He was nominated best vocalist five times in his own country, an indication of the love Jamaicans have for his voice and music. There are many reasons as to why he commands the respect of his countrymen, one is his ability to perform both roots Reggae material and love songs with equal ability and conviction. This dual persona, both as roots 'preacher' and love 'crooner', was one which out of financial necessity many other performers were required to adopt. Dennis Brown, then Johnny's biggest rival, is a fine example in this regard.
Masterful dub remixes of Johnny Clarke's songs by KING TUBBY contribute no end to the beauty of any mid '70s single release by Clarke. Listen to 'Move Out Of Babylon Rastaman' or the later 'Cold I Up' and to the accompanying b-side dub versions, and you will realize why Johnny Clarke encapsulates so well, '70s Roots Reggae. Few other artists have ever achieved such domination, let alone with the consummate ease and style that Johnny Clarke, the 'studio idler' did.
If you are looking to understand and absorb the world of Reggae, in particular the 'Golden Era' of the mid '70s, Clarke's music is an ideal vehicle within which to do so. When Bob Marley was turning himself into the first International Jamaican superstar, Big Youth, Inner Circle and Johnny Clarke ruled the roost back home. They were the acts popular with Jamaicans, in Jamaica.
While he failed to maintain the success of the '70s, Clarke went on to become one of the highlights of the dancehall era, re-establishing his reputation as he did so. His style had always been well suited to this new genre, one that coincided with the beginning of the new decade.
He has continued to remain true to his own roots, singing largely of 'cultural' matters and retaining his Rastafarian faith. Touring to this day, he spends much of his time in the U.K., and long may we benefit from his beautiful voice.
Move Out of Babylon
Johnny Clarke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And leave all the wicked man
Move out of Babylon, rastaman
And leave all the wicked man
The wicked shall not prosper
Only righteous man shall stand up
So keep on moving, rastaman
Just keep on moving, rastaman, move on, move on
All you ye backbiters
And all you backsliders
You shall not enter, no, no
You shall not enter, in the kingdom of Jah
The almighty in the kingdom of Jah, the almighty
Move out, move out
Move out, move out, rastaman
Move out, move out, rastaman, move out
Move out, rastaman, move out, move out
The wicked shall enter
No leader cannot enter
Surrender your heart
And not your damn ass, rastaman, move out
Move out, rastaman, move out
Move out, rastaman, move out
Move out
Move out of Babylon, rastaman
And leave all the wicked man
Move out, move out
"Move Out of Babylon" by Johnny Clarke seems to be a message of empowerment to the Rastafarian community. The song calls for them to move out of Babylon, which refers to the sin and corruption of the secular world, and leave behind all the wickedness and backstabbing that comes with it. The song encourages the righteous ones to stand firm in their beliefs and not be swayed by the wickedness of others. The lyrics suggest that only the righteous men shall prosper in the eyes of Jah, the almighty. The song also warns the backbiters and backsliders that they shall not enter the kingdom of Jah unless they surrender their hearts and follow the path of righteousness.
"Move Out of Babylon" can be interpreted as a call to action for individuals to take control of their lives and move away from anything that goes against their beliefs. The song resonates with people who are marginalized, as it gives them the power to escape from the constraints of society and follow their path to righteousness. It is a simple message, but one that is powerful enough to inspire change.
Line by Line Meaning
Move out of Babylon, rastaman
Leave the corrupt society, oh Rastafarian
And leave all the wicked man
Abandon all the evil people
The wicked shall not prosper
The wrongdoers will not thrive
Only righteous man shall stand up
Only the morally upright shall succeed
So keep on moving, rastaman
Therefore, continue to relocate, Rastafarian
Just keep on moving, rastaman, move on, move on
Never stop migrating, Rastafarian, keep moving forward
All you ye backbiters
You, who derogate behind others' backs
And all you backsliders
And those of you who lack steadfastness
You shall not enter, no, no
You cannot gain access to the sacred place, no never
You shall not enter, in the kingdom of Jah
You won't be welcome in Jah's kingdom
Move out, move out
Go away, go way
No leader cannot enter
Even the leaders will not be allowed to come inside
Surrender your heart
Submit your soul
And not your damn ass, rastaman, move out
And not your physical body, Rastafarian, leave
Move out of Babylon, rastaman
Get out of the evil realm, Rastafarian
And leave all the wicked man
Leave behind all the wicked men
Move out, move out
Get away, go away
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC.
Written by: JOHN MICHAEL CLARKE, EDWARD LEE, EDWARD OSULLIVAN LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@wsnt
Never gets old 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 💚💛🖤
@ruthdixon7807
his touch is so delicate he could be crooning lovers' rock.
@sobanimal
2023 🔥 ☝🏽
@davidhenry8056
This is a real musical anthem
@donovanm2281
Grew up on this. Just lying down and the tune just bust in my head. Had to search for it and play. Timeless!
@agnesrandolph8450
Only righteous men shall inherit the kingdom of God.
@ValTyalin
Timeless classic. 💛🖤💚🇯🇲
@georgewalker2831
You can say that again and again
@georgewalker2831
You cannot get better than this ultimate classic and just looking at the world right now it sure time to leave Babylon and go to the land of milk and honey
@tonyclegg5397
Ire Brother man.