Brand New Second Hand
Lee Lyrics


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You're only acting like
You are somebody
But i don't no say
You know nobody

You're only a show off
Your painted face, yeah
But underneath that face
Your just a disgrace

You're just a brand new second hand gal
No man no wan' no
Brand new second hand gal
You better go back around so
You're just a brand new second hand gal

You think it's the dress you wear
That make you a lady
Get that out of your mind gal
You must be crazy

Mama used to tell me
Long time ago yeah
Not everything you see glitter is gold

You're just a brand new second hand gal
No man no wan' no
Brand new second hand gal
You better go back around so
You're just a brand new second hand gal

See you watch them pass i
Well hidy-tidy
But them no-no say
You very nasty

Look 'pon you footback
Look how them tough, yeah
And you chaw bone favor
Spanish town handcuff

You're just a brand new second hand gal
No man no wan' no
Brand new second hand gal
You better go back around so
You're just a brand new second hand gal

Dick know 'bout you
And tom do
And harry just 'round the corner
Know 'bout you too

He got a police buk
And take it for fun, yeah
Them must see no-no say
You judge two gun

You're just a brand new second hand gal
No man no wan' no
Brand new second hand gal
You better go back around so
You're just a brand new second hand gal

That man fe idiot
You're just a brand new second hand, you're wicked





Fool ya, you fool ya

Overall Meaning

The song Brand New Second Hand by Lee "Scratch" Perry is a critique of a woman who tries to present herself as someone she is not. The lyrics suggest that the woman is pretending to be of a higher social standing than she actually is, perhaps by wearing expensive clothing. However, despite her attempts at appearing refined, she is ultimately revealed to be a disappointment. The song highlights the theme of social hypocrisy and the dangers of being deceitful. The lyrics warn against the dangers of trying to be someone you're not and the importance of staying true to oneself.


The repetition of the phrase "brand new second hand" emphasizes the view that the woman is nothing more than a copy of something that has already been used. The lyrics suggest that people are not impressed with those who try to put on airs and that the woman would fare better being true to herself. The song's message is particularly harsh, calling the woman a "disgrace" and a "show-off." In Perry's view, there's no room for deceitful behavior, and the woman would be better off if she acted more honestly.


In summary, the lyrics of Lee "Scratch" Perry's song Brand New Second Hand are a direct critique of a woman who tries to be something she is not. The song's message warns against the dangers of pretending to be someone else for social gain and emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself.


Line by Line Meaning

You're only acting like
You're pretending to be someone else


You are somebody
But you're really not special


But i don't no say
But I don't know if you realize


You know nobody
That you don't really know anyone important


You're only a show off
You're just showing off


Your painted face, yeah
But you're hiding behind a fake appearance


But underneath that face
Beneath your façade


Your just a disgrace
You're a disappointment


You're just a brand new second hand gal
You're not original, just like a second-hand item


No man no wan' no
No man wants a


Brand new second hand gal
Girl who is not genuine


You better go back around so
You should just go away


You think it's the dress you wear
You believe that the dress is what makes you a lady


That make you a lady
But you're wrong


Get that out of your mind gal
Stop thinking that way


You must be crazy
Because you're not thinking clearly


Mama used to tell me
My mom used to say


Long time ago yeah
A long time ago


Not everything you see glitter is gold
Not everything that shines is valuable


See you watch them pass i
You watch people walk by


Well hidy-tidy
But they don't know


But them no-no say
They don't know


You very nasty
You're not very nice


Look 'pon you footback
Look at your shoes


Look how them tough, yeah
They are very worn out


And you chaw bone favor
Your appearance is similar


Spanish town handcuff
To someone who has been arrested in Spanish Town


Dick know 'bout you
Dick knows about you


And tom do
And Tom does


And harry just 'round the corner
And Harry is nearby


Know 'bout you too
Also knows about you


He got a police buk
He has a police record


And take it for fun, yeah
And he doesn't take it seriously


Them must see no-no say
They probably know


You judge two gun
You're seen as someone dangerous


That man fe idiot
That man is foolish


You're just a brand new second hand, you're wicked
You're a bad person, just like a second-hand item


Fool ya, you fool ya
You're being fooled by yourself




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER TOSH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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