So A Child May Follow
Damian Marley Lyrics

Dread shine your light
Be a shining example for others to follow and learn from.

So a child may follow
Teach and inspire children to follow their dreams and become the best version of themselves.

Many have been lost along the way
Many people fall victim to life's challenges and distractions, losing their way and forgetting their potential.

Until tonight
Until today, until the moment when one decides to take control of their life and start striving towards their goals.

Turns into tomorrow
Tomorrow is a new beginning where the person can learn from their past and make the most of their present to achieve their future goals.

Teach them to be careful while at play
Teach children to enjoy life while being cautious and responsible, so they don't fall victim to life's dangers.

There's nothing wrong with having fun
Having fun is important and shouldn't be deterred by the world's constraints and rules.

Don't let the system tame you
Don't let society's norms and expectations restrict your ambitions, creativity, individuality, and character.

It's just a part of being young
Being curious, rebellious, and adventurous is natural during youth and shouldn't be stifled by the adult world.

And even though they're quick to blame you
Adults often judge and reprimand young people for their mistakes, without understanding the challenges and pressures that they face.

Picking on you like a plum
Choosing to target and bully young people, as if they were an easy, vulnerable target.

Because your dream became true
People often resent other's success, and belittle their dreams, especially if they succeeded in achieving them.

Now look what they've become
The ones who once ridiculed and tormented young people with dreams, have now become adults who couldn't achieve their own dreams, and resent others for doing so.

An open sight in plain view
It's now evident and clear that those who oppose young people's dreams and potential, have failed to achieve their own, and are envious and resentful of them.

They've already had a run
Adults who are trying to control young people's lives, had their own opportunities to follow their dreams, but chose not to, and now try to impose their own regret on others.

So meanwhile they try to change you
Instead of finding ways to overcome their own obstacles, adults try to change and mold young people into what they consider to be 'successful' or 'acceptable'.

It's not over til it's done
Success is a continuous journey, not a destination, and young people should strive to pursue their dreams until they achieve them.

So please remain the same you
Despite the societal pressures and criticism, young people should remain true to themselves, to their values and beliefs, and to their dreams and aspirations.

Hey young world (hey young world)
Addressing and calling out to the young people of the world, to listen and learn from the next lines of the song.

The world is yours
Encouraging young people to believe that they have the power, the skills, and the potential to achieve their dreams and change the world for the better.

You might not think you know enough
Young people often doubt their knowledge, experience, and expertise, and hesitate to take on new challenges.

Don't let that deter you
Do not let your self-doubt, fear, or lack of confidence, stop you from pursuing your dreams and goals.

It's all apart of growing up
Feeling lost, confused, afraid, or uncertain, is natural and common during youth, and should be embraced as a part of the learning and growth process.

And we're all young enough to learn to
It's never too late to learn new things, explore different paths, and discover more about life and oneself.

And don't you live life in a rush
Avoid rushing through life, chasing after success or fame, without stopping to appreciate the present, and learn from the past.

The past cannot be returned to
Reflect on and learn from the past, but do not dwell on it, or regret it, as it's unchangeable and can't define your future.

And when you feel like giving up
During the highs and lows of pursuing your dreams, it's natural to feel exhausted, demotivated, or hopeless.

Remember patience is a virtue
Be patient, and persistent, as success requires time, effort, and resilience, and cannot be achieved overnight.

When you fall, try to get up
Failure, setbacks, or challenges are inevitable, and should be viewed as opportunities to learn, grow, and become better.

Have some guts, I'm trying to urge you
Being courageous, bold, and determined, is crucial to pursuing one's dreams, despite the obstacles, and the song emphasizes this message.

Be proud of owning up
Taking responsibility for one's actions, faults, or mistakes, is a sign of maturity, integrity, and growth, and should be celebrated.

The truth will never hurt you
Being honest, transparent, and genuine, is not only the right thing to do, but it's also liberating and empowering, and helps build trust and connections with others.

Try and make your mark
Encouraging young people to leave a positive impact, a legacy, or a difference, in their communities, societies, or the world.

Don't you hype and floss, and drive too fast
Warning young people not to be consumed by materialistic or superficial things, such as luxury, fame, or social status, as they won't lead to true happiness or success.

Cause' life's to short
Reminding young people that life is too precious and too short, and thus they should make the most of it by doing what fulfills them, and makes them happy and proud.

Try to make good times last 'cause time flies past
Enjoying and cherishing the good moments, the memories, and the experiences, as time passes quickly, and we can't get it back.

And if time is money, that means I'm cast
Time is a valuable and limited resource, and once spent, it can't be regained, so one should use it wisely and productively.

But it don't cost money to joke and laugh
Laughing, having fun, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life, don't require money, and can make the most of the time we have.

So if you love somebody, hurry up and talk
Encouraging young people not to waste time or wait too long, to express their love, appreciation, or affection towards others, as life is unpredictable and short.