Desmond Dekker (July 16, 1941 — May 25, 2006) was a Jamaican ska and reggae… Read Full Bio ↴Desmond Dekker (July 16, 1941 — May 25, 2006) was a Jamaican ska and reggae singer and songwriter. Together with his backing group, The Aces (consisting of Wilson James and Easton Barrington Howard), he had one of the first international Jamaican hits with "Israelites". Other hits include "007 (Shanty Town)" (1967) and "It Mek" (1969). Before the ascent of Bob Marley, Dekker was one of the most popular musicians within Jamaica, and one of the best-known musicians outside it.

Sweet Music
Desmond Dekker and The Aces Lyrics

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Sweet music the sound of freedom
Sweet music the sound of freedom
Well the time has come for us to cooperate
The time has come for us to live in unity
So take my advice
Try to be wise
If you're born free you must stay free, oh yeah
Sweet music the sound of freedom

Sweet music the sound of freedom

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Desmond Dekker and The Aces's song "Sweet Music" are focused on the idea of freedom and unity. The repetition of the phrase "Sweet music the sound of freedom" reinforces the idea that music has the power to unite and free people from oppression. The first two lines of the song "Well the time has come for us to cooperate, the time has come for us to live in unity" suggests that the song is an appeal to people to work together and live in harmony, which is essential for freedom. In the next lines, the singer advises the listener to be wise and stay free if they were born free, implying that freedom is a right that should not be taken away from anyone.

Through the use of the metaphor of sweet music, the song speaks to the power of music to bring people together and create a sense of community. The repetition of the phrase "Sweet music the sound of freedom" in the chorus is a reminder that music is not just a source of entertainment, it can also be used to inspire and empower people to fight for their rights. Overall, the song is a rallying call for unity and freedom, using music as a powerful symbol of resistance and hope.

Line by Line Meaning

Sweet music the sound of freedom
The melody is a symbol for liberty

Sweet music the sound of freedom
The harmony represents the concept of autonomy

Well the time has come for us to cooperate
The opportunity has arisen for us to work together

The time has come for us to live in unity
It's now necessary for us to coexist harmoniously

So take my advice
Please heed my counsel

Try to be wise
Endeavor to be judicious

If you're born free you must stay free, oh yeah
Once you're liberated, you ought to remain unoppressed

Sweet music the sound of freedom
The tune signifies the value of emancipation

Sweet music the sound of freedom
The rhythm embodies the essence of independence

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DESMOND DEKKER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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