Small Axe
Lee "Scratch" Perry & Bob Marley Lyrics
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Oh, evil men
Playing smart
And not being clever?
I said, you're working iniquity
To achieve vanity (if a-so a-so)
But the goodness of Jah, Jah
I-dureth forever
So if you are the big tree
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
These are the words
Of my master, keep on tellin' me
No weak heart
Shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, fall in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it (fall in it)
If you are the big tree, let me tell you that
We are the small axe, sharp and ready
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
(to cut you down)
(to cut you down)
These are the words
Of my master, tellin' me that
No weak heart
Shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, uh, bury in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall bury in it, uh (bury in it)
If you are the big, big tree
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
If you are the big, big tree, let me tell you that
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
Sharpened
The lyrics to "Small Axe" by Lee "Scratch" Perry and Bob Marley describe the struggle of the small, against the powerful and oppressive. The song compares the "evil men" who boast of their intelligence, but in reality, are only working iniquity to achieve their own vanity. The goodness of Jah, or God, is highlighted as it will endure, even as the powerful continue to abuse their power. The chorus of the song declares that if the powerful are the big tree, the small axe is ready to cut them down. The lyrics describe the idea that those who oppress will eventually face consequences for their actions. The song encourages those who might otherwise feel powerless to stand up and take action.
The song's message is particularly relevant in the context of Jamaica's political struggles in the 1970s when "Small Axe" was released. Jamaica at the time was plagued by violence and unrest, with gangs and political factions vying for power. The song was seen as a call to action for the oppressed and a warning to the oppressors. The lyrics are poetic, yet direct and forceful, serving as a reminder that even a small force can bring down a giant.
"Small Axe" is not only notable for its message but also for its musical innovations. The song features a unique blend of reggae, ska, rocksteady, and dub, with Lee "Scratch" Perry's unconventional production tactics. The song's backing track was reportedly built from a single guitar chord, played alternately by Perry and Marley. The song's production was also notable for its use of reverb and echo effects, creating a dreamy, hallucinogenic atmosphere.
Line by Line Meaning
Why boasteth thyself
Why do you brag and show off about your evil deeds?
Oh, evil men
Referring to those who do bad things.
Playing smart / And not being clever?
You may act intelligent, but you're not truly wise.
I said, you're working iniquity / To achieve vanity (if a-so a-so)
You are doing wrong things for your own selfish gain.
But the goodness of Jah, Jah / I-dureth forever
However, God's goodness lasts forever.
So if you are the big tree / We are the small axe / Ready to cut you down (well sharp) / To cut you down
If you are the one in power, we are ready to bring you down.
These are the words / Of my master, keep on tellin' me
These words are from my master, who keeps reminding me of them.
No weak heart / Shall prosper
Those who are weak will not succeed.
And whosoever diggeth a pit / Shall fall in it, fall in it / And whosoever diggeth a pit / Shall fall in it (fall in it)
Those who try to harm others will face the consequences.
If you are the big tree, let me tell you that / We are the small axe, sharp and ready / Ready to cut you down (well sharp) / To cut you down
Again, if you are the one in power, we are ready to bring you down.
(to cut you down) / (to cut you down)
Repeats the idea of bringing down those in power.
These are the words / Of my master, tellin' me that / No weak heart / Shall prosper
Repeats the idea that those who are weak will not succeed.
And whosoever diggeth a pit / Shall fall in it, uh, bury in it / And whosoever diggeth a pit / Shall bury in it, uh (bury in it)
Repeats the idea that those who try to harm others will face the consequences.
If you are the big, big tree / We are the small axe / Ready to cut you down (well sharp) / To cut you down
Repeats the idea of bringing down those in power, emphasizing the contrast between the big, powerful tree and the small, sharp axe.
Sharpened
Final emphasis on the preparedness to take down the powerful.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind