Meta and the Cornerstones is a Roots/Rock/Reggae band centered around its f… Read Full Bio ↴Meta and the Cornerstones is a Roots/Rock/Reggae band centered around its founder and lead singer Meta Dia. Meta grew up in Senegal and has been playing music for nearly fifteen years. Musicians have come and gone, but The Cornerstones have evolved over the last few years into a tight, funky little Reggae band. They perform mostly original and always insightful music in numerous languages. Meta and the Cornerstones first album, "Forward Music" was recently released and has been getting increasing airplay.

Ancient Power
Meta and the Cornerstones Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Can you hear those melodies that linger on
Can you feel those warriors, those gideons
They're still there somewhere
Their music lives continually
Ancient power, ancient power, ancient power

Fire nah go harm the Zions weapon

We roots and tough so cool down dragon (fire nah go harm the Zions weapon)
The ancient song of Touba (we nah go promote no fool so line up dread)

I'm from the garrison Meta the ruler here again
Upon the mission and the vision fi di youths again
Line up the soldiers, yes I salute you
Unu betta think about the future and we culture, roots
We no promote no fool yah / We from the garrison, me say fi cool yeah

From the heart of a sufferer, you'll find faith still a conquer
Me say no dem no have no pitty dirty money dem about
Dem ah use sweet words to keep I down
Promises, colonies, see dem around taking over
Dem no have no pitty dirty money dem about
Dem ah use sweet words to keep I down
Promises, colonies, see dem around taking over

We roots and tough so cool down dragon (fire nah go harm the Zions weapon)
The ancient song of Touba / (we nah go promote no fool so line up dread)

I inherit, inherit the nomadic fathers they must know they belong to Egypt and Sahara
Forward Jah works with love send us your blessing God
Ah remedy vibration music ah fi blaze
Progression, melodies here we celebrate

We hit the Gong on the streets, set the captives free
Here we stumble and dance
Independenza, mic pour la vida, Cornerstones c'est la millefa
Do ré mi fa so la si do, c'est la musique, la vida

Ehehehey, dunya dunya dunya dunya dunya
Ehehehey, this life this life this life this life this life

Legui legui dana jekh, amoul bayi amoul mere
Wala wala fala de, boul topando yi ay jiko
Bayil tok bi tengua jok, bayil tok bi tengua jok

Legui legui dana jekh, amoul bayi amoul mere
Wala wala fala de, boul topando yi ay jiko
Bayil tok bi tengua jok, bayil tok bi tengua jok

Fire nah go harm the Zions weapon
We roots tough so cool down dragon (fire nah go harm the Zions weapon)
The ancient song of Touba (we nah go promote no fool so line up dread)

We roots tough so cool down

Fire nah go harm the Zions weapon
Fire fire fire fire

Overall Meaning

The song "Ancient Power" by Meta and the Cornerstones is about the enduring strength and resilience of African culture and heritage. The lyrics speak to the idea that even though much has been lost and destroyed over the years, the spirit of the people and their traditions persists. The song asks listeners to tap into that spirit, to feel the power of the ancestors and the music they left behind. The line, "Can you feel those warriors, those gideons?" references the biblical story of Gideon, a judge and warrior who led a small army against a much larger force and emerged victorious. The song is an invocation to the same kind of inner strength and determination.

The lyrics of the song also touch on themes of social justice and resistance to oppression. The references to dirty money, promises, and colonies paint a picture of exploitation and greed. The song calls listeners to resist these forces and to work for a better future for themselves and their communities. The use of phrases like "roots and tough" and "line up the soldiers" further emphasizes the idea of standing firm against injustice and oppression.

Overall, "Ancient Power" is a powerful and uplifting anthem, encouraging listeners to draw strength from their cultural heritage and to fight for a better future.

Line by Line Meaning

Can you hear those melodies that linger on
The music of our ancestors still echoes and is everlasting

Can you feel those warriors, those gideons
The strength and spirit of our forefathers is still present

They're still there somewhere
Their legacy lives on despite time and distance

Their music lives continually
The songs and rhythms they created still have power and meaning

Ancient power, ancient power, ancient power
The strength and wisdom of our ancestors is passed down to us

Fire nah go harm the Zions weapon
No harm can come to our people's strength and resilience

We roots and tough so cool down dragon (fire nah go harm the Zions weapon)
Our culture and heritage make us strong, so we won't be defeated

The ancient song of Touba (we nah go promote no fool so line up dread)
Our music and history will guide us, and we won't tolerate foolishness

I'm from the garrison Meta the ruler here again
I come from a place of struggle and strength, and I'm here to lead once more

Upon the mission and the vision fi di youths again
I have a purpose to inspire the next generation

Line up the soldiers, yes I salute you
We must all come together and work as a team to succeed

Unu betta think about the future and we culture, roots
We must always be mindful of our culture and heritage in building a better future

From the heart of a sufferer, you'll find faith still a conquer
Even in hard times, we find the faith to overcome

Me say no dem no have no pitty dirty money dem about
Some people have no compassion and only care about money

Dem ah use sweet words to keep I down
They try to deceive and manipulate us with their words

Promises, colonies, see dem around taking over
They try to gain control by making promises and using their power

We hit the Gong on the streets, set the captives free
We use music and unity to break free from oppression

Here we stumble and dance
Even in the midst of struggles, we find joy and celebration

Independenza, mic pour la vida, Cornerstones c'est la millefa
We strive for independence and use music to celebrate life, Cornerstones is the foundation

Do ré mi fa so la si do, c'est la musique, la vida
The music of life is all around us, and it brings joy and connection

Ehehehey, dunya dunya dunya dunya dunya
The world keeps turning, no matter what happens

Ehehehey, this life this life this life this life this life
We must embrace and enjoy this life to the fullest

Legui legui dana jekh, amoul bayi amoul mere
We all have a purpose and must contribute to society

Wala wala fala de, boul topando yi ay jiko
We must speak up and take action for what we believe in

Bayil tok bi tengua jok, bayil tok bi tengua jok
We must keep moving and pushing forward

Fire fire fire fire
A call to action to keep fighting against oppression and injustice

Contributed by Evelyn K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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