Dispear
Nas & Damian Marley Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Lord! Dispear, huh!
Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, Nyabinghi man a Mau Mau Warrior, dispear, eh
Fear and desperation no depression can't tarry ya, dispear, hey
Ayatollah, Idi Amin, Mennelek, man a Masai Warrior, dispear, eh
Fear and desperation no depression can't tarry ya, this spear
Like burning spirits and such and such before me
Who all fought for the cause and, dispear, eh
Enforcing all the laws and

The master of the masses
One has power the other one lacks it
Guns are power controlled by assets owned by financial forecasters
Who are the masters? They are the gangsters, they are the bankers
The ones who tax us, the masses, they are us
The sheep, the people, divided in classes
I go off like a shia bomb and all y'all see I'm on my
War paint on my face, shit
My nine mm on my waist, shit
I'm a problem, shoot up your place shit
Let a few go, then I get low blazing Haze again
The masters, the wall street war chiefs
The elitists groups, the masses
They pray to Jesus saying he will see us through
The masters are the aristocratic
The masses ask if the most high is on his way here
I'm trying to stay clear, my mind is my modern day spear

Hey I say, dispear, huh!
Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, Man a Gideon man a Mau Mau Warrior, dispear, eh
Fear and desperation no depression can't tarry ya, dispear, hey
Through the hands of time and cruel men it has slew more than a billion, dispear, eh
It keep on suppressing the humble man's opinion

This lead into Swiss cheese when the 5th squeeze
Mislead the media misleads
Scares you to the point where you miss sleep
With that said this lead with this Ruger and that shooter
Sub-machine gun ratta tat through you
Copper tops, hollow points will do ya something bad our future
Is Mislead three strikes
There's no school when a teacher strikes
This economy, this monopoly get no job just own your property
Now it's back to what comes natural
Must survive any how you have to
Dispear, desperation but I have no fear when I hold this spear

Mek some bwoy know mi nah smile 'cause this spear nah mek friends
Man a run racket man a run scheme man a run race man a run down Benz
Can't trust a she nor we nor eye inna contact lens
Man a run from police and a run down wealth and dollars and nah mek sense

So, rise up to my defense
Hollow pointed is my preference
Should have been deterred don't know what you heard
Get referred by the wrong reference
When this spear start dispense
It a fly and a tear through fence
Dismember your members and all of your limbs body bust inna nuff segments
Well, man a run drugs man a run risk
Man all a run out a time and ends
Man a run up and down and a run fi dem life and a run down this month rent
Nothin' nah gwan a yard and food deh a road then man hafi go touch pavement
Dispear was a tool that was used to enslave man and mek manservant
Escape from despair and desperation becomes more urgent
Mankind needs to cleanse and wash out dem soul with spiritual detergent
A distant army a distant relative controlling the circumference
And any man move with no permission they're feeling the circumstance of

Dispear, hey
Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, Man a, eh man a Mau Mau Warrior, dispear, eh!
Fear of your recession and depression can't tarry ya, dispear, hey
Inner city youth dem rise it up disguised as AK-47, dispear, eh!
And anytime them clap it up the whole city level , dispear
Like burning spear and such and such before I




Who all fought for the cause and, dispear, eh!
They can't ignore me, no!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nas & Damian Marley's "Dispear" discuss the feeling of despair brought on by fear, desperation, and oppression. The artists name-check historical and cultural figures such as Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, and Nyabinghi to emphasize the legacy of resistance to oppression. Nas highlights the idea that those in power, who control financial and political systems, are the masters who perpetuate the oppression of the masses. He expresses his frustration and desire for change, likening himself to a warrior with a "spear" to fight for justice.


Throughout the song, the artists raise the issue of violence and its role in creating and perpetuating the cycle of oppression. They refer to shootings, gang violence, and crime as a desperate means of survival for those who have no other options. In the final lines, the artists address the possibility of hope for change, declaring that they cannot be ignored and will continue to fight against despair.


Line by Line Meaning

Lord! Dispear, huh!
Calling for the disappearance of fear and desperation.


Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, Nyabinghi man a Mau Mau Warrior, dispear, eh
Various warriors symbolizing strength and fighting spirit calling for the disappearance of fear and desperation.


Fear and desperation no depression can't tarry ya, dispear, hey
Fear and desperation cannot defeat or slow down you, disappear.


Ayatollah, Idi Amin, Mennelek, man a Masai Warrior, dispear, eh
Naming various influential figures but calling for the disappearance of fear and desperation.


Like burning spirits and such and such before me
Referring to those who have fought for a cause before and likely expressing inspiration to follow in their footsteps.


Who all fought for the cause and, dispear, eh
Reflecting on those who have fought for a cause and calling for the disappearance of fear and desperation.


Enforcing all the laws and
Possibly referring to how those who enforce the laws also have the power to break or bend them and cause fear and desperation.


The master of the masses
Referring to those in power who control the masses.


One has power the other one lacks it
Highlighting the unequal balance of power between those in power and the general population.


Guns are power controlled by assets owned by financial forecasters
Drawing a connection between financial control and those who hold power through the possession of guns.


Who are the masters? They are the gangsters, they are the bankers
Naming the individuals who hold power as gangsters and bankers rather than traditional leaders.


The ones who tax us, the masses, they are us
Emphasizing how the masses themselves are the ones who are being controlled and taxed.


The sheep, the people, divided in classes
Comparing the population to sheep being herded and divided based on social class.


I go off like a shia bomb and all y'all see I'm on my
Expressing a willingness to cause a scene and draw attention to oneself.


War paint on my face, shit
Adding to the image of being prepared for battle and willing to fight.


My nine mm on my waist, shit
Referring to carrying a gun and the power and protection it can provide.


I'm a problem, shoot up your place shit
Intimidating and asserting one's dominance over others.


Let a few go, then I get low blazing Haze again
Possibly referring to using drugs to escape stress and other negative emotions before continuing to fight.


The masters, the wall street war chiefs
Referring again to those in financial and governmental power.


The elitists groups, the masses
Dividing the population again into those in power and those who are not.


They pray to Jesus saying he will see us through
Commenting on religious beliefs and how they may be used to provide hope and reassurance.


The masters are the aristocratic
Continuing to name and describe those in power.


The masses ask if the most high is on his way here
Highlighting how the general population may question and appeal to a higher power for help.


I'm trying to stay clear, my mind is my modern day spear
Stating a focus on mental and emotional strength rather than relying on physical weapons to fight back.


Mek some bwoy know mi nah smile 'cause this spear nah mek friends
Asserting that those who attempt to cause fear and desperation will not be welcomed or befriended.


Man a run racket man a run scheme man a run race man a run down Benz
Naming various means of achieving success and status but with an implication of corruption or illegal activity.


Can't trust a she nor we nor eye inna contact lens
Emphasizing a lack of trust and potential for betrayal from others.


Man a run from police and a run down wealth and dollars and nah mek sense
Commenting on the desperation to avoid poverty and law enforcement but highlighting the overall lack of sense in these actions.


So, rise up to my defense
Calling for support and solidarity.


Hollow pointed is my preference
Preferring to use ammunition that causes maximum damage.


Should have been deterred don't know what you heard
Asserting that an opposing force should not have underestimated the singer's strength or resolve.


When this spear start dispense
Referring again to the emotional and mental strength that the artist is using to fight back.


It a fly and a tear through fence
Describing the strength and speed of the metaphorical spear.


Dismember your members and all of your limbs body bust inna nuff segments
Painting a graphic and violent image of the damage that can be caused by the artist's power.


Well, man a run drugs man a run risk
Naming the dangers and illegal activities that some may engage in to achieve success or escape desperation.


Man all a run out a time and ends
Highlighting the limited time and resources that individuals may feel they have to achieve their goals.


Man a run up and down and a run fi dem life and a run down this month rent
Describing how some may feel they are constantly chasing or running from something in order to survive.


Nothin' nah gwan a yard and food deh a road then man hafi go touch pavement
Explaining that some may feel they have no other choice but to resort to extreme measures to survive.


Dispear was a tool that was used to enslave man and mek manservant
Acknowledging the historical and ongoing use of fear and desperation to control and subjugate the population.


Escape from despair and desperation becomes more urgent
Highlighting the importance of breaking free from these negative emotions and the urgency to do so.


Mankind needs to cleanse and wash out dem soul with spiritual detergent
Emphasizing the need for spiritual healing and cleansing.


A distant army a distant relative controlling the circumference
Commenting on the potential for those with power to be far removed from those they control or influence.


And any man move with no permission they're feeling the circumstance of
Asserting that those who attempt to break free from control will likely face negative consequences as a result.


Inner city youth dem rise it up disguised as AK-47, dispear, eh!
Describing how youth in impoverished areas may attempt to gain power and status through violent means.


And anytime them clap it up the whole city level , dispear
Explaining the negative effects of such violence on the entire community, leading to more fear and desperation.


They can't ignore me, no!
Asserting that the artist cannot be ignored or silenced.




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: COURTNEY GLENROY DIEDRICK, DAMIAN ROBERT NESTA MARLEY, NASIR JONES, PHILIP JAMES, SHIAH CORE

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

ISAAC ZAAGO

Lord, this spear, huh
Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, Nyabinghi
Man a Mau Mau Warrior, despair, eh
Fear and desperation, no depression can't tarry ya
This spear, hey
Ayatollah, Idi Amin, Mennelek
Man a Masai Warrior, despair, eh
Fear and desperation, no depression can't tarry ya
This spear
Like burning spear and such and such before me
Who all fought for the cause and this spear, eh
Enforcing all the laws
The master of the masses
One has power, the other one lacks it
Guns are power, controlled by assets
Owned by financial forecasters
Who are the masters? They are the gangsters
They are the bankers, the ones who tax us
The masses, they are us
The sheep, the people, divided in classes
I go off like a Shite bomb and all y'all see I'm on my
War paint on my face, shit, my nine mm on my waist, shit
I'm a problem, shoot up your place, shit
Let a few go then I get low, blazing Haze again
The masters, The Wall Street War Chiefs, the elitists groups
The masses, they pray to Jesus, saying he will see us through
The masters are the aristocratic
The masses ask if the Most High is on his way here
I'm trying to stay clear, my mind is my modern day Spear
Hey, I say, this spear, huh
Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, Nyabinghi
Man a Mau Mau Warrior, despair, eh
Fear and desperation, no depression can't tarry ya
This spear, hey
Ayatollah, Idi Amin, Mennelek
Man a Masai Warrior, despair, eh
Fear and desperation, no depression can't tarry ya
This spear
Like burning spear and such and such before me
Who all fought for the cause and this spear, eh
Enforcing all the laws
This lead into Swiss cheese when the 5th squeeze
Mislead, the media misleads
Scares you to the point where you miss sleep
With that said
This lead with this Ruger and that shooter
Sub-machine gun ratta-tat through you
Copper tops, hollow points will do ya something bad
Our future is
Mislead, three strikes
There's no school when a teacher strikes
This economy, this monopoly
Get no job, just own your property
Now it's back to what comes natural
Must survive any how you have to
Despair, desperation
But I have no fear when I hold this spear
Make some bwoy know mi nah smile
'Cause this spear nah beg friends
Man a run racket, man a run scheme
Man a run race, man a rundown Benz
Can't trust a she nor we nor
Eye in a contact lens
Man a run from police and a rundown wealth
And dollars and nah make sense
So, rise up to my defense
Hollow pointed is my preference
Should have been deterred, don't know what you heard
Get referred by the wrong reference
When this spear start dispense
It a fly and a tear through fence
Dismember your members and all of your limbs
Body bust inna 'nuff segments
Well, man a run drugs, man a run risk
Man all a run out a time and ends
Man a run up and down and a run fi dem life
And a run down this month rent
Nutin' nah gwan a yard and food deh a road
Then man hafi go touch pavement
Despair was a tool that was used to enslave man
And make manservant
Escape from Despair and Desperation
Becomes more urgent
Mankind needs to cleanse and wash out dem soul
With spiritual detergent
A distant army, a distant relative
Controlling the circumference
And any man move with no permission
They're feeling the circumstance of
This spear, hey
Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, man a, eh
Man a Mau Mau Warrior, despair, eh
Fear of your recession and depression can't tarry ya
This spear, hey
Inner city youth dem rise it up disguised as AK-47
This spear, eh
And anytime them clap it up the whole city level
This spear
Like Burning spear and such and such before I
Who all fought for the cause and this spear, eh
They can't ignore me, no



Nathanael Bartholomew

Lyrics

Lord, this spear, huh
Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, Nyabinghi
Man a Mau Mau Warrior, despair, eh
Fear and desperation, no depression can't tarry ya

This spear, hey
Ayatollah, Idi Amin, Mennelek
Man a Masai Warrior, despair, eh
Fear and desperation, no depression can't tarry ya

This spear
Like burning spear and such and such before me
Who all fought for the cause and this spear, eh
Enforcing all the laws

The master of the masses
One has power, the other one lacks it
Guns are power, controlled by assets
Owned by financial forecasters

Who are the masters? They are the gangsters
They are the bankers, the ones who tax us
The masses, they are us
The sheep, the people, divided in classes

I go off like a Shite bomb and all y'all see I'm on my
War paint on my face, shit, my nine mm on my waist, shit
I'm a problem, shoot up your place, shit
Let a few go then I get low, blazing Haze again

The masters, The Wall Street War Chiefs, the elitists groups
The masses, they pray to Jesus, saying he will see us through
The masters are the aristocratic
The masses ask if the Most High is on his way here
I'm trying to stay clear, my mind is my modern day Spear

Hey, I say, this spear, huh
Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, Nyabinghi
Man a Mau Mau Warrior, despair, eh
Fear and desperation, no depression can't tarry ya

This spear, hey
Ayatollah, Idi Amin, Mennelek
Man a Masai Warrior, despair, eh
Fear and desperation, no depression can't tarry ya

This spear
Like burning spear and such and such before me
Who all fought for the cause and this spear, eh
Enforcing all the laws

This lead into Swiss cheese when the 5th squeeze
Mislead, the media misleads
Scares you to the point where you miss sleep
With that said

This lead with this Ruger and that shooter
Sub-machine gun ratta-tat through you
Copper tops, hollow points will do ya something bad
Our future is

Mislead, three strikes
There's no school when a teacher strikes
This economy, this monopoly
Get no job, just own your property

Now it's back to what comes natural
Must survive any how you have to
Despair, desperation
But I have no fear when I hold this spear

Make some bwoy know mi nah smile
'Cause this spear nah beg friends
Man a run racket, man a run scheme
Man a run race, man a rundown Benz

Can't trust a she nor we nor
Eye in a contact lens
Man a run from police and a rundown wealth
And dollars and nah make sense

So, rise up to my defense
Hollow pointed is my preference
Should have been deterred, don't know what you heard
Get referred by the wrong reference

When this spear start dispense
It a fly and a tear through fence
Dismember your members and all of your limbs
Body bust inna 'nuff segments

Well, man a run drugs, man a run risk
Man all a run out a time and ends
Man a run up and down and a run fi dem life
And a run down this month rent

Nutin' nah gwan a yard and food deh a road
Then man hafi go touch pavement
Despair was a tool that was used to enslave man
And make manservant

Escape from Despair and Desperation
Becomes more urgent
Mankind needs to cleanse and wash out dem soul
With spiritual detergent

A distant army, a distant relative
Controlling the circumference
And any man move with no permission
They're feeling the circumstance of

This spear, hey
Shaka Zulu, Bobo Shanti, man a, eh
Man a Mau Mau Warrior, despair, eh
Fear of your recession and depression can't tarry ya

This spear, hey
Inner city youth dem rise it up disguised as AK-47
This spear, eh
And anytime them clap it up the whole city level

This spear
Like Burning spear and such and such before I
Who all fought for the cause and this spear, eh
They can't ignore me, no



All comments from YouTube:

johnson todd

Most underrated album of my time

Jalud Seidu Tonzua

One of the best Collab ever to be slept on.

Sean Powell

The perfect fusion of reggae and hip hop how it was meant to be i've been listening to this album for 11years

Khal Excarne

can't stop listening to this Album. This is the definition of music

Sydney Harley

This album hit my soul!!! OMG!!!!

CHUGA

This is my favorite song on this album. I love the play on words!!!! DESPAIR, "THIS SPEAR", DISAPPEAR.

RWI Concepts

Still trying to figure out how this album never won a grammy.

eazydoesit33

This never won a Grammy because it's simply to real for Hollywood

Quantum Leap

He pretty much answered that in the song. Wake up.

Alex Rig

Message is to strong for the music industry. That's why they keep it low profile form society. Check out Gentlemen and ky-mani they have some good songs to.๐Ÿ‘Œ

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