In 1999, Gentleman released his first album Trodin on and in 2002, his 2nd longplayer Journey to Jah. His album Confidence climbed to number 1 on the German album charts in 2004.
2007: Another Intensity
His career began with the collaboration of the band Freundekreis which produced the song “Tabula Rasa.” After beginning his career as dancehall deejay , his music oriented to the classic form of the reggae, as it was between 1970 and 1985, with artists as Bob Marley, Max Romeo, Jacob Miller, Junior Murvin, Devon Irons, Burning Spear and Black Uhuru. He sings mainly in Jamaica Patois English. With songs like “Send A Prayer” Gentleman expresses his deep belief in God from an universal religious persepctive. His album Confidence climbed to number 1 on the German album charts in 2004.
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Gentleman is also an Indie(ish) band from Maryland. Members of The Summer We Went West, Dawn Treader, Monument, etc.
Stranded
Gentleman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're wrapped up in troubles
and you're laced with confusion too
they take the chains from your hands
put them in your pockets to hold you down
they take the chains from your feet
put them in your pockets to crump your style
you really don't need
you're bawling for mercy ans you crucify the dread
You're running away to hell
but you can't run away from yourself [repeat]
[Chorus:]
Stranded, stranded ina babylon, yeah
stranded, stranded in babylon
Stranded, stranded ina babylon, yeah
stranded, stranded in babylon
Living this life of illusion I can't take it no more
economical slavery I can't take it no more
I've got to light up my chalice
to drive the devil away
yes I've got to light up my chalice to keep on high
[Chorus]
Opressa man without oppology
jah is gonna get you now
back off for begging no equality
jah is gonna get you now
back off for begging no equality
jah is gonna get you now
[Chorus]
The song "Stranded in Babylon" by Gentleman is a commentary on the human condition in a world that is full of troubles, confusion, and economic slavery. The first verse describes how people are weighed down by the chains of their own making, which they carry in their pockets. They work themselves to death for things they don't even need and cry out for mercy, while also crucifying themselves with their own fears and anxieties. The second verse talks about how people are running away from themselves, trying to escape their problems, but they cannot escape the reality of their own lives.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Stranded in Babylon," which is a metaphor for being lost in a world that is full of chaos and confusion. The singer is expressing the frustration and sense of helplessness that many people feel when they are trapped in a system that does not serve their best interests. He is calling attention to the fact that we need to break free from our illusions and take a stand against the economic slavery that is holding us back.
In the third verse, the singer talks about how he uses marijuana to "light up his chalice" and drive away the devil. This is a reference to the Rastafarian belief that marijuana can be used as a sacrament to bring people closer to Jah (God) and help them to see through the illusions of the world. The singer is expressing his faith in this sacrament as a way to cope with the difficulties of life and stay positive.
Overall, "Stranded in Babylon" is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the need for people to break free from the systems that are holding them back. It is a call to action for people to take control of their lives and find ways to create a better world for themselves and for others.
Line by Line Meaning
Stranded in Babylon - branded a fool
Feeling lost and isolated in a world of chaos, and judged as foolish by those who don't understand.
You're wrapped up in troubles
You're deeply involved in problems that are overwhelming you.
and you're laced with confusion too
You're also afflicted with a sense of being lost, and you're not sure what to do with yourself.
they take the chains from your hands
Others have used your talents and labor to their advantage, but now they're taking advantage of you in new ways.
put them in your pockets to hold you down
They're using your own strengths against you to keep you trapped.
they take the chains from your feet
You can't even go where you want to go, because they've also taken away your freedom of movement.
put them in your pockets to crump your style
They've made you feel like you're not even allowed to express yourself anymore.
working yourselves to death for the things
You're killing yourself working hard for possessions and achievements that really don't matter.
you really don't need
You don't even want most of these things, but they've convinced you that you should.
you're bawling for mercy ans you crucify the dread
You're crying out for help, yet constantly burdened by fear and anxiety.
You're running away to hell
You're escaping to a life of emptiness and pain.
but you can't run away from yourself
Your own problems will always follow you, no matter where you go.
Stranded, stranded ina babylon, yeah
Feeling completely lost and isolated in a chaotic world.
stranded, stranded in babylon
Continuing to feel like an outsider in a civilization that doesn't seem to value your worth.
Living this life of illusion I can't take it no more
Suffering the pain of living a life of constant deception.
economical slavery I can't take it no more
Feeling trapped in a life of servitude to a system that exploits and oppresses you.
I've got to light up my chalice
I need to take time for self-care and relaxation.
to drive the devil away
To rid myself of negative energy and dark thoughts.
yes I've got to light up my chalice to keep on high
It's important to find ways to stay positive and motivated.
Opressa man without oppology
People who have done you wrong refuse to admit their mistakes or apologize.
jah is gonna get you now
Karma or divine justice will eventually catch up to them.
back off for begging no equality
Demanding that everyone should receive fair treatment and respect.
jah is gonna get you now
Again, those who refuse to show compassion and kindness will eventually pay the price.
Stranded, stranded ina babylon, yeah
Feeling lost and isolated in a tumultuous reality.
stranded, stranded in babylon
Continuing to feel like a marginalized outsider in a world that doesn't understand or value you.
Contributed by Amelia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.