Shanty town
Diplo & Santogold Lyrics
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0-0-7
At ocean eleven
And now rudeboys have a go wail
'Cause them out of jail
Rudeboys cannot fail
'cause them must get bail
A shanty town
Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail
A shanty town
Dem rude boys out on probation
A shanty town
Them a rude when them come up to town
A shanty town
0-0-7
0-0-7
At ocean eleven
And the rudeboys a go wail
'Cause them out of jail
Rudeboys cannot fail
'Cause them must get bail
Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail
A shanty town
Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail
A shanty town
Dem rude boys out on probation
A shanty town
Them a rude when them come up to town
A shanty town
Police get taller
A shanty town
Soldier get longer
A shanty town
Rudeboy a weep and a wail
A shanty town
Rude boys a weep and a wail
A shanty town
The song "Shanty town" by Diplo and Santigold is a reggae-inspired track that paints a picture of the rough and tumble world of the shanty town. The song begins with a call and response introduction, featuring the numbers "0-0-7" and "Ocean Eleven" which references the 1960's film about a group of thieves who pull off a heist. The lyrics then delve into the theme of the song, depicting the lives of the "rudeboys," or young gangsters, who are out on probation and looking to make a name for themselves in the shanty town.
The lines "Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail" repeat through the song, describing the violent culture of the shanty town where the rudeboys are constantly in conflict with the police, soldiers, and each other. The lyrics also reveal the desperation of the rudeboys as they try to stay out of jail and avoid failure - "Rudeboys cannot fail, cause them must get bail."
The chorus repeats the lines "A shanty town" four times and serves as a reminder of where the events of the song are taking place. The final lines of the song, "Rudeboys a weep and a wail," emphasize the tragic nature of the shanty town and the cycle of violence and poverty that its residents are trapped in.
Overall, "Shanty town" is a powerful commentary on the struggles of life in the shanty towns of Jamaica and other developing nations. The song offers a stark reminder of the violence and poverty that are all too common in these areas, and encourages listeners to consider the social and economic factors that contribute to this reality.
Line by Line Meaning
0-0-7
The code name of James Bond is being referenced, implying that the situation at hand is like an espionage operation
At ocean eleven
Referencing the classic heist film Ocean's Eleven, which is about a group of criminals executing a robbery, implying that the situation at hand is a criminal endeavor
And now rudeboys have a go wail
The rudeboys are expressing their discontent and dissatisfaction due to their current situation
'Cause them out of jail
The rudeboys have recently been released from jail
Rudeboys cannot fail
The rudeboys are confident and believe that they will succeed in their criminal endeavors
'Cause them must get bail
The rudeboys must avoid being arrested again and are relying on bail to help them avoid jail time
Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail
The rudeboys are looting and shooting as part of their criminal activities, leading others to weep and wail
A shanty town
The events described are taking place in a run-down area or slum where impoverished people live
Dem rude boys out on probation
The rudeboys are currently on probation for their previous criminal activities
Them a rude when them come up to town
The rudeboys are disrespectful and aggressive when they travel to more prosperous areas
Police get taller
The police presence in the shanty town is increasing and becoming more intimidating
Soldier get longer
The military presence in the shanty town is increasing and becoming more aggressive
Rudeboy a weep and a wail
The rudeboys are crying and expressing their distress at their current situation
Rude boys a weep and a wail
The rudeboys are crying and expressing their distress at their current situation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DESMOND DEKKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rayjohn39
Diplo is a FREAKIN genius. Everything he touches turns to gold!!
@theece8654
I'd give a finger and a toe for this mix tape to be put on sportify
@MrsDunkelbunt
Same!!!!!!
@isaiaha.6448
ugh fr
@sonjakozman1699
Buy the record?
@amehwah
it's impossible to sit when this comes on
@DjRiches
anything diplo dose is crazy
@doushe44
Desdmond Dekker, Shanty town...welcome into the light.
@carlc7839
2023 still dope
@sonjakozman1699
Hard