Be Not a Dread
Pablo Moses Lyrics
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Just be a Ras with your pretty curly locks
Because the name "Dread" portrays viciousness
While the name "Ras" portrays righteousness
It's true, it's true
You know it's true, so true now
Neither cut your locks and go astray
For they are Ras in Africa
A place called Ethiopia, yeh-hah
Where bredrens grow their curly locks
To show the world that they are Ras now
It's true, it's true
You know it's true, so true now
So be not a Dread, neither a baldhead
Just be a Ras with your pretty curly locks
Because the name "Dread" portrays viciousness
While the name "Ras" portrays righteousness
It's true, it's true
You know it's true, so true now
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
Mmmm-mmmmm-mmmmm-mmmmm
(.)
Be not a Dread, neither a baldhead
Just be a Ras with your pretty curly locks
Because the name "Dread" portrays viciousness
While the name "Ras" portrays righteousness
It's true, it's true
You know it's true, so true now
Now we are all children from Africa
Living here in Jamaica
Forced into exploitation and sufferation
By the hands of the Babylonians
So in order to keep our culture
We got to love one another now
It's true, it's true
You know it's true, so true now
So be not a Dread, neither a baldhead
Just be a Ras with your pretty curly locks
Because the name "Dread" portrays viciousness
While the name "Ras" portrays righteousness
It's true, it's true
You know it's true, so true now
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
Mmmm-mmmmm, mmmmm-mmmmm
Be not a Dread, be not a Dread.
In Pablo Moses's song "Be Not a Dread," he urges listeners to embrace their culture and identity through their physical appearance. He implores them not to adopt the image of a "dread," which he believes has a negative connotation associated with violence and aggression. Instead, he encourages them to embrace the image of a "ras," which he associates with righteousness and cultural pride. He stresses the importance of maintaining one's physical appearance as a means of representing their cultural heritage.
The song also speaks to the shared experiences of African people, regardless of where they currently reside. Moses notes that even as Jamaicans, they are ultimately descendants of African people who were subjected to exploitation and oppression by colonial powers. He emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community, and loving each other in order to preserve their cultural traditions.
Overall, "Be Not a Dread" serves as a powerful call to action for people to embrace their cultural heritage and resist pressures to assimilate or conform to dominant cultural norms. It highlights the importance of representation and self-love in the fight against oppressive forces.
Line by Line Meaning
Be not a Dread, neither a baldhead
Don't be a person associated with dread or fear, neither be a bald person without locks.
Just be a Ras with your pretty curly locks
Instead, be a 'Ras' with nice, curly locks on your head.
Because the name 'Dread' portrays viciousness
The word 'Dread' is commonly used to describe someone with a vicious reputation.
While the name 'Ras' portrays righteousness
On the other hand, 'Ras' refers to a righteous and honorable person.
It's true, it's true
This is a fact that cannot be denied.
You know it's true, so true now
And you are aware of this truth as well.
Therefore not curse at what I might say
So, don't react negatively to what I am saying here.
Neither cut your locks and go astray
And don't cut off your locks and lose your way in life.
For they are Ras in Africa
In Africa, locks are a symbol of being an honorable and righteous person or 'Ras'.
A place called Ethiopia, yeh-hah
This is particularly true in a place called Ethiopia.
Where bredrens grow their curly locks
Where many brothers grow and maintain their curly hair.
To show the world that they are Ras now
As a way of showing their righteousness to the rest of the world.
Now we are all children from Africa
All of us are descendants of Africa, no matter where we live now.
Living here in Jamaica
And for those of us living in Jamaica.
Forced into exploitation and sufferation
We have been subjected to exploitation and suffering by those in power.
By the hands of the Babylonians
Those who oppress us are referred to as Babylonians.
So in order to keep our culture
To preserve our way of life and traditions.
We got to love one another now
We must show love and compassion towards each other in order to protect our culture.
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
An expression of affirmation and agreement.
Mmmm-mmmmm-mmmmm-mmmmm
A musical interjection conveying positive feeling.
(.)
A musical pause, indicating the end of the song.
Contributed by Camden Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.