No Agreement
Fela Kuti Lyrics


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*(CHORUS) NO AGREEMENT TODAY, NO AGREEMENT
TOMORROW - 2X


I no go agree make my brother hungry, make I no talk
*(CHORUS) LA LA LA LA ! LA LA ! - [AFTER EACH LINE]
I no go agree make my brother jobless, make I no talk
I no go agree make my brother homeless, make I no talk


My grandpapa talk, your grandpapa talk
My grandmama talk, your grandmama talk
Your papa talk, my papa talk
My mama talk, your mama talk
Those wey no talk them they agree


I no go agree make my brother hungry, make I no talk
*(CHORUS) LA LA LA LA ! LA LA !


No agreement today, no agreement tomorrow




*(CHORUS) NO AGREEMENT TODAY, NO AGREEMENT TOMORROW – [AFTER EACH LINE]
No agreement now, later, never and ever

Overall Meaning

In Fela Kuti's song "No Agreement," the lyrics speak to the importance of speaking out against societal injustices and standing up for one's fellow human beings. The chorus repeats the phrase "No agreement today, no agreement tomorrow," emphasizing the urgent need for action to be taken in the present to address issues that affect us all. Fela Kuti recognizes that being passive in the face of inequality is not an option, and that silence only serves to perpetuate the status quo. This sentiment is reinforced in the lines "I no go agree make my brother hungry, make I no talk," making it clear that he refuses to remain silent when he sees others suffering.


The verses also speak to the idea that historical and cultural differences do not have to create divisions between people. Fela Kuti references his and the listener's ancestors, stating "My grandpapa talk, your grandpapa talk. My grandmama talk, your grandmama talk. Your papa talk, my papa talk. My mama talk, your mama talk." This suggests that despite their differences, all people have the capacity to speak out against injustice and to come together in solidarity.


Overall, "No Agreement" is a call to action, encouraging listeners to use their voices to make a positive impact on the world around them. It reminds us that silence is not an option when it comes to fighting against inequality and that we all have a responsibility to stand up for one another.


Line by Line Meaning

NO AGREEMENT TODAY, NO AGREEMENT TOMORROW
There is no agreement today or tomorrow.


I no go agree make my brother hungry, make I no talk
I will not let my brother go hungry, and I will speak up to ensure he has food to eat.


LA LA LA LA ! LA LA !
Sung after each line for emphasis and rhythm.


I no go agree make my brother jobless, make I no talk
I will not let my brother be jobless, and I will speak up to ensure he has employment opportunities.


I no go agree make my brother homeless, make I no talk
I will not let my brother be homeless, and I will speak up to ensure he has a safe and secure living space.


My grandpapa talk, your grandpapa talk
My grandfather spoke, and your grandfather spoke.


My grandmama talk, your grandmama talk
My grandmother spoke, and your grandmother spoke.


Your papa talk, my papa talk
Your father spoke, and my father spoke.


My mama talk, your mama talk
My mother spoke, and your mother spoke.


Those wey no talk them they agree
Those who do not speak up are in agreement with the situation.


NO AGREEMENT TODAY, NO AGREEMENT TOMORROW
There is no agreement today or tomorrow.


NO AGREEMENT NOW, LATER, NEVER AND EVER
There will never be an agreement, not now, not later, not ever.




Contributed by Olivia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@theena

My god that bass, that drummer, that keyboardist, and those epic horns. So good it should be illegal.

@ml106

It could be illegal (today), but certainly shouldn't. But back in the day it indeed was LITERALLY illegal.

@tristachang4sheriffazgovpr264

Well it kinda was. Underground Spiritual Game

@paschalakwetey9429

And drew me to the Devil's Horn.

@Chidiuche

We shall survive Fela's bass, drum beats and guitars 😀....sickening stuff. Greatness in audio artistry!

@tomaszsuchecki9228

@@tristachang4sheriffazgovpr264 * ,są;

1 More Replies...

@tyshonsullivan4959

Dog eat dog , one of the best songs ever made by fela and his band

@williamgoit5927

Nobody arranges horns like Fela. Amazing endurance and concentration.The inspiration is contagious. Timeless genius. Almost everyone sounds like an amateur next to Fela. His musical genius is under appreciated because the righteous message of Justice and Freedom is terrifying to the colonial mentality.

@peterpiece2102

Everyone got screwed by Fela

@charlesgold9016

" 'the best band I've ever seen live...When Fela and his band eventually began to play, after a long, crazy build-up, I just couldn't stop weeping with joy. It was a very moving experience.'PAUL McCartney

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