Since then Murvin recorded other albums for Mikey Dread, 1982's Bad Man Possee; Junjo Lawes & the Roots Radics, 1984's Muggers In The Streets and King Jammy, 1986's Apartheid, as well as a string of singles for Joe Gibbs and The Mighty Two. More recently he has released an album of acoustic versions of his songs for Earl Chinna Smith in the Inna de Yard series.
Murvin continued to tour regularly. His most recent released recording was a single entitled "Wise Man", released on the London-based Dubwise record label in 1998. His song "Cool Out Son" was featured on the soundtrack for the video game, Skate 3, which was released in 2010.
For a comprehensive biography, go to: http://www.reggae-vibes.com/concert/juniorm/juniormu.htm
Police Thieves
Junior Murvin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fighting the nation with their guns and ammunition
Police and thieves in the street (oh yeah)
Scaring the nation with their guns and ammunition
From genesis to revelation, yeah
The next generation will be hear me
All the crimes committed day by day
All the peacemakers turn war officers
Hear what I say, hey
Police and thieves in the street (oh yeah)
Fighting the nation with their guns and ammunition
Police and thieves in the street (oh yeah)
Scaring the nation with their guns and ammunition
All the crimes committed day by day
No one try to stop it in any way
All the peacemakers turn war officers
Hear what I say, hey
Police and thieves in the street (oh yeah)
Fighting the nation with their guns and ammunition
Police and thieves in the street (oh yeah)
Scaring the nation with their guns and ammunition
Police and thieves
Police, police and thieves
Police and thieves
Police, police and thieves
"Police and Thieves" by Junior Murvin is a protest song that reflects on the ongoing social and political issues in Jamaica during the 1970s. The song centers around the theme of police and criminal violence in the streets and the resulting fear and chaos it creates. The opening lines of the chorus, "Police and thieves in the streets, fighting the nation with their guns and ammunition" sets the tone for the song and establishes the conflict between the police and criminals as a battle that affects the whole country. The repeated refrain of "scaring the nation with their guns and ammunition" emphasizes the serious impact of this conflict on the public, and reflects the sense of urgency in the message that Murvin is trying to convey.
The lyrics of "Police and Thieves" suggest that the level of violence and crime in Jamaica is out of control, and that the authorities who are supposed to protect the people are instead adding to the problem. The line "All the crimes committed day by day, no one tries to stop it in any way" suggests a sense of resignation and hopelessness among the people, as they feel that no one is willing or able to address the root causes of the violence. The imagery of the "peacemakers turn war officers" shows the disappointment and disillusionment with those in power who have turned a blind eye to the hardships of the people.
The lyrics of "Police and Thieves" make it clear that this is a song about Jamaica and the specific issues that the country was facing at the time. However, the song's powerful message and catchy chorus made it an international hit, and it has since become an iconic protest song all over the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Police and thieves in the streets (oh yeah)
Police and robbers can be seen in the streets, causing trouble
Fighting the nation with their guns and ammunition
The police and thieves are in battle with each other and causing harm to the citizens with their weapons
Scaring the nation with their guns and ammunition
The police and thieves are causing fear among the people with their weapons
From genesis to revelation, yeah
From the beginning to the end, the message is the same
The next generation will be hear me
The future generation will pay attention to my message
All the crimes committed day by day
Everyday, crimes are being committed by someone
No one try to stop it in any way
No one is trying to stop these crimes from happening
All the peacemakers turn war officers
The people who were supposed to maintain peace now become soldiers
Hear what I say, hey
Listen carefully to my message
Police and thieves
The police and robbers
Police, police and thieves
The police and robbers together
Police and thieves
The police and robbers
Police, police and thieves
The police and robbers together
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Junior Murvin, Lee Perry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@samanthabuchanan507
Are you still listening this song in 2024? Give me a like.
@BelieveNLiveAgainTV
I danced to Junior Murvin's version in 1977, I remember buying the single from the Arcade record store in Brixton Market with my pocket money, I was 12😅
@Ja5oN315
All day!!!
🤘🥸🤘
@mehughesplastering923
This record makes more sense in 2024 than it did 20 years ago united we stand divided we fall
@d4mcm
what a song ! .....heard it today been played in a cordoned off area with builders working in of all places IKEA wembley ,.....Awesome tune that brings back memories of good times ,and people no longer here that i miss.
@sixstringedthing
'sup mate!
G'day from Sydney. Peace to all.
@vernervonbraun7505
The thing that really surprises me about the comments is nobody seems to give Lee Scratch Perry the recognition he deserves in writing such excellent reggae tunes. RIP Lee.
@paulwise7206
he done it alone, primative break dancing, its awkward but relevent
@S1E2SportQuattro
What do you mean 😭 lee scratch perry’s name still transcends generations this day
@paulwise7206
@@S1E2SportQuattro precisely my friend, tis the beauty of scratch