On The Rock
Mavado Lyrics

Selasi-I
Acknowledging the Rastafarian faith and culture by referring to Haile Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia who is considered the messiah by Rastafarians.

Baby G
Referring to the Baby G sound system, which is a popular Jamaican sound system that has helped to spread dancehall music around the world.

Yeahhhhhhhhhhh (I)
Expressing enthusiasm and excitement, as well as emphasizing the Rastafarian 'I and I' concept which is used to refer to the unity of all human beings and their connection to the divine.

O lawd o lawd (o lawd o lawd)
An exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or frustration, as well as emphasizing the importance of faith in Rastafarian culture.

My name is so excellent
Asserting one's self-worth and importance, as well as referencing the name 'Mavado' which is a stage name derived from the Portuguese word for 'maverick', meaning an independent or unorthodox person.

Throughout this earth
Asserting one's presence and influence on a global scale, as well as referencing the Rastafarian belief in the interconnectedness of all things in the world.

Jahovah guide me
Referencing the name 'Jehovah' which is an alternate spelling of God's name 'Yahweh', emphasizing the importance of divine guidance and providence in Rastafarian culture.

Be my guidance
Requesting divine guidance and support, as well as echoing the Rastafarian belief in the importance of spiritual connection and guidance.

Greater salvation for me
Asking for an increase in blessings and protection, as well as referencing the concept of salvation which is central to many religious traditions including Rastafarianism.

No they could never stop me
Asserting one's strength and resilience in the face of opposition or adversity, as well as referencing the Rastafarian belief in the power of the human spirit and the ability to overcome obstacles.

I'm on the rock (I'm on the rock)
Referencing the 'rock' which is a metaphor for stability, strength, and faith in Rastafarian culture, as well as echoing the biblical story of Peter standing on the rock of faith to avoid sinking into the water.

Higher than I and I (higher than I and I)
Asserting one's elevated position and spiritual status, as well as referencing the Rastafarian belief in the divine nature of all human beings and their connection to the creator.

Jehovah guide me
Referencing the importance of divine guidance and providence in Rastafarian culture, as well as echoing the earlier line requesting divine guidance.

I am on the rock (I am on the rock)
Repeating the earlier line to emphasize one's stability and faith, as well as asserting one's connection to the larger Rastafarian community and tradition.

Go tell my enemy
Addressing one's enemies or opposition, as well as asserting one's dominance and strength.

Selasi guide me
Referencing the importance of Haile Selassie I as a spiritual guide and role model, as well as echoing the earlier line referencing the Rastafarian faith and culture.

And a me them cyaaa stop
Asserting one's unstoppable nature and ability to overcome any obstacle or opponent, as well as referencing the Jamaican patois expression 'cyaaa' which means 'can't'.

I will never look back
Asserting one's forward momentum and determination, as well as referencing the Rastafarian belief in the importance of progress and growth.

Look how much thing them try (look how much thing them try)
Acknowledging the attempts made by one's enemies or opposition to derail or defeat one's progress, as well as referencing Jamaican patois which often repeats certain phrases for emphasis.

And every thing fail (and every thing fail)
Asserting the failure of one's opponents to overcome or defeat one's progress, as well as echoing the earlier line in Jamaican patois for emphasis.

Tru mi born pon the gully
Referencing one's background and upbringing in a poor or underserved community in Jamaica, as well as acknowledging the impact of one's environment on one's identity and worldview.

Nuff a try fi tek mi life
Acknowledging the attempts made on one's life by one's enemies or opposition, particularly in reference to the violent nature of Jamaican culture and politics.

And waaa mi go a jail (dem waa mi go a jail)
Referencing the attempts made by one's enemies or opposition to have one incarcerated or jailed, as well as the corrupt nature of Jamaican law enforcement and political systems.

With helecopter inna the air (helecopter inna the air)
Referencing the intense police presence and surveillance that often accompanies attempts to capture or kill Jamaican gang members or other criminals, as well as referencing the militarization of Jamaican law enforcement.

Bright light a shine a grung (bright light a shine a grung)
Referencing the use of bright lights to disorient and capture criminal suspects or to make raids on gang-controlled neighborhoods, as well as repeating the phrase in Jamaican patois for emphasis.

Dem say nobody move, nobody run
Quoting the standard police command used during raids or operations, as well as referencing the loss of freedom and mobility in the face of state-sponsored violence and oppression.

From the river to the bank lock dung
Referencing the extent of state control and surveillance, as well as asserting the all-encompassing nature of one's enemies or opposition.

Them nuh know which part mi turn
Acknowledging one's ability to evade capture or to outmaneuver one's enemies or opposition, as well as referencing the tight-knit nature of Jamaican communities and the difficulty of enforcing state control.

Cause I was on the rock (on the rock)
Repeating the earlier line to emphasize one's stability and faith in the face of opposition or adversity.

Jehoviah guide me
Referencing the importance of divine guidance and providence in Rastafarian culture, as well as echoing the earlier line requesting divine guidance.

Wooooie
An exclamation expressing enthusiasm, excitement, or triumph, as well as emphasizing the strength and energy of the Rastafarian culture and faith.

Mi nuh gone noweh
Asserting one's presence and permanence, as well as referencing the Jamaican expression 'nuh gone noweh' which means 'not going anywhere'.

Tell them fi change them ways
Calling on one's enemies or opposition to change their actions or beliefs, as well as referencing the importance of personal growth and transformation in Rastafarian culture.

Yeahhhhhhhh
An expression of enthusiasm and excitement, as well as echoing the earlier line in the song.

Be my guidance (be my guidance)
Repeating the earlier line requesting divine guidance and support, as well as emphasizing the importance of spiritual connection and guidance in Rastafarian culture.

O lord o lord
An exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or frustration, as well as referencing the importance of faith in Rastafarian culture.