Singer/songwriter/activist Janine ‘Jah9′ Cunningham brings her refreshing mix of contemporary and conscious poetry to the stage and delivers a mature, sophisticated style with a unique and captivating energy all of her own.
Jungle
Jah9 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
for the ones left to scrap for the scrapes
Generations have grown in the same situation:
tribal warfare, chattel slavery and now taxes
The people never have enough and children are born fatherless
and families have no one to rely on
so from blood sweat and tears the solution appears
the pride needs defending by a lion
will you be the one for the mountains and valleys are these city streets
will you be the one to keep looking forward and never retreat
in this jungle out there with so many limitations
set intentionally just for us to fail
with your plans in motion and standing in your power
and strength from your lioness you're bound to prevail
the mission is for those who can endure
and wont stand for injustice and oppression no more
and the journey is for everyone to share
when the lions are leading there is nothing to fear
will you be the one, for the mountains and valleys are these city streets
will you be the one to keep moving forward and never retreat
A future for the youth must be priority
Establishing a nation where they all will be free
To focus on spiritual cultivation
and find themselves through ancient preparation
in this jungle out there some people mek the evil rule dem nature
turning life into a rat race
and the youths dem head a burn cause the only thing they're learning
from those people's how to rob you to your face
instead of giving them guidance and encouragement
you're provoking them daily giving rise to resent
but the tension that they're building up inside
will find direction and purpose in the lion pride
will you be the one, for the mountains and valleys are these city streets
will you be the one to keep moving forward and never retreat
oh ‘cause it's a jungle out there
A future for the youth must be priority
Establishing a nation where they all will be free
So the lionesses rise to the occasion
And nurture them with conscious meditation
It's a jungle out there and life is unfair
for the ones left to scrap for the scrapes
Generations have grown in the same situation:
tribal warfare, chattel slavery and now taxes
The people never have enough and children are born fatherless
and families have no one to rely on
so from blood sweat and tears the solution appears
the pride needs defending by a lion
Jah9's "Jungle" is a song that speaks out against oppression and hardship, advocating for strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. The lyrics describe the struggles faced by generations of people who have grown up in situations of tribal warfare, chattel slavery, and poverty, with limited resources and few opportunities to succeed. The song suggests that the key to overcoming these challenges is to embrace one's inner lion and stand up for oneself and others.
The song encourages people to be the ones who take charge of their lives, seeking out the higher ground and pushing forward without retreating. It emphasizes the importance of creating a future for the youth and establishing a nation where people are free to focus on spiritual cultivation and self-discovery. The lyrics also touch on the negative impact of those who seek to exploit and dominate others, leading to resentment and tension that can only be resolved through the strength and unity of the lion pride.
Overall, "Jungle" is a powerful anthem of hope and resilience, calling on individuals to embrace their inner strength and defend their pride against the challenges of life.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a jungle out there and life is unfair
The world can be harsh and unjust
for the ones left to scrap for the scrapes
For those struggling to get by
Generations have grown in the same situation:
This has been going on for a long time
tribal warfare, chattel slavery and now taxes
From violence to oppression, the struggles have changed but continue
The people never have enough and children are born fatherless
Lack of resources and support can be a major struggle
and families have no one to rely on
Being alone in tough times can be difficult
so from blood sweat and tears the solution appears
From hard work and sacrifice, a strategy emerges
the pride needs defending by a lion
Our community must be protected by leaders who are strong and brave
will you be the one for the mountains and valleys are these city streets
Can you step up to the challenges of this environment?
will you be the one to keep looking forward and never retreat
Can you stay focused and continue to push forward?
in this jungle out there with so many limitations
Despite the obstacles and roadblocks
set intentionally just for us to fail
Designed to keep us down
with your plans in motion and standing in your power
If you have a strategy and are confident in yourself
and strength from your lioness you're bound to prevail
With the support and encouragement of your community, you can succeed
the mission is for those who can endure
This is a challenge for those who are strong and resilient
and wont stand for injustice and oppression no more
Who will fight against inequality and mistreatment
and the journey is for everyone to share
This is a collective effort that everyone can contribute to
when the lions are leading there is nothing to fear
With strong and capable leaders, the community can feel safe
A future for the youth must be priority
We must focus on creating opportunities for the next generation
Establishing a nation where they all will be free
We must build a society where everyone has equal rights and opportunities
To focus on spiritual cultivation
We must prioritize personal growth and well-being
and find themselves through ancient preparation
Drawing from traditional practices and teachings can help us find our way
in this jungle out there some people mek the evil rule dem nature
There are those who choose to be cruel and selfish
turning life into a rat race
Creating a cutthroat competition for survival
and the youths dem head a burn cause the only thing they're learning
Young people are frustrated because they are not gaining valuable skills
from those people's how to rob you to your face
Instead, they are only taught how to cheat and exploit others
instead of giving them guidance and encouragement
We should be supporting and inspiring young people
you're provoking them daily giving rise to resent
Otherwise, they will become angry and resentful
but the tension that they're building up inside
This frustration and anger will not disappear on its own
will find direction and purpose in the lion pride
It must be channeled into constructive action and leadership
oh ‘cause it's a jungle out there
The world can be a harsh and unforgiving place
So the lionesses rise to the occasion
Women must step up to lead and support the community
And nurture them with conscious meditation
We must prioritize mindfulness and reflection
Contributed by James K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Thess Al Fihri
It's a jungle out there and life is unfair
For the ones left to scrap for the scrapes
Generations have grown in the same situation
Tribal warfare, chattel slavery and now taxes
The people never have enough and children are born fatherless
And families have no one to rely on
So from blood sweat and tears the solution appears
The pride needs defending by a lion
Will you be the one?
For the mountains and valleys are these city streets
Will you be the one?
To keep moving forward and never retreat
In this jungle out there with so many limitations
Set intentionally just for us to fail
With your plans in motion and standing in your power
And strength from your lioness you're bound to prevail
The mission is for those who can endure
And won't stand for injustice and oppression no more
And the journey is for everyone to share
When the lions are leading there is nothing to fear
Will you be the one?
For the mountains and valleys are these city streets
Will you be the one?
To keep moving forward and never retreat
A future for the youth must be priority
Establishing a nation where they all will be free
To focus on spiritual cultivation
And find themselves through ancient preparation
In this jungle out there some people mek the evil rule dem nature
Turning life into a rat race
And the youths dem head a burn cause the only thing they're learning
From those people's how to rob you to your face
Instead of giving them guidance and encouragement
You're provoking them daily giving rise to resent
But the tension that they're building up inside
Will find direction and purpose in the lion pride
Will you be the one?
For the mountains and valleys are these city streets
Will you be the one?
To keep moving forward and never retreat
Oh 'cause it's a jungle out there
(..)
Will you be the one?
For the mountains and valleys are these city streets
Will you be the one?
To keep moving forward and never retreat
A future for the youth must be priority
Establishing a nation where they all will be free
So the lionesses rise to the occasion
And nurture them with conscious meditation
It's a jungle out there and life is unfair
For the ones left to scrap for the scrapes
Generations have grown in the same situation
Tribal warfare, chattel slavery and now taxes
The people never have enough and children are born fatherless
And families have no one to rely on
So from blood sweat and tears the solution appears
The pride needs defending by a lion
Araceli Diaz Herrera
It's a jungle out there and life is unfair
For the ones left to scrap for the scrapes
Generations have grown in the same situation
Tribal warfare, chattel slavery and now taxes
The people never have enough and children are born fatherless
And families have no one to rely on
Ao from blood sweat and tears the solution appears
The pride needs defending by a lion
Will you be the one for the mountains and valleys are these city streets
Will you be the one to keep looking forward and never retreat
In this jungle out there with so many limitations
Set intentionally just for us to fail
With your plans in motion and standing in your power
And strength from your lioness you're bound to prevail
The mission is for those who can endure
And wont stand for injustice and oppression no more
And the journey is for everyone to share
When the lions are leading there is nothing to fear
Will you be the one, for the mountains and valleys are these city streets
Will you be the one to keep moving forward and never retreat
A future for the youth must be priority
Establishing a nation where they all will be free
To focus on spiritual cultivation
And find themselves through ancient preparation
In this jungle out there some people mek the evil rule dem nature
Turning life into a rat race
And the youths dem head a burn cause the only thing they're learning
From those people's how to rob you to your face
Instead of giving them guidance and encouragement
You're provoking them daily giving rise to resent
But the tension that they're building up inside
Will find direction and purpose in the lion pride
Will you be the one, for the mountains and valleys are these city streets
Will you be the one to keep moving forward and never retreat
Oh 'cause it's a jungle out there
Will you be the one, for the mountains and valleys are these city streets
Will you be the one to keep moving forward and never retreat
A future for the youth must be priority
Establishing a nation where they all will be free
So the lionesses rise to the occasion
And nurture them with conscious meditation
It's a jungle out there and life is unfair
For the ones left to scrap for the scrapes
Generations have grown in the same situation
Tribal warfare, chattel slavery and now taxes
The people never have enough and children are born fatherless
And families have no one to rely on
So from blood sweat and tears the solution appears
The pride needs defending by a lion
educatemie Mie
I’ll forever be grateful for these pieces! I use smoke, cloves, sorrel, everything to clean my space! And music as well! Jah9 is a necessity in this house! Blessed sis! 💃🏾💪🏿
Rain English
Smoke ganja to clean your mind
Vivian Thomas
Uplift my people with words of encouragement. Thanks Jah9
Ras Simeon
One can actually feel this Sisthren energy.....Power-full lyrics..
Much thanks for giving new life to Rastafari
Michele Festa
I love the energy spread out from you! Thanks for your lyrics! Jah Bless!
Sandra Gardner
Jah 9 is amazing awesome. Their messages come through in volumes.
Leada TV
Been listening to Empress Jah9 for a while now and so far her music has been nothing but spectacular. Very meaningful, inspiring and uplifting! Loving it! #lifemusic
Cheryl Ayala
I am blessed to have found such a an inspiring true divine soul that with her voice alone helps me go on and gives me strength thank u so much Jah9
Jacek Połoniński
She has a great voice, pure bliss!
Gaia Mawu
You are a truly a Royal Jahness! You have such a powerful mind & spirit! Truly one of the blessed messengers in our would today! Keep preaching Sistren...the World needs a voice like yours to help uplift and teach the masses about a conscious & righteous way of life. Jah guide and strengthen you forever more Lioness!