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.