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
Rescue Jah Children
Junior Murvin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stop the war in Mozambique
When you take up your daily paper
All you read, Mister Editor
What's going on, on the land?
What a ball of confusion
Confusion there
You have the whole men despair
You have the whole men despair
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
Somebody got to give an helping hand
Black against black every day
Too much wolves are in the pack
Got to give an helping hand
Black against black every day
Too much wolves are in the pack
Lord, it's a dirty, dirty shame
The poor people of the ghetto's
They really can't do no better
The man of high society
Sits at home sipping his coffee
Got to rescue Jah children
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
Somebody got to give an helping hand
Little children going to school
Nobody to set the golden rule
Somebody got to set an example
For the children to follow
Because, don't you know
Yes, you should know
They're the people of tomorrow
And it's true, true
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
Somebody got to give an helping hand
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
Somebody got to give an helping hand
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
The cost of living is rising high
And only the strong will survive
Getting higher, higher, higher, higher, higher, higher
Higher, higher
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
Somebody got to give an helping hand
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
The lyrics of Junior Murvin's song "Rescue Jah Children" convey the urgent need to put a stop to the conflicts and wars that ravage nations like Rhodesia and Mozambique. The song starts with an appeal to the editors of newspapers to report what's going on the land truthfully and without bias. The singer notes that the current state of confusion is causing despair on the part of men. The use of the phrase "ball of confusion" is an allusion to the Temptations' song of the same name, which was released in 1970 and talks about social unrest.
The second half of the song focuses on the need for someone to rescue Jah children and give them a helping hand. The children that the singer refers to are those living in the ghettos who do not have access to basic education and healthcare. The singer notes that the cost of living is rising high and that only the strong will survive. The use of the phrase "somebody got to give a helping hand" underscores the need for societal support for the vulnerable and oppressed.
Overall, the song's message is both a call to action and a warning about the potential consequences of neglecting one's duties towards fellow human beings. The song's use of reggae music, a genre that has been historically associated with political and social activism, underscores the urgency of the message.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop the war in Rhodesia
Put an end to war and violence in Rhodesia.
Stop the war in Mozambique
Put an end to war and violence in Mozambique.
When you take up your daily paper
When you read the news in your daily newspaper.
All you read, Mister Editor
All you read in the newspaper, Mister Editor.
What's going on, on the land?
What is happening in the country?
What a ball of confusion
It's all very confusing and chaotic.
Confusion here
There's confusion and chaos here.
Confusion there
There's confusion and chaos there too.
You have the whole men despair
People are feeling hopeless and desperate.
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
Someone needs to save the innocent children (of Jah).
Somebody got to give an helping hand
Someone needs to assist and support them.
Black against black every day
There is conflict and animosity between Black people every day.
Too much wolves are in the pack
There are too many malicious and treacherous people around.
Got to give an helping hand
We need to help and support each other.
Lord, it's a dirty, dirty shame
It's a shameful and disgraceful situation that needs to be corrected.
The poor people of the ghetto's
The impoverished people living in the slums.
They really can't do no better
They are unable to improve their situation on their own.
The man of high society
The wealthy and privileged individuals of society.
Sits at home sipping his coffee
They are comfortably enjoying their luxury at home.
Little children going to school
Young kids attending school.
Nobody to set the golden rule
No one to set a good example and establish proper behavior and values.
Somebody got to set an example
Someone needs to set a good example.
For the children to follow
So that the children can learn from and emulate these positive actions.
Because, don't you know
Because it's important to recognize and understand.
Yes, you should know
It's important for you to know and understand.
They're the people of tomorrow
Children are the future.
And it's true, true
It's undeniably true.
The cost of living is rising high
The expenses and cost of living are becoming very expensive.
And only the strong will survive
And only those who are strong can endure and make it through.
Getting higher, higher, higher, higher, higher, higher
The cost of living keeps increasing exponentially.
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
Someone needs to help the innocent children (of Jah).
Somebody got to give an helping hand
Someone needs to provide assistance and support.
Somebody got to rescue Jah children
Someone needs to save the innocent children (of Jah).
Writer(s): Lee Perry, Junior Murvin
Contributed by Chloe D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jefftroy4518
Lee Scratch Perry production! Crucial
@teknoboy23
reast in peace junior jah bless
@moneymont92
Black Ark to the FULLEST!
@dodododatdatdat
dank u