Traffic Jam
Damian Marley Ft. Stephen Marley & Snoop Dogg Lyrics

Cho! Stabba dom! (Yeah!)
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm, acknowledging the start of something exciting.

Stabba labba dom (Hear dat)
Acknowledging and emphasizing the importance of what is being said.

Stooby labba labba dom ram labba babba labba labba dom, I say
Stating with confidence and conviction the importance of the message being conveyed.

(Watch mi lion!)
Requesting attention and recognition for the person delivering the message.

[Chorus]
Introducing the chorus section of the song.

Pom, rom pa ba dom ba dom ba ba dom
Using a rhythmic and lively phrase to describe the flow and vibe of the music.

Babba dom ba dabba dom ba dom ba ba dom
Continuing the energetic description of the music.

Pom, rom pa ba dom ba dom ba ba dom
Repeating the previous lively phrase to maintain the energetic atmosphere.

Babba dom ba dabba dom ba dom ba ba dom
Repeating the previous energetic phrase once again.

This is raggamuffin from di ghetto yutes camp
Introducing the style of music and the origin of the artists as coming from the youth of the ghetto.

Anyway mi go mi seh mi must leff mi stamp
Asserting that no matter where they go, they will always leave their mark.

Marijuana weh mi smoke dem seh too ignorant
Addressing the criticism and judgment they face for their use of marijuana.

Just some odda day some puff a whole mek fi one
Reflecting on recent experiences of smoking marijuana and how it can be shared among friends.

Then mi bredda Juju and mi idren name Don
Introducing the names of their friends and associates.

Bounce and listen to Gong when mashin' up di traffic jam
Enjoying and embracing the music of Damian Marley while causing disruption in the traffic.

Police pull mi ova talkin bout him smell bud
Describing an encounter with the police who suspect them of carrying marijuana.

From mi look inna him face and know this bwoy have a plan
Sensing the intentions of the police officer through his facial expressions.

Juju touch mi pon my shoulda seh di bwoy a demon
Their friend Juju warns them that the police officer may not have good intentions.

First ting him waan to know is where dat smell is comin' from
The police officer's initial question focuses on the source of the smell of marijuana.

Are you smokin' marijuana and I said yes I am
Admitting to smoking marijuana when questioned by the police officer.

True him seh some man trance seh it cost a couple grand
Acknowledging that some people believe marijuana is expensive and valuable.

Him seh mek mi see di license and registration
The police officer requests to see their license and registration.

And where are yuh headed what's yuh occupation
The police officer asks about their destination and occupation.

Dun know seh raggamuffin nah go answer question
Asserting that they won't answer the police officer's questions.

As is says on the paper read di information
Referring to the information on their identification documents.

From mi nah go tek nuh switch or interrogation
Refusing to cooperate or be interrogated by the police officer.

So book mi if yuh book mi carry dung a station
Challenging the police officer to take them into custody if they are to be arrested.

Mek mi show dem how we did it inna style and pattern
Expressing confidence in their abilities and willingness to defy authority.

I'm di judge, di lawyer Juve I'm my own bails man
Asserting their independence and self-sufficiency in legal matters.

And if yuh check it out dat would be my station
If their case were to be examined, they would be in charge.

Mi seh sekkle Juju royal for yah run England
Referring to their friend Juju as someone who can take control and lead.

And when mi plane land yuh nah go through nuh customs
When they arrive, they won't have to go through customs.

This is raggamuffin inna different pattern
Emphasizing that their style and approach is unique and distinctive.

Mi nuh go inna nuh session unless it conk and ram
Asserting that they only participate in sessions or events that are lively and energetic.

And from yuh see we face and wanna ask a question
Whenever people see them, they often want to ask questions.

And anywhere we go we haffi ra pa pom, pom
No matter where they go, they always bring an energetic and lively atmosphere.

Well if a ganja dem a look fah dem know where to find us
If someone is searching for marijuana, they know where to find them.

Well we a nuh criminal seh rasta ever righteous
Asserting that they are not criminals and that Rastafarians are always righteous.

Some bwoy a scope out di ride a we drive and puff
Noticing how some individuals are envious of their car and their ability to smoke marijuana.

And him jealous a we seh shine and buff
Acknowledging that their success and confidence makes others jealous.

And him jealous a we seh shine and buff
Repeating the previous statement to emphasize the envy others feel towards them.

Well from him look inna di car and how di interior plush
Noting that their luxurious car interior adds to the envy others feel towards them.

And look upon di rims how dem full out and flush
Observing how their rims are full and impressive.

And scope out we jewels him a wonda how much
Noticing how others are curious about the value of their jewelry.

And him jealous well then prize caan touch (Why)
Highlighting that their successes and accomplishments are beyond reach for others.

And him jealous well then prize caan touch (Ragga now!)
Repeating the previous statement to emphasize the unattainability of their success.

Then mi seh royal have a new tune fi rise and buss
Referring to their friend Royal who has a new song ready for success.

And there extra large size muffin dem a light up
Their friends are enjoying large joints and celebrating.

A bwoy dig dung di car until him find some stuff
Someone searched their car until they found something suspicious.

And him jealous a we so rank and nuff (Lawd)
Emphasizing how many achievements and accolades they have, making others jealous.

And him jealous a we so rank and nuff
Repeating the previous statement to emphasize the envy others feel towards them.

Hin exact cau a few stripes deh pon him shoulda
Pointing out that their envious individual has few achievements or accomplishments.

Cau him too par wid we we deh when Demus show love
They were present and supported Demus when he received recognition and love.

Give dem couple C.D. some promo photos
Giving some people CDs and promotional photos to help promote their music.

Now him jealous cau everybody knows us
Emphasizing that their growing fame and recognition is causing jealousy.

Now him jealous cau everybody shows love
Repeating the previous statement to reinforce the jealousy caused by their widespread support.

Yo some feel di wey yuh pass and dem a smile and blush
Observing how people react positively towards them and blush in their presence.

And true dem see some man a star dem could a have a light crush
Acknowledging that some individuals develop a slight infatuation with celebrities they admire.

Now him jealous now even twice as much (Hear dat)
The envy felt towards them has increased significantly.

Now di bwoy jealous now even twice as much (Lawd)
Repeating the previous statement to emphasize the heightened level of envy.

It's just a minor set backa who yuh waan call up
Addressing that any setbacks they face are insignificant and won't hinder their progress.

Every month then di super get a ting fold up
Asserting that they are able to overcome any obstacles and achieve success.

Seh natty dreadlocks nah wear handcuffs
Refusing to be confined or controlled by authority or law enforcement.

Seh any kind a cuff it haffi diamond cuff
Emphasizing that any restraints they wear must be high-quality and valuable.

Go tell dem natty dreadlocks no wear handcuff
Asserting their resistance to being arrested or restrained.

Seh easy papa muffin yuh ruffa than ruff
Acknowledging their tough and rough nature.

And sekkle Juju Royal yuh tuffa than tuff
Recognizing the strength and toughness of their friend Juju Royal.

And tell dem seh natty dreadlocks nah wear handcuffs
Repeating the previous statement to assert their determination to resist authority.

Always stick togetha even when time tuff
Emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity, especially during difficult times.

Bwoy yuh brighta tink a shine and puff, sekkle!
Advising someone who underestimates them to think again and be humble.

Pom, rom pa ba dom ba dom ba ba dom
Repeating the lively phrase to maintain the energetic atmosphere.

Babba dom ba dabba dom ba dom ba ba dom
Continuing the energetic description of the music.

Pom, rom pa ba dom ba dom ba ba dom
Repeating the previous lively phrase to maintain the energetic atmosphere.

Babba dom ba dabba dom ba dom ba ba dom
Repeating the previous energetic phrase once again.

How do you plea?
Asking how they plead in a legal setting.

Not Guilty!
Asserting their innocence.

Your honor!
Addressing the judge with respect.

I think you
Expressing a thought or opinion.

And your entire organization is corrupt and filthy
Accusing the judge and their organization of being corrupt and immoral.

Herb must be burn! Lawd!
Advocating for the burning of marijuana as a form of protest or resistance.

Dem seh yuh a di herbsman, and mi a di farmer
Confirming that they are known as the herb smokers, while they refer to themselves as farmers.

And anywey mi go marijuana deh pon di corner
Observing that marijuana is always available wherever they go.

Jah know, I seh di good sensimelia
Acknowledging the quality and goodness of the marijuana they smoke.

Then rastaman yuh must glow
Implying that being a Rastafarian and smoking marijuana brings about a certain radiance.

Hey seh yuh a di herbsman, and mi a di farmer
Repeating the previous statement to reinforce their roles as herb smokers and farmers.

And anywey mi go ganja must deh pon di corner
Repeating the previous observation that marijuana is always accessible wherever they go.

Jah know, a just di good sensimelia
Repeating the previous acknowledgement of the quality and goodness of the marijuana they smoke.

Then rastaman yuh must glow
Repeating the previous implication that being a Rastafarian and smoking marijuana brings about a certain radiance.

Yo it's a spiritual lift and we nuh tink bout traffic
Describing how smoking marijuana provides a spiritual uplift and helps them disregard traffic congestion.

Di scent a mi herbs Babylon tek sip
Stating that the scent of their marijuana is enticing to Babylon, referring to the authorities.

To kill every herb seed dat is there wish
Noting that the authorities aim to eliminate any trace of marijuana.

Mek a violation all because a one spliff
Expressing frustration over facing legal trouble simply because of smoking a joint.

Di AC mek mi high when a sweat start drip
Suggesting that the air conditioning in their car provides a different type of high when they start sweating.

Cough mi nuh illy cau mi know mi nuh sick
Asserting that their coughing is not a sign of illness but rather a result of their marijuana use.

Outlaw chemist who use two chalice
Referring to themselves as chemists who use two chalices to consume marijuana.

Spliff inna mi hand mi have mi ting pon mi hip
Asserting that they always have a joint in their hand and a weapon by their side.

Move dem mek di rudebwoy flash it and dash it
Demanding others to make way for them and their group of tough individuals.

Mek nuh mistake it a automatic
Stating that their actions and reactions are quick and automatic.

Fools they crush and mi seh eediat panic
Mocking those who are foolish and panic in their presence.

Spliff deh inna mi hand man a move like bionic
Asserting that they move and act in a fast and powerful manner while holding a joint.

Go deh Buju Banton wid a musical gift
Referencing the musician Buju Banton and his musical talent.

Ragga muffin pass di chalice and dash mi and spliff and just
Acknowledging the passing of the joint and their participation in the smoking session.

(Repeat Chorus)