Barry G is still amazed by Rodigan’s devotion to the history of reggae and his willingness to learn the history and origin of a song.“He makes it his duty to experience it; he has mastered it.
Jamaica, its people and its culture still elude and bemuse the most earnest of wannabes. David Rodigan is no wannabe. As far as Jamaicans are concerned, he’s not only on the inside, he’s ranking. Come down, selector!
Kingston Town
David Rodigan Lyrics
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It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Some man have no manners, steal an try fi beg a thing
If you no drop no green, a straight up dissing ting
Sun a bun traffic, it's a slow riddim
Some man a drive up an dung, dem have di latest ting
Machine fit inna dem jeans a show off girls and bling
Smell of marijuana round di corner dem juggling
One mad man get 'im food straight outta di garbage bin, ey!
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Dis a di gun land
Blood run cold pon di white sand
Concrete a bun put some pads up your chin
Ba-Babylon boy dem kill a youth an one old woman a chant some
An while a neck sit a monster di rat-ta-ta-tan-ta
Dem dig more grave than rooms up-a Hilton
Small community get wash up by a blood stain
Every weekend same routine with new function
Pusher dem count more dead than 9/11 destruction, ey!
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Di gyal dem pants tight like rubber suit
And a dem blouse one tiny something hide up perfect boobs
Dem always a smile if you a-go pay di I
Dem a go play you one trick if you a mama's boy
It's a tough man town, there's no crown and no throne
It a go, lick you down, with a, dancehall sound
If you a stranger and you drive, mek sure you know the route
You don't wanna get salute by a gun dispute
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
In David Rodigan's song "Kingston Town," the lyrics depict the reality of life in the Jamaican capital for those living in poverty. The opening lines, "Sipple it down down, sipple it down down, it's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town," set the tone for the rest of the song. "Rudeboy" refers to gang members, and the term "Kingston town" is used to describe the violence and chaos that comes with living in the city. The lyrics describe how some men have no manners and resort to stealing and begging in order to survive, which can lead to dangerous situations.
The chorus continues to highlight the hostile environment of Kingston, emphasizing the roughness of the city and the need to be cautious. The second verse indicates that the gun violence in Kingston is not limited to certain areas, as it affects people from all walks of life. The lyrics describe how innocent people are caught in the crossfire, resulting in the loss of life. The final verse touches on the social scene in Kingston, with references to tight clothing and the dangers of being a stranger to the city.
Line by Line Meaning
Sipple it down down, sipple it down down
Take it slow and easy
It's a rudeboy town, it's Kingston town
Kingston is a rough, dangerous place
Some man have no manners, steal an try fi beg a thing
Some people are rude and steal instead of asking for help
If you no drop no green, a straight up dissing ting
If you don't have money to offer, people will disrespect you
Sun a bun traffic, it's a slow riddim
Traffic is bad and slow
JCF a move rough, dem bus' di M16
Police are using force and weapons to control the situation
Some man a drive up an dung, dem have di latest ting
Some people show off their expensive cars
Machine fit inna dem jeans a show off girls and bling
People show off their possessions and attract attention
Smell of marijuana round di corner dem juggling
Marijuana is being sold and used openly
One mad man get 'im food straight outta di garbage bin, ey!
A homeless person has to eat from the garbage bin
Dis a di gun land
Kingston is known for being violent and dangerous
Blood run cold pon di white sand
Blood is spilled on the beach
Concrete a bun put some pads up your chin
The hot pavement can burn your feet
Ba-Babylon boy dem kill a youth an one old woman a chant some
The police kill innocent people
An while a neck sit a monster di rat-ta-ta-tan-ta
Gunshots can be heard
Dem dig more grave than rooms up-a Hilton
People are dying too often
Small community get wash up by a blood stain
Violence affects everyone, even small communities
Every weekend same routine with new function
Weekends are filled with parties and events, but violence still happens
Pusher dem count more dead than 9/11 destruction, ey!
Drug dealers cause more deaths than 9/11
Di gyal dem pants tight like rubber suit
Women wear very tight clothing
And a dem blouse one tiny something hide up perfect boobs
Women wear revealing clothing
Dem always a smile if you a-go pay di I
Women will be nice to people who pay them
Dem a go play you one trick if you a mama's boy
Women will manipulate men who are too attached to their mothers
It's a tough man town, there's no crown and no throne
Kingston is full of strong, independent people
It a go, lick you down, with a, dancehall sound
The music can be very powerful
If you a stranger and you drive, mek sure you know the route
If you're not from Kingston, you might get lost or in trouble
You don't wanna get salute by a gun dispute
You don't want to get involved in a gunfight
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Barrington Michael Brown, Henry Lawes, Reanno Devon Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind