Stand By Me
Idris Elba Kranium Tanika Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(A real Jamaican)
Ooo, dis a the truth, ya
Tuff inna the streets, born soldier
Defend mi owna place fi di yute ya
Demons move fast mi rebuke ya
Ooo, man a solider
Dead before dishonor no come closer
Deal wid di case and cut clear sah
Stand by me, stand by me
Baby, don't leave my side
Even though I know someone watching me
Dem fi know seh man a real Yaadie, ay
Dem fi know seh man a real Yaadie, ay
(There's only one person I want)
(A real Jamaican)
Youth tell you the truth (The truth)
No say anyting me woulda do fi yuh
Oh yeah, bring tings inna mi yaad awah mi do to yuh?
Nah, no respect still me worry and mi screw fi ya
Yo D, remember where we come from
Call me like you want fi dead a England (No, no, no)
Running round town like a mad man
God, your friends just end up in a gang bang
Stand by me, stand by me
Baby, don't leave my side
Even though I know someone watching me
Dem fi know seh man a real Yaadie, ay
Dem fi know seh man a real Yaadie, ay
(There's only one person I want)
(A real Jamaican)
Watch ova me (Watch ova me)
Guide ova me (Guide ova me)
Me a beg you, please stand by me
Watch ova me (Watch ova me)
Guide ova me (Guide ova me)
Me a beg you, please stand by me
Watch over for me, watch over for me, babe
Stand by me, stand by me
Baby, don't leave my side
Even though I know someone watching me
Dem fi know seh man a real Yaadie, ay
Dem fi know seh man a real Yaadie, ay (Oh god, watch ova me baby)
The opening lyrics of "There's only one person I want, a real Jamaican" sets the tone for Kranium and Tanika's song "Stand By Me." The song is a testament to Jamaican culture and its ability to persevere through tough times. Kranium speaks to the struggles of life on the island, where violence is prevalent, and the youth are often caught up in gang activity. He describes himself as a "born soldier" who will defend his community but also rebuke those who bring negative energy. Kranium sees himself as someone who fights for his life and represents the real "Yaadie" or Jamaican.
Throughout the song, the artists make it clear that they need someone to stand by their side regardless of what they face. They are aware of the dangers and the eyes that watch them, but they do not want to be alone. In the second verse, Tanika speaks about the bond shared by two friends who have been through thick and thin. She speaks to the loyalty and trust built over time and showcases the love and care that people in Jamaica have for each other.
Overall, the song is an anthem for Jamaicans, even those who are away from home but still represent their culture. It speaks to their struggles, their joys, and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooo, dis a the truth, ya
This is the truth, yes.
Tuff inna the streets, born soldier
I am tough in the streets, a natural born fighter.
Defend mi owna place fi di yute ya
I will defend my own place for the youth.
Demons move fast mi rebuke ya
Any demons that come my way, I will swiftly defeat them.
Ooo, man a solider
I am a soldier.
Fight fi my life and control ya
I fight for my life and control my actions.
Dead before dishonor no come closer
I would rather die than bring shame to myself or my people.
Deal wid di case and cut clear sah
I will handle the situation and make it clear, yes.
Stand by me, stand by me
Stay with me, stay with me.
Baby, don't leave my side
My love, please don't go away from me.
Even though I know someone watching me
Even though I am being watched.
Dem fi know seh man a real Yaadie, ay
They should know that I am a true Jamaican.
Youth tell you the truth (The truth)
I am a young person and I always speak the truth.
No say anyting me woulda do fi yuh
I would do anything for you.
Oh yeah, bring tings inna mi yaad awah mi do to yuh?
Would you allow me to bring things into my house for you?
Nah, no respect still me worry and mi screw fi ya
No respect, but I still worry and care for you.
Yo D, remember where we come from
Hey D, remember our roots.
Call me like you want fi dead a England (No, no, no)
You can call me whenever you want, even if it means risking my life in England.
Running round town like a mad man
I am running around town like a crazy person.
God, your friends just end up in a gang bang
God, your friends always get involved in gang activities.
Watch ova me (Watch ova me)
Watch over me, please.
Guide ova me (Guide ova me)
Guide me, please.
Me a beg you, please stand by me
I am begging you, please stay with me.
Watch over for me, watch over for me, babe
Please watch over me, my love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Idris Elba, Kemar Donaldson, Tanika Tabitha Bailey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind