Friend
Marley Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

These later days in Babylon
As I watch your children grow
And the years them carry on
And I miss you even more
Still I send them go to school
And tell them
What dem fi know
All of mi friend dem mi salute
Daddi gon and Lenny Screw
Another year has come and past
Man a drop like morning dew
Uncle Warrick sick and gone
When him couldn't catch a flew
Picka T you a mi don
Respect long and overdue
When nothing never did a gwan
You still have on somethin' new
Our friendship ever last
All when one minus from few
Yes we surely had a blast
We're like family me and you
I know every path you cross
Lead to somebody whe' true
Of the many that are called
Only chosen is a few

Of the real friends that serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain
Your real friends will serve you long
Acquaintances will fade
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

Only talking with winners
A loser or two
Got my number
Still they think they real
But they just really awfully bitter
Salty niggas hate the smarter ones
These are the doubters
Who's our bout my run
I barely made it out the slums
My value high cause I do more than
Rap about a gun
I made money for niggas
Y'all never looking out for none
I helped millionaires get to that very position
Some real millionaires see that's ill
'Cause look at statistics
Real millionaires
And I ain't talking ghetto riches
Thorough business
You mistreating niggas
Heard your folks bleed in prison
You ain't a G
And if you was
I don't recall
Who would roll with y'all
Buncha fucking know it alls
Who's dough is small
Look what's it come to
Our rapport's good no more
We was good before
Till I saw what type a dude you took me for
We had a chance to take paper down
What I took was more
Because of hatred
Opportunity wasted

Your real friends will serve you long
Your car and clothes will fade
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

Hey
Your real friend won't run in war
Nuh care what the cost is
You real friends are in for all the wins and the losses
Fi Real!
No question at all
Them ready fi rise the tallest
Take to the enemies
All for one
And one for all this
Real friend will hear you out
No secret feelings
Real friends won't sell you out
No bargain pleading
For real!
Always looking out
A meal!
When outside a drought
Your real!
Friend won't hide you out
No

Your real friends will serve you long
When all else fails
Your real friend wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

May laughter
From backstabbers
Turn to tears faster
I wish for you
No snake shall slither past ya
You have to
Keep your vision clear
'Cause only a coward lives in fear
My surroundings
Got only real powerful niggas here
Real men we have a code of ethics
No question
No jealousies
No feminine tendencies
We expecting
No gossip
No phony logic
No counting your homie pocket
Spare no expense for legal defense
If your homey locked up
No keeping tabs
On who was the last who looked out
Selfishness
That's a character flaw
No holding out
Yo what happened to the honor?
You're dealing with
Sensitive pre-Madonna drama
Teflon love
For my dudes who solid

Your real friends will serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain, eh
Your real friends will serve you long, woe ya woe
When all else fails
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change




Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bob Marley's song "Friend" paint a vivid picture of the complexities and nuances of relationships and friendships in life. Marley reflects on the passage of time and the changes that come with it, reminiscing about friends who have passed away or drifted apart. He speaks of sending children off to school and imparting wisdom to them, highlighting the importance of passing on knowledge and experiences to the next generation.


Marley pays tribute to his friends, acknowledging the value of true friendship that endures through hardships and challenges. He mentions specific friends like Daddi Gon, Lenny Screw, Uncle Warrick, and Picka T, honoring their memory and the bond they shared. The lyrics emphasize the idea that real friends are those who stand by you through thick and thin, never wavering in their loyalty and support.


The song also delves into the theme of betrayal and deception, cautioning against fake friends who pretend to be genuine but ultimately reveal their true colors. Marley criticizes those who are envious and deceitful, highlighting the importance of integrity and authenticity in relationships. He stresses the significance of recognizing and cherishing real friendships that are built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.


In the final verses, Marley expresses his hopes and wishes for his friends, wishing them protection from backstabbers and urging them to maintain clear vision and strong values. The lyrics emphasize the qualities of a true friend, such as loyalty, honesty, and solidarity in times of need. Marley's message is a powerful reminder to cherish genuine connections, nurture meaningful friendships, and stay true to the principles of respect and loyalty in all relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

These later days in Babylon
Reflecting on the changing times and challenges of the present


As I watch your children grow
Observing the growth and development of loved ones


And the years them carry on
Time continues to pass by


And I miss you even more
Feeling a strong sense of longing for someone


Still I send them go to school
Supporting the education of those close to me


And tell them What dem fi know
Teaching them important knowledge and values


All of mi friend dem mi salute
Respecting and honoring all my friends


Daddi gon and Lenny Screw
Remembering and paying tribute to lost friends


Another year has come and past
Recognizing the passage of time


Man a drop like morning dew
Acknowledging the fragility of life


Uncle Warrick sick and gone
Mourning the loss of a loved one


When him couldn't catch a flew
Reflecting on the inevitability of death


Picka T you a mi don
Showing respect and appreciation for a loyal friend


Respect long and overdue
Recognizing the importance of showing respect


When nothing never did a gwan
Despite facing challenges and obstacles


You still have on somethin' new
Continuing to adapt and grow


Our friendship ever last
Emphasizing the enduring nature of friendship


All when one minus from few
Even when some friends drift away


Yes we surely had a blast
Recalling joyful memories shared with friends


We're like family me and you
Considering close friends as family


I know every path you cross
Understanding the journey of a friend


Lead to somebody whe' true
Leading to genuine and trustworthy individuals


Of the many that are called
Among the many friends we have


Only chosen is a few
Only a select few are true friends


Of the real friends that serve you long
True friends who stand by you through thick and thin


Your memories might fade
While memories may dim over time


Your real friends will serve you long
True friends remain loyal and supportive


Sunshine or rain
Whether in good times or bad


Your real friends will serve you long
True friends endure and never betray


Acquaintances will fade
Casual connections may fade away


Your real friends wont do you wrong
True friends will always have your back


Real friend don't change
A real friend remains constant and trustworthy


Only talking with winners
Surrounding oneself with successful individuals


A loser or two
Having encountered a few setbacks along the way


Got my number
Known and available for support


Still they think they real
Despite appearances, some friends prove untrustworthy


But they just really awfully bitter
Their actions stemming from deep resentment


Salty niggas hate the smarter ones
Jealous individuals resent those who excel


These are the doubters
Those who question and doubt your abilities


Who's our bout my run
Concerned about their own interests


I barely made it out the slums
Overcoming challenging circumstances


My value high cause I do more than Rap about a gun
Valued for traits beyond superficial bravado


I made money for niggas
Generous and financially supportive


Y'all never looking out for none
Others failed to reciprocate support


I helped millionaires get to that very position
Assisting others in achieving success


Some real millionaires see that's ill
Recognizing true success and accomplishments


'Cause look at statistics
Evidence of achievements and contributions


Real millionaires
Individuals who have achieved genuine wealth


And I ain't talking ghetto riches
Distinguishing between true wealth and superficial displays


Thorough business
Conducting transactions with integrity


You mistreating niggas
Disrespectful and harmful behavior


Heard your folks bleed in prison
Being aware of friends facing difficulties


You ain't a G
Questioning someone's authenticity and loyalty


And if you was
Even if you claimed to be


I don't recall
Unsure of true intentions and actions


Who would roll with y'all
Questioning the loyalty of their associates


Buncha fucking know it alls
Arrogant and condescending individuals


Who's dough is small
Despite bravado, lacking true success


Look what's it come to
Reflecting on the current state of affairs


Our rapport's good no more
The once positive relationship has soured


We was good before
Recalling better times in the past


Till I saw what type a dude you took me for
Realizing the true nature of a former friend


We had a chance to take paper down
Opportunity for financial success together


What I took was more
Choosing personal growth and integrity over profit


Because of hatred
Recognizing the destructive power of jealousy


Opportunity wasted
Regretting a lost chance for mutual benefit


Your real friends will serve you long
True friends remain loyal over time


Your car and clothes will fade
Material possessions are temporary


Your real friends wont do you wrong
True friends always have your best interests


Real friend don't change
Authentic friends remain constant and true


Your real friend won't run in war
True friends stand by you in times of conflict


Nuh care what the cost is
Unwavering loyalty regardless of consequences


You real friends are in for all the wins and the losses
True friends share in your successes and failures


Fi Real!
Truly and faithfully


No question at all
Without a doubt


Them ready fi rise the tallest
Prepared to face any challenge head-on


Take to the enemies
Ready to confront adversaries


All for one
Unity and support among friends


And one for all this
Standing together for a common purpose


Real friend will hear you out
True friends listen and understand your perspective


No secret feelings
Open and honest communication


Real friends won't sell you out
True friends will never betray your trust


No bargain pleading
No need for manipulation or negotiation


For real!
Genuine and true


Always looking out
Watching over and caring for one another


A meal!
Providing sustenance and support when needed


When outside a drought
Hope and help in times of need


Your real!
Authentic and reliable


Friend won't hide you out
True friends will not abandon or betray you


May laughter From backstabbers Turn to tears faster
Those who deceive will ultimately regret their actions


I wish for you No snake shall slither past ya
Hoping for protection against deceit and betrayal


You have to Keep your vision clear 'Cause only a coward lives in fear
Staying true to oneself and avoiding cowardice


My surroundings Got only real powerful niggas here
Surrounded by genuine and strong individuals


Real men we have a code of ethics
Men of integrity and values


No question No jealousies No feminine tendencies
Void of doubts, envy, and superficial traits


We expecting No gossip No phony logic
Encouraging honesty and authenticity in relationships


No counting your homie pocket Spare no expense for legal defense If your homey locked up
Being prepared to support friends in need, regardless of cost


No keeping tabs On who was the last who looked out
Not keeping score or expecting favors in return


Selfishness That's a character flaw No holding out
Recognizing selfishness as a weakness, and avoiding it


Yo what happened to the honor? You're dealing with Sensitive pre-Madonna drama
Questioning the lack of integrity in a dramatic situation


Teflon love For my dudes who solid
Unbreakable loyalty for steadfast friends




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Damian Robert Nesta Marley, Nasir Jones, David Ze

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@X4NOTHING

Phillip Smith Agree :-)  
But...
Damien is much closer to. Bob 
He live with Bob" soul. 
His opinions and views are very similar. 
Damian sings like Bob i think.?

Peace must be with Bob..
and peace to you also :-)



@YMMU

Mu kukulu kimemene kiango ma putu (early in the morning in settlers' time)
Mu kukulu kimemene kiango ma putu (early in the morning in settlers' time)
Muxi mukanu dilola kumaku (with mouthwash and hoop in hand)
Wawe mu ndenge, wawe mu ndenge wami (O, babyhood of mine)
wawe mu ndenge (O, babyhood of mine)
wawa mu ndenge wame (O, babyhood of mine)

These later days in Babylon
As I watch your children grow
And the years them carry on
And I miss you even more
Still I send them go to school
And tell them
What dem fi know
All of mi friend dem mi salute
Daddi gon and Lenny Screw
Another year has come and past
Man a drop like morning dew
Uncle Warrick sick and gone
When him couldn't catch a flew
Picka T you a mi don
Respect long and overdue
When nothing never did a gwan
You still have on somethin' new
Our friendship ever last
All when one minus from few
Yes we surely had a blast
We're like family Me and you
A nuh every path you cross
Lead to somebody whe true
Of the many that are called
Only chosen is a few

[Chorus 2 - JR. Gong]
Of the real friends that serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain
Your real friends will serve you long
Acquaintances will fade
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

[Verse 2 - Nas]
Only talking with winners
A loser or two
Got my number
Still they think they real
But they just really awfully bitter
Salty niggaz Hate the smarter ones
These are the doubters
Who's our 'bout my run
I barely made it out the slums
My value high Cause I do more than
Rap about a gun
I made money for niggaz
Ya'll never looking out for none
I helped millionaires get to that very position
Some real millionaires see that's ill
Cause look at statistics
Real millionaires
And I ain't talking ghetto riches
Thorough business
You mistreating niggaz
Heard your folks bleed in prison
You ain't a G
And if you was
I don't recall
Who would roll with ya'll
Bunch a fucking know it alls
Who's dough is small
Look what's it come to
Our rapport's good no more
We was good before
Till I saw what type a dude you took me for
We had a chance to take paper down
What I took was more
Because of hatred
Opportunity wasted

[Chorus 3 - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
Your car and clothes will fade
Your real friend wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change Eh

[Verse 3 - JR. Gong]
Your real friend won't run in war
Nuh care what the cost is
You real friends are in for all the wins and the losses
Fi Real!
No question at all
Them ready fi rise the tallest
Take to the enemies
All for one
And one for all this
Real friend will hear you out
No secret feelings
Real friends won't sell you out
No bargain pleading
For real!
Always looking out
A meal!
When outside a drought
Your real!
Friend won't hide you out
No

[Chorus 4 - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
When all else fails
Your real friend wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

[Verse 4 - Nas]
May laughter
From backstabbers
Turn to tears faster
I wish for you
No snake shall slither past ya
You have to
Keep your vision clear
Cause only a coward lives in fear
My surroundings
Got only real powerful niggaz here
Real men we have a code of ethics
No question
No jealousies
No feminine tendencies
We expecting
No gossip
No phony logic
No counting your homey pocket
Spare no expense for legal defense
If your homey locked up
No keeping tabs
On who was the last who looked out
Selfishness
That's a character flaw
No holding out
Yo what happened to the honor?
You're dealing with
Sensitive Pre-Madonna drama
Teflon love
For my dudes who solid

[Chorus 5 - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain, eh
Your real friends will serve you long, woe ya woe
When all else fails
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

[Bridge - JR. Gong]
Now plentiful
Or scantily
My cup be full
Or emptily
With arm in arms
We'll all trod on
Through destiny
A friend that's true
Is there for me
Respect is due
They care for me
Should I be down
Or even out
They're next to me
Hey

[Chorus Out - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain, hey
Your real friends will serve you long, woe ya woe
When all else fails
Real friends won't do you wrong
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change



@marthaaguilar1798

These later days in Babylon
As I watch your children grow
And the years them carry on
And I miss you even more
Still I send them go to school
And tell them
What dem fi know
All of mi friend dem mi salute
Daddi gon and Lenny Screw
Another year has come and past
Man a drop like morning dew
Uncle Warrick sick and gone
When him couldn't catch a flew
Picka T you a mi don
Respect long and overdue
When nothing never did a gwan
You still have on somethin' new
Our friendship ever last
All when one minus from few
Yes we surely had a blast
We're like family Me and you
A nuh every path you cross
Lead to somebody whe true
Of the many that are called
Only chosen is a few

[Chorus 2 - JR. Gong]
Of the real friends that serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain
Your real friends will serve you long
Acquaintances will fade
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

[Verse 2 - Nas]
Only talking with winners
A loser or two
Got my number
Still they think they real
But they just really awfully bitter
Salty niggaz Hate the smarter ones
These are the doubters
Who's our 'bout my run
I barely made it out the slums
My value high Cause I do more than
Rap about a gun
I made money for niggaz
Ya'll never looking out for none
I helped millionaires get to that very position
Some real millionaires see that's ill
Cause look at statistics
Real millionaires
And I ain't talking ghetto riches
Thorough business
You mistreating niggaz
Heard your folks bleed in prison
You ain't a G
And if you was
I don't recall
Who would roll with ya'll
Bunch a fucking know it alls
Who's dough is small
Look what's it come to
Our rapport's good no more
We was good before
Till I saw what type a dude you took me for
We had a chance to take paper down
What I took was more
Because of hatred
Opportunity wasted

[Chorus 3 - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
Your car and clothes will fade
Your real friend wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change Eh

[Verse 3 - JR. Gong]
Your real friend won't run in war
Nuh care what the cost is
You real friends are in for all the wins and the losses
Fi Real!
No question at all
Them ready fi rise the tallest
Take to the enemies
All for one
And one for all this
Real friend will hear you out
No secret feelings
Real friends won't sell you out
No bargain pleading
For real!
Always looking out
A meal!
When outside a drought
Your real!
Friend won't hide you out
No

[Chorus 4 - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
When all else fails
Your real friend wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

[Verse 4 - Nas]
May laughter
From backstabbers
Turn to tears faster
I wish for you
No snake shall slither past ya
You have to
Keep your vision clear
Cause only a coward lives in fear
My surroundings
Got only real powerful niggaz here
Real men we have a code of ethics
No question
No jealousies
No feminine tendencies
We expecting
No gossip
No phony logic
No counting your homey pocket
Spare no expense for legal defense
If your homey locked up
No keeping tabs
On who was the last who looked out
Selfishness
That's a character flaw
No holding out
Yo what happened to the honor?
You're dealing with
Sensitive Pre-Madonna drama
Teflon love
For my dudes who solid

[Chorus 5 - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain, eh
Your real friends will serve you long, woe ya woe
When all else fails
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

[Bridge - JR. Gong]
Now plentiful
Or scantily
My cup be full
Or emptily
With arm in arms
We'll all trod on
Through destiny
A friend that's true
Is there for me
Respect is due
They care for me
Should I be down
Or even out
They're next to me
Hey

[Chorus Out - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain, hey
Your real friends will serve you long, woe ya woe
When all else fails
Real friends won't do you wrong
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change



All comments from YouTube:

@valdemaralexandre151

The original sample is from a song called Undenge Uami by David Ze, The language is quimbundu... David Ze was born on August 23, 1944, in Luanda, Angola and died on May 27, 1977. R.I.P
(undenge uami) means my Brother...

we say "Undenge Uami" when we're refer to a young Brother only. he is one of the GOAT Musicians of Angola no doubt

Africa stand up..

Angola show up.... this song is really so deep Nas and Damian Genius..they used it very well...SALUTE

@valdemaralexandre151

🇦🇴2023 I still listen...its a real masterpiece damn ...Angola🇦🇴 ,Africa proudly🇦🇴

@mwitumwanyumbu8734

Thanks for the write up.

@davischarles4586

😊 Ii it iiuOhgf Ii pfoo daysg VA oujjp

@jackmacdonald1800

Still listening to this masterpiece in 2021....I'm disappointed this song has only 4.7million views in over 10years...this generation dont know waht good music is?!!!

@rockandroll6656

facts

@Andrew_P92

Still here bro. indeed a masterpiece.

@onevisionary6124

real thing !

@hhclogisticsindependentcon7053

Give the new generation more credit they are protected like underground hiphop

@trimdem9090

2022

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