Church And State
Gentleman Lyrics


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[Chorus]
Devilstation they intensify
Church and state they can't satisfy
While the children still a multiply
I see babymothers cry
While the babyfathers die

Break my backbone while you sit down on your throne
You must living ina twylight zone
It's a good thing I man tuff like a rock stone
Never gonna hear me weap you'll never gonna hear me mone
Creating all the circumstance
Still you're claiming that a you the one who nuh response
When the revolutionary man a take his stand
You Mr. Jacket and tie it nuh make sense you run

[Chorus]

Promises and lies is what a gwaan
These are the things righteous people a scorn
Prophets a ring the alarm
Tell the heads of government fi cool and fi calm
And if you live by what you should
And you doing what you could
There'll be no bad but good, no no
Living out in Hollywood
Buh care about no flesh and blood
You sink ina the mod

[Chorus]

You only govern with your weapon
But dem ya things seh we nuh pon
Man a no stool fu you fi step pon
We age trample duppy and the demon
Nuh join dem gang and me nuh ku-klux dem clan
Listen to the words of a living man
This oppression me don't understand
Are you a creature, beast are you human

[Chorus]

Break my backbone while you sit down on your throne
You must living ina twylight zone
It's a good thing I man tuff like a rock stone
Never gonna hear me weap you'll never gonna hear me mone
Creating all the circumstance
Still you're claiming that a you the one who nuh response
When the revolutionary man a take his stand
You Mr. Jacket and tie it nuh make sense you run





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Gentleman's song Church And State address issues of corruption and inequality within the government and society at large. The chorus highlights the failure of both church and state to meet the needs of the people as they continue to struggle and suffer in poverty. The line "devilstation they intensify" suggests that the forces of evil are on the rise, exacerbating the situation. Meanwhile, the "babymothers" cry and the "babyfathers" die, drawing attention to the struggles of single parents and absent fathers.


The verses go on to criticize those in power who break the backs of the people they are supposed to serve, while sitting comfortably on their thrones. The singer asserts his own strength and resilience in the face of oppression, refusing to cry or moan. He accuses those in power of creating the very circumstances that they claim they are not responsible for, and of failing to respond to the needs of the people.


The song concludes with a call to resist the forces of oppression and to listen to the words of a living man. The singer warns against joining groups like the Ku Klux Klan and urges listeners to reject all forms of bigotry and discrimination. Ultimately, he questions whether those in power are even human, suggesting that their actions are so inhumane as to merit this question.


Line by Line Meaning

Devilstation they intensify
The evils of society are getting worse and more prominent.


Church and state they can't satisfy
Even the institutions that are supposed to provide guidance and leadership are failing to address the problems in society.


While the children still a multiply
Despite these problems, the population continues to grow.


I see babymothers cry
Women who are struggling to raise children on their own are suffering.


While the babyfathers die
Men who are trying to provide for their families are dying prematurely.


Break my backbone while you sit down on your throne
Those in positions of power are causing harm to those who are vulnerable.


You must living ina twylight zone
You are disconnected from reality.


It's a good thing I man tuff like a rock stone
I am resilient and strong enough to withstand the challenges that come my way.


Never gonna hear me weap you'll never gonna hear me mone
I refuse to be broken by the hardships I face, and will not complain or give up.


Creating all the circumstance
Those in power are responsible for creating the difficult situations that people are facing.


Still you're claiming that a you the one who nuh response
Despite their role in creating the problems, those in power are failing to take responsibility for addressing them.


When the revolutionary man a take his stand
When someone stands up for change and justice,


You Mr. Jacket and tie it nuh make sense you run
Those in power don't know how to respond to those who are demanding change.


Promises and lies is what a gwaan
Those in power are not keeping the promises they make, and are not being truthful with the people.


These are the things righteous people a scorn
Those who value justice and fairness are appalled by the actions of those in power.


Prophets a ring the alarm
People who speak out against injustice are warning us of the dangers we face.


Tell the heads of government fi cool and fi calm
Those in power need to calm down and act rationally, rather than reacting impulsively or with violence.


And if you live by what you should
If you act in accordance with what is right and just,


And you doing what you could
And you are doing your best to make positive change,


There'll be no bad but good, no no
The world will be a better place, with no more suffering or injustice.


Living out in Hollywood
Those who are distracted by wealth, power, and fame,


Buh care about no flesh and blood
Are ambivalent about the suffering and needs of their fellow human beings.


You sink ina the mod
They are lost in their own shallow world, disconnected from reality.


You only govern with your weapon
Those in power rely on violence and intimidation to maintain control.


But dem ya things seh we nuh pon
Those methods don't work on us,


Man a no stool fu you fi step pon
We are not stepping stones for your personal gain or power.


We age trample duppy and the demon
We have the strength and courage to overcome any challenge or obstacle, even supernatural forces.


Nuh join dem gang and me nuh ku-klux dem clan
We refuse to ally ourselves with those who propagate hate and inequality.


Listen to the words of a living man
Pay attention to those who are speaking out against injustice.


This oppression me don't understand
We don't comprehend why people in power insist on perpetuating suffering and injustice.


Are you a creature, beast are you human
We question whether those who inflict harm on others are truly human, or something else entirely.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MAURICE GEORGE JOHNSON, TILMANN OTTO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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