Freedom Taking Over
Groundation Lyrics

Zion, dreaming from an Iron gate
Zion, symbolizing a better life, is trapped in a confined space akin to a prison, and its inhabitants can only dream of liberation.

Dragon, fire ago burn dem all
The dragon is a metaphor for oppression, and the fire represents the Rastafarian movement that seeks to obliterate such oppression.

Jah gonna start the revolution
Jah, the supreme being in Rastafarianism, will initiate the rebellion to overthrow the tyranny and establish a better society.

The light struck the night,
A powerful force - possibly divine - illuminates the dark, oppressive world to highlight its flaws and draw attention to the upcoming revolution.

Too indiscipline a battle dem fight
The oppressors are not organized enough to combat the united and self-disciplined Rastafarian resistance.

Walk and talk they steal, mash dem down we will
The oppressors steal and oppress through speech and action, but the Rastafarians will viciously retaliate and crush them.

With the strength of a lion stand still
Like the lion, the Rastafarians will stand firm with mighty strength and unwavering resolve.

Iya, Iya, war today, oh steal I hear war today-ay-ay
A war is imminent and the singer urges the listener to remain alert and well-prepared for the impending conflict.

The youth dem call upon the elders of which we seek after
The young Rastafarians need guidance and wisdom from the older, more experienced members of the community to achieve their goals.

The Congo Man a chanting, oh dem Congo Man a chant...
The Congo man symbolizes the African roots of Rastafarianism and its practitioners, who chant songs of freedom and revolution.

Oh the youth dem know, but what they cannot see
The youths are aware of the oppression and have the courage to rebel, but they are unaware of the challenges and sacrifices ahead.

Is how dem use to laugh, and then kick upon we
The oppressors used to mock and mistreat the Rastafarians before, but now, they will pay a heavy price for their insensitivity.

Oh all the youth don't know, of all those tears we cry
The younger generation is oblivious to the struggles and hardships faced by the older members due to the repression.

Yes oh this Rastaman life, oh of this Rastaman life
The Rastafarian lifestyle is unique and full of challenges, but it brings them closer to Jah and his teachings.

And you can hear them shouting changes
The oppressed people demand significant changes in the social order; they are not content with the status quo.

From out of the minds and thoughts of our children
The younger generation is coming up with innovative, fresh ideas to challenge the established order and effect change.

Here in desolate places
The Rastafarians are fighting for freedom and equality in remote, abject surroundings that emphasize the gravity of their situation.

Oh we give thanks and praises to dem elders
The younger generation shares a deep appreciation and admiration for their older counterparts who have mentored and guided them.

For the guidance we are after
The younger generation is looking for guidance and support to navigate the challenges they face.

No one shall stand alone tonight
The Rastafarians are a united front, and nobody will have to face the oppression alone.

Shall run, run tonight, shall stand alone tonight
The Rastafarians will scatter tonight to avoid detection, but they will not be alone because they will operate as one force.

Long before this war we use to cry and use to lie in bed
The Rastafarians have experienced decades of oppression and have been crying themselves to sleep but have decided not to take it anymore.

With visions of fire running red
The Rastafarians can see the revolution calling, and they feel fired up and empowered to effect change.

And so we call upon these elders instead
The older and wiser members of the community are sought to offer guidance and advice as they embark on their mission.

Don Carlos at the control
A respected and influential person in the Rastafarian community, Don Carlos, is in charge of leading and organizing the mission.

Wo yeah! Wo yeah! Now (4x)
An expression of excitement and anticipation as the Rastafarians prepare to embark on their mission.

See them come up along the road, oh I can see them
The Rastafarians are approaching their destination and are visible to the singer, who feels exhilarated.

Some walk by day and some stalk by night
The Rastafarians operate covertly, and some move during the day, while others operate under cover of darkness.

Oh Rastafari shall greet them in the end
At the end of the mission, the Rastafarians will receive their reward, which is the victory over the oppressors.

And so de man run up so long, so long, Oh, Lord!
The enemies are trying to get away, but it is too late for them as the Rastafarians have caught up with them.

Beaten dem down, shootin' dem down
The Rastafarians are using physical force to defeat their oppressors.

Oh it's a poor man's battle for the youth man stalk
The Rastafarians are mostly poor and disadvantaged, but they are still fighting against the oppressors who are better equipped and supported.

And the rich dem run away
The oppressors with wealth and power are retreating in the face of the Rastafarian onslaught.

Seems like de don't know dem right from wrong
The oppressors are behaving in a morally reprehensible way, and they do not realize the error of their ways.

But I see the youth will fight tonight, wow
The younger generation will stand up and fight tonight, and the singer is impressed by their bravery and determination.

Look how they jump, and shriek and moan
The Rastafarians are expressing their joy and exuberance at the prospect of freedom and equality.

For natty coming over: Oh freedom taking over
Natty symbolizes a spiritual and political awakening, and the Rastafarians are confident that freedom and equality are imminent.