Prophecy
Fabian Lyrics


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Prophecy
Prophecy
Prophecy

Garvey prophesised
If there is a stand to be taken
Let not my people be foresaken
If there is a man to be blamed
Let the politician be named

People heed the call
Our backs are now against the wall
Our backs are now against the wall
There is no redemption in sight
Until we people have our rights
Curfew people burn through the night
Babylon won't sleep tonight

People heed the call
Our backs are now against the wall

Prophecy
Garvey prophesised
Prophecy

Garvey prophesised
If there is a stand to be taken
Let not my people be foresaken
If there is a man to be blamed
Let the politician be named

People heed the call
Our backs are now aganst the wall
Do hear me calling
Do you hear the calling
This is a warning
This is a warning
Get away from the wall
Get away from the wall
Stand up and be tall
Get away from the wall
This is a warning
Do you hear the calling

People crying
Misery in the streets
People dying
Hanging off the 'ee




Do hear me calling
Do hear me calling

Overall Meaning

The song "Prophecy" by Fabian is a political song that speaks about the call for action to fight for equal rights and justice while referencing Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader and activist. The lyrics suggest that the people are becoming restless and are ready to take a stand for their rights even if it means going against the politicians. The reference to Garvey suggests that the fight for equal rights is not new and has been a long-standing issue. The repetition of "Prophecy" throughout the song is a reference to Garvey's prophetic words and his belief that the fight for rights and justice will be won.


The lyrics speak about the people's backs being against the wall and that there is no hope for redemption until equal rights are given. The song suggests that the people are willing to fight until they get what they want and that they will not back down. The line "Curfew people burn through the night, Babylon won't sleep tonight" refers to the unrest that is happening in the streets and the fact that the government forces won't be able to quell the anger and frustration of the people.


Overall, the song "Prophecy" by Fabian is a powerful political statement that speaks to the need for change and equal rights. The use of Marcus Garvey's words adds depth and history to the song and connects the fight for equal rights to the past struggles of the Jamaican people.


Line by Line Meaning

Garvey prophesised
Referencing Marcus Garvey, the song invokes the prophetic words of the civil rights leader and activist.


If there is a stand to be taken
Should action need to be taken, Fabian suggests that it is the duty of the people to take that stand.


Let not my people be foresaken
Fabian implores that the people not be abandoned or left alone in their struggle.


If there is a man to be blamed
Fabian suggests that instead of blaming the people, those responsible for their plight should be held accountable.


Let the politician be named
Politicians are the ones responsible for creating and enforcing laws, policies, and systems that affect the people. Fabian believes that they should be named and held accountable.


People heed the call
Fabian urges the people to listen and answer the call for action and change.


Our backs are now against the wall
The people are in a corner and have no other option but to fight for their rights and survival.


There is no redemption in sight
The situation is bleak and it feels like there is no hope for improvement.


Until we people have our rights
The people will not rest until their basic human rights are fulfilled.


Curfew people burn through the night
The people are protesting and burning buildings and structures in response to a government-imposed curfew.


Babylon won't sleep tonight
This is a reference to Babylon, an ancient city known for its sinful ways. Fabian is suggesting that those in power are corrupted and are not sleeping because of fear or guilt.


Do you hear the calling
Fabian is asking the people to listen to his message and take action.


Get away from the wall
This is a metaphorical wall that represents the barriers to change and progress. Fabian is urging people to move away from it.


Stand up and be tall
Fabian is encouraging the people to be brave, strong, and united in their fight for justice.


People crying
The people are in pain and suffering.


Misery in the streets
The poverty and desperation of the people are visible in the streets.


People dying
The situation is dire and people are losing their lives.


Hanging off the 'ee
This is Jamaican slang for 'hanging onto empty promises.' Fabian is suggesting that the people are holding onto false promises and that politicians are not following through on their words.


This is a warning
Fabian is sounding an alarm, warning that the situation is grave and that action must be taken immediately.


Prophecy
This word is repeated throughout the song, reinforcing the idea that the words of Garvey and other civil rights leaders were prophetic and that the people have the power to realize those prophecies.




Writer(s): Lowe Earl Alexander

Contributed by Declan E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@blackjewess2642

Rest in grace
Thank for giving us the warning sis
You saved a generation
Our people take heed

@sadhustar

It takes me back to Brixton 1998, summer, all the pirate radio stations, Rosie from Bristol, I lost my passport and I'm from Poland - no work permit, got a job next day, working 12 hour a day no day off, and party later till dawn and go back to work again, the minicab station across the road sold the best drugs in the hood, I miss everybody from that time, I miss Coldharbour Lane!

@eggandbread1467

Nearly 40 years , ..we still banging this till the speakers blow.. peace โœŒ

@davidhowell9036

This baseline would jump start the dead!! My favourite tune!!!

@perfectionisttiling

๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

@serenagoodier3897

SO TRUE!!!

@Ezzerguru

๐Ÿ˜‚ For real!

@johnnigelsmith146

FABIAN THIS TUNE IS THE TRUTH AND RIGHTS OF LIFE NOTHING HAS CHANGED WHAT A SUPREME FEMALE ARTISTE FORGET THE BASS LISTEN TO THE CRYSTAL CLEAR VOCALS AND INSPERATION THIS SONG IS PERSONAL FOR REALโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโคโค

@carolsweet16

My all time favourite - it blew me away when I first heard it at the age of 13 or 14 played on my brother's sound system. Never thought I would hear this version again after so many years. WOW - it blew me away again! Jah Rastafari

@brianbeveney339

Goose bumps moment! If I had to select a favourite reggae track, here it is.

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