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Small Axe
Ky-Mani Marley Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Why boasteth thyself, oh evil men,
Playing smart and not being clever?
I say you're working iniquity to achieve vanity, yeah,
But the goodness of JAH JAH endureth forever.

If you are the big tree,
We are the small axe.
Sharpened to cut you down,
Ready to cut you down.

These are the words of my master.
Keep on telling me
No weak heart shall prosper,
Oh, no they can't.

And whosoever diggeth a pit, Lord,
Shall fall in it, shall fall in it.
Whosoever diggeth a pit shall bury in it,
Shall bury in it.

If you are the big tree,
We are the small axe
Sharpened to cut you down,
Ready to cut you down.

And whosoever diggeth a pit shall fall in it, fall in it.
Whosoever diggeth a pit shall bury in it, shall bury in it.

If you have a big tree,
We have a small axe
Ready to cut you down,
Sharpened to cut you down.

If you are the big tree,
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down,
Sharpened to cut you down.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ky-Mani Marley's song Small Axe contain a message about justice, power dynamics, and resistance. The first verse addresses "evil men" who boast about their intelligence and cunning, but in reality are carrying out unjust actions that are motivated by their desire for power and status. Ky-Mani suggests that their actions are ultimately futile because the "goodness of JAH JAH" endures forever. The chorus is a metaphor that compares those in power to a big tree, and those resisting that power as small axes, ready to cut the tree down. The message behind the metaphor is that even those who may seem insignificant have the power to bring about change and topple those in power.


The second verse builds upon the message of the first, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong heart and belief in the cause. Ky-Mani suggests that those who are weak-hearted will not succeed in their endeavors. The third verse employs a biblical reference from Psalms 7:15-16, in which those who dig a hole for someone else to fall into will end up falling into it themselves. This message can be seen as a warning to those in power who are oppressing others, as their actions will ultimately lead to their downfall.


Overall, the song's message can be seen as a call to action for those who are oppressed to resist and fight back against those in power, even if they seem too strong or too big to take down. The lyrics emphasize that even small actions have the potential to bring about change, and that those who are fighting for justice and equality will ultimately prevail.


Line by Line Meaning

Why boasteth thyself, oh evil men,
Oh evil men, why do you boast and brag?


Playing smart and not being clever?
Are you trying to act smart without really being clever?


I say you're working iniquity to achieve vanity, yeah,
You are doing wrong and being selfish just to satisfy your ego.


But the goodness of JAH JAH endureth forever.
The goodness of God and justice will prevail for eternity.


If you are the big tree,
If you think you are powerful and dominant,


We are the small axe.
We are the ones who may look small but can bring you down.


Sharpened to cut you down,
We are prepared and capable of bringing you down.


Ready to cut you down.
We are determined to take down your power.


These are the words of my master.
These words are what my master has taught me.


Keep on telling me
He keeps reminding me


No weak heart shall prosper,
Those who have evil intentions and weak morals will not succeed.


Oh, no they can't.
They cannot succeed, it is impossible.


And whosoever diggeth a pit, Lord,
Anyone who tries to harm others will suffer the consequences.


Shall fall in it, shall fall in it.
They will fall into the trap they created.


Whosoever diggeth a pit shall bury in it,
Those who plan harm for others will ultimately harm themselves.


Shall bury in it.
They will be the ones who will suffer the consequences of their own actions.


If you have a big tree,
If you have power and authority,


We have a small axe
We have the ability to oppose and challenge that power.


Ready to cut you down,
We are prepared to fight and resist your power.


Sharpened to cut you down.
We are well-equipped to bring down your power and authority.


If you are the big tree,
If you think you are powerful and dominant,


We are the small axe
We are the ones who may look small but can bring you down.


Ready to cut you down,
We are determined to take down your power.


Sharpened to cut you down.
We are prepared and capable of bringing you down.




Contributed by Liam C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@DennisChikwayidc

Contemporary classics! Big up Ky-Mani

@odiluchukwuasheribemesi6491

They all have their father's husky voice.
Beautiful genes

@filio0610

Muy buena aportacion :D

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