Tribes At War
Nas & Damian Marley Lyrics

Tribal war
Referencing the ongoing conflict and violence between different groups and tribes

We nah want no more a dat
We do not wish to continue this type of conflict and aggression

Every man deserve to earn
All individuals deserve the opportunity to work and earn a living

And every child deserve to learn, now
All children deserve access to education

A nuh dat we a defend
We are not defending this type of tribal war

Every man deserve a turn
All individuals deserve a chance to succeed and thrive

Like a flame deserve to burn
Just as a flame deserves to burn brightly and not be extinguished, individuals deserve to reach their full potential

Man what happened to us
Asking why conflict and aggression has become so prevalent among different groups of people

Geographically they moved us
Referencing the forced migration and displacement of African people from their home continent

From Africa
The original homeland of African people

We was once happiness-pursuers
A reference to the cultural richness and traditions of African people before displacement

Now we back stabbing, combative and abusive
Describing the aggression and violence that has taken root among different groups of people

The African and Arab go at it they most Muslim
Describing conflicts between different groups of people and religions

We should be moving in unison
People should be united, working together, and not fighting against each other

Disputes would end
If people worked together, issues and disagreements would be resolved peacefully

Bounty hunters and grape street get cool again
Referencing gang activity and the possibility of it ending if people stopped fighting each other

Sub-standard housing
Referring to poor quality housing and the conditions that often lead to aggression and violence

Got the young running rampant
Poor living conditions and lack of opportunities can lead young people to act out and behave aggressively

Wilding, for a Phantom
Describing youthful reckless behavior in pursuit of material goods and status symbols

He can style in
Having material possessions can provide a sense of status and authority

Mask on his face
Concealing one's identity while behaving aggressively and unlawfully

Grabbing his Ruger
Using weapons to intimidate and harm others

Saying nobody move or I'll shoot you
Threatening others with physical harm or death

Man you're expiring
Addressing the notion that violent behavior often leads to negative consequences

Catch 25 and he does it like a man
Acknowledging the glorification of violence in some cultures and the pressure men may feel to behave aggressively or violently

He sides with black
Referring to the issue of race and how it can lead to conflict and aggression

White pride and Mexican
Describing other groups of people who may also engage in conflict and aggression

Survive the best he can
Describing the difficult circumstances in which some people live and the choices they make to survive

Strap a shank to his thigh
Carrying weapons to defend oneself or to engage in violence

Why do we all collide
Questioning why different groups of people cannot exist peacefully together

Why do the young die
Addressing the tragic consequences of conflicts and violence

Extortion, murder and burglary
Describing the illegal and violent behavior that can arise from a culture of aggression and conflict

Tattoos his chest
Using tattoos to display one's allegiance to a certain group or culture

Says his enemies don't deserve to breathe
Expressing extreme anger and hatred towards others, often leading to violence

I drink poison
Addressing the idea that indulging in negative behavior or thought patterns can be harmful to oneself

Then I vomit diamonds
Acknowledging the pain and difficulties that can lead to success and change

I gave you Mandela, black Dalai Lamas
Acknowledging historical figures who have inspired positive change in the world

I gave you music
Referencing the power of music to bring people together and inspire positive change

You enthused in my kindness
Acknowledging the positive impact that music and culture can have on people

So how dare you reduce me to Donny Imus
Expressing frustration with individuals who have reduced cultural figures to negative stereotypes or caricatures

Timeless in case we never been acquainted
Referring to the lasting impact of historical figures and cultures that have influenced the world

Flyness who made it
Describing the creativity and innovation that can arise from cultural exchange and influence

It gets duplicated
Recognizing the far-reaching influence of certain cultural elements and how they can be replicated in other cultures

Mindless violence
Describing the senseless and destructive nature of violent behavior

Well let me try to paint it
Attempting to describe or explain something

Here's the 5 steps
Breaking down the different stages of violent conflict or tribal war

In hopes to explain it
Describing the intent to shed light on the destructive nature of violence and conflict

One: It's me and my nation against the world
Describing a sense of isolation and opposition felt by one's cultural or national group

Two: Then me and my clan against the nation
Describing a further escalation of conflict and violence, this time involving factions within a cultural or national group

Three: Then me and my fam' against the clan
Describing a further breakdown of unity and the fracturing of one's own cultural or national group

Four: Then me and my brother we no hesitation, uh
Breaking down the conflict even further to the level of individuals and families

Go against the fam' until they cave in
Describing the willingness to continue fighting even against one's own family members

Five: Now who's left in this deadly equation?
Questioning the ultimate cost of violent conflict and tribal war

That's right, it's me against my brother
Highlighting the tragedy of violent conflict that pits family members and loved ones against one another

Then we point a Kalashnikov
Describing the use of weapons as tools of violent conflict

And kill one another
Describing the tragic and unnecessary loss of life that comes from violent conflict and tribal war

Man a war tribal over colors
Describing the senseless nature of some types of conflict or tribal war, such as those that are based on superficial differences like skin color

Over money, over land, and over oil, and over god
Describing various reasons why conflict and violence arise between different groups of people

And over idols, and even lovers
Acknowledging the many different reasons why some people engage in conflict or violent behavior

Over breakfast, over dinner, over suppers
Highlighting the absurdity of conflict and violence over mundane things like meals

Over jungle, over rema, over buckers
Referring to specific locations or regions where conflict or violence may occur

Over Brooklyn, over Queens, and over Rutgers
Naming specific places where conflict or violence may occur

Over red, and over blue, and over chuckers
Describing different groups or factions that may engage in conflict or violent behavior

Over red and over blue and under covers
Describing conflict or violence that may be hidden or undercover

The drive-bys double
Describing the increase in violent behavior like drive-by shootings

'Cause the youth dem nah go a war
Acknowledging the fact that young people are often the ones recruited to fight in wars or conflicts

And go fight with knuckle
Describing the brutal nature of violence and combat

The two sides scuffle
Describing the fighting and aggression that may arise between different groups

Vietnam nah go a war
Referencing the Vietnam War and questioning why certain conflicts or wars are necessary

With no more kung fu nun chuckle
A reference to the martial arts often depicted in movies and television programs

Missile and shuttle
Referring to technological advances like missiles and shuttles that may contribute to violence and conflict

And the Queen of England and Uncle Sam
Naming two powerful figures who may contribute to conflicts around the world

Dem a flex dem muscle
Expressing the idea of nations or groups engaging in power struggles and flexing their military might

The tribal hustle
Describing the tactics and strategies employed by different groups engaged in tribal war or conflict

Blood diamond poodle
A reference to the dangerous and exploitative aspects of the diamond trade

Survival struggle
Describing the difficult circumstances in which some people find themselves and the lengths they may go to in order to survive

Each and every one deserve a turn
Acknowledging the fact that all individuals deserve opportunities to succeed and thrive