Various translations of his name include "high priest who does not lie" and "powers of miracles, the high priest does not live", and he claims he was born with dreadlocks, the "holy" hairstyle of Rastafarianism.
Fashek first gained national fame on a television show in the early 1980s, then toured for many years with The Mandators. In 1987, he began a solo career and quickly became the biggest reggae singer in the country. His song 'Send Down The Rain' was especially popular. He won six awards at the PMAN ceremony and then signed to CBS Nigeria in 1988 before moving to Island Records' Mango imprint (a label more accustomed to marketing reggae internationally). His first album for the company included a cover version of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song".
He subsequently recorded several albums for various labels, including Rainmaker for Tuff Gong (1997) and Little Patience for Coral (2004).
I'm Not Tired
Majek Fashek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wa yeh
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
They am tired
But am not tired
Dead man is tired
Give me the power to carry on your word
Give me the power to carry on your word
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
Look at the bird in the sky they are flying so high
They neither sow not reap
But they got the freedom of the soul
See the children Playing around in the street
They don't have no evil intention
The wicked people they still prosper in a this world
Lord lord lord lord
I want you to answer my question now
But why can't the righteous run through creation triumphantly
Eh
Give me the power to carry on your word
Give me the power to carry on your word
Give me the power to carry on your word
Can the dead raise you no way
But the living man yes I
Can the dead raise you no way
But the living soul yes I
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
Ayla bia oo
Can the dead raise you no way
But the living soul yes I
Can the dead raise jah no way
But the living man yes I
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
Wa yeh
Wa yeh
Life is just one big rocky road
Life is just one big rocky road
Only the fittest of the fittest shall survive yeh
Life is just one big rocky road
You will stumble and you will fumble and then you will crumble
If you believe in the lord
You'll never fall down
Life is too short I won't look back
Life is too short why should you look back
Cos if you look back you will lose track
Life is too short I won't look back
Cos I know cos I know
I will stumble and crumble and start to crumble
But I believe in the lord
I'll never fall down
Can the dead raise you no way
But the living soul yes I
Can the dead raise you no way but the living soul yes I
Can the dead raise you no way
But the living man yes I
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
Aya bia oo
Can the dead raise you but the living man yes I
Can the dead raise you no way
But the living soul yes I
...END...
The lyrics to "I'm Not Tired" by Majek Fashek are a powerful commentary on the struggles of life and the need for divine strength and guidance to overcome them. The song begins with the repetition of "aya bia oo," which is a chant commonly used in African music to call forth the spirit or God. Fashek then declares that although others may be tired, he is not, as only a dead man could truly be weary. He asks for the power to continue spreading the word of God and then contrasts the carefree existence of the birds and children with the difficulties faced by those who try to live righteously. He questions why the wicked prosper in the world and begs for answers. The song then ends with a call for the living to rise up and find strength, as only the strong will survive in the rocky road of life.
Overall, the lyrics of "I'm Not Tired" are a powerful metaphor for the struggles faced by those who try to live righteously in a difficult world. Fashek acknowledges the challenges and obstacles faced by those who try to live with integrity but ultimately proclaims that he is not tired and will continue to spread the word of God regardless of the difficulties encountered.
Line by Line Meaning
Wa yeh
An exclamation used to express excitement, anticipation or encouragement.
Aya bia oo
An exclamation used to call for attention, emphasis or expression of deep feeling.
They am tired
Others may be tired or exhausted.
But am not tired
Despite the challenges and difficulties faced, I am still willing and able to carry on.
It's only a dead man is tired
The only person who can be truly tired is a deceased person.
Give me the power to carry on your word
Requesting for spiritual strength and guidance to continue living a purposeful life.
Look at the bird in the sky they are flying so high
Observing nature and marveling at how effortless and purposeful living beings can be.
They neither sow not reap
Birds have no need to cultivate or harvest crops, they rely on their natural instincts to find what they need.
But they got the freedom of the soul
Despite having no possessions or responsibilities, birds are free, mobile and able to soar towards their goals.
See the children Playing around in the street
Watching innocent and carefree children playing, enjoying life without fear, hatred or malice.
They don't have no evil intention
Children are pure and innocent, they do not harbor ill will, hatred or malice towards others.
The wicked people they still prosper in a this world
Despite the existence of unjust and corrupt individuals, they still seem to thrive and succeed in this world.
Lord lord lord lord
An appeal to a higher power for guidance, justice and mercy.
I want you to answer my question now
A request for divine intervention and understanding of life's mysteries.
But why can't the righteous run through creation triumphantly
Questioning the injustice and unfairness that seemingly prevent good and just people from succeeding and thriving.
Life is just one big rocky road
Life can be unpredictable, tumultuous and difficult to navigate.
Only the fittest of the fittest shall survive yeh
Only the strongest, most adaptable and capable individuals will succeed and survive in life.
You will stumble and you will fumble and then you will crumble
There will be challenges, obstacles and failures along the way, but persevering and learning from them is essential for growth and development.
If you believe in the lord
Having faith in a higher power can provide comfort, guidance and strength in difficult times.
You'll never fall down
With spiritual support and guidance, one can overcome any challenge and not be defeated.
Life is too short I won't look back
Time is precious and should not be wasted dwelling on the past, but focusing on the present and future.
Cos if you look back you will lose track
Reflecting too much on the past can be distracting and keep you from being focused on the present and future.
Cos I know cos I know
Having faith and trust in oneself and a higher power to guide and support in difficult times.
Can the dead raise you no way
Deceased individuals cannot provide support or guidance to the living.
But the living man yes I
Only the living can seek and receive support, guidance and assistance from fellow living beings.
Can the dead raise jah no way
Deceased individuals cannot provide support or guidance to a higher power.
Can the dead raise you no way but the living soul yes I
Only the living can provide support, guidance and assistance to fellow living beings and also to themselves.
Wa yeh
An exclamation used to express excitement, anticipation or encouragement.
Aya bia oo
An exclamation used to call for attention, emphasis or expression of deep feeling.
Contributed by Gavin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Osas Angela Egharevba
Can the dead praise you, no way