phrase that means 'If a person is in trouble, you must help them.'