Small Axe
Perry's Lyrics
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Playing smart and-a not being clever!
I said you're working iniquity
To achieve vanity (if a-so, a-so),
But the goodness of Jah - Jah
Endureth for ever
So if you are the big tree,
Ready to cut you down, (well sharp)
To cut you down
These are the words of my master
Keep on tellin' me: no weak out shall prosper
Eh! Whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it - fall in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it (fall in it)
If you are the big tree,
Let me tell you that: we are the small axe
Sharpened ready ready to cut you down, (well sharp)
To cut you down.
(Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, to cut you down,
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, to cut you down)
These are the words of my master
Tellin' me that: no weak out shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, uh! bury in it!
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall bury in it, uh! (bury in it)
If you are the big, big tree,
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down, (well sharp)
To cut you down
If you are the big, big tree,
Let me tell you that: we are the small axe
Ready to cut you down, (well sharp)
To cut you down
"Small Axe" by Perry's is a reggae song that takes aim at those who are boastful and arrogant but lacking in wisdom. The opening lines of the song read, "Why boasteth thyself, O evil men/ Playing smart and-a not being clever!" This is an indictment of those who are more concerned with appearing clever than actually doing good. The song suggests that such people are only interested in achieving vanity and working iniquity. However, despite their efforts, the goodness of Jah - Jah - endures forever.
The song goes on to use a metaphor to describe those in power as big trees that need to be cut down. The chorus declares, "If you are the big tree, we are the small axe/ Ready to cut you down, well sharp, to cut you down." This metaphor suggests that those in power are at risk of being overthrown by those they oppress. The song also includes a warning to those who would try to undermine others through deceit or treachery: "Whosoever diggeth a pit/ Shall fall in it – fall in it/ And whosoever diggeth a pit/ Shall fall in it."
Overall, "Small Axe" is a call to action for those who have been oppressed by those in power. It suggests that those who are wise and persistent can bring down even the mightiest trees through the power of unity and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
Why boasteth thyself, O evil men
Why do evil people feel the need to brag and show off?
Playing smart and-a not being clever!
Acting clever doesn't necessarily mean someone is wise or intelligent.
I said you're working iniquity
I accuse you of doing evil things.
To achieve vanity (if a-so, a-so),
You commit wrongdoings so you can feel important, which is pointless.
But the goodness of Jah - Jah
Endureth for ever
God's goodness is eternal, unlike the temporary success that comes from wrongdoing.
So if you are the big tree,
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down, (well sharp)
To cut you down
If you are powerful and corrupt, there will be people who are determined to stop you by any means necessary.
These are the words of my master
Keep on tellin' me: no weak out shall prosper
My beliefs and values dictate that the strong and corrupt will ultimately fail, while the righteous will prevail.
Eh! Whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it - fall in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it (fall in it)
Those who plot against others will suffer the consequences of their own actions.
If you are the big tree,
Let me tell you that: we are the small axe
Sharpened ready ready to cut you down, (well sharp)
To cut you down.
No matter how powerful you are, there are people who are determined to stop you by any means necessary.
(Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, to cut you down,
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, to cut you down)
The threat of those who seek justice and accountability for the powerful and corrupt is always present.
These are the words of my master
Tellin' me that: no weak out shall prosper
My beliefs and values dictate that the righteous will ultimately succeed and that the weak will not withstand the test of time.
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, uh! bury in it!
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall bury in it, uh! (bury in it)
Those who plot against others will suffer the consequences of their own actions.
If you are the big, big tree,
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down, (well sharp)
To cut you down
No matter how powerful you are, there are people who are determined to stop you by any means necessary.
If you are the big, big tree,
Let me tell you that: we are the small axe
Ready to cut you down, (well sharp)
To cut you down
The weak and oppressed have allies who will work tirelessly to bring justice against those who abuse their power.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O CAPASSO, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind