Lion
Peter Tosh/The Wailers Lyrics


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I am on the rock and then I check a stock
I have to run like a fugitive to save the life I live
I'm gonna be Iron like a Lion in Zion
I'm gonna be Iron like a Lion in Zion
Iron Lion Zion
I'm on the run but I ain't got no gun
See they want to be the star
So they fighting tribal war
And they saying Iron like a Lion in Zion
Iron like a Lion in Zion
Iron Lion Zion

I'm on the rock (running and you running)
I take a stock (running like a fugitive)
I had to run like a fugitive just to save the life I live
I'm gonna be Iron like a Lion in Zion
I'm gonna be Iron like a Lion in Zion
Iron Lion Zion, Iron Lion Zion, Iron Lion Zion
Iron like a Lion in Zion, Iron like a lion in Zion




Iron like a Lion in Zion, (Iron Lion Zion) Iron like a Lion in Zion
(Running like a fugitive) Iron like a Lion in Zion (Iron Lion Zion), Iron like a Lion in Zion

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Peter Tosh/The Wailers' song "Lion in Zion" describe the struggles and adversity faced by marginalized groups in society, particularly in tribal conflicts. The lines "I am on the rock and then I check a stock" suggest that the singer is taking stock of their surroundings, assessing the danger, and preparing to take action. The lyrics "I have to run like a fugitive to save the life I live" emphasize the urgency of getting to safety, highlighting the precarious nature of their situation. The line "I'm gonna be Iron like a Lion in Zion" conveys a message of strength and resilience, suggesting that the singer is determined to emerge from this struggle unbroken and unwavering, much like iron.


The repetition of the phrase "Iron Lion Zion" throughout the song serves to reinforce this message of strength and tenacity. The lyrics depict a world where people are locked in tribal wars due to their desire for power, which often leads to violence and destruction. The character in this song is running away from those who want to be famous or powerful, but they are fighting in unnecessary tribal wars. Instead, the singer refutes this mentality and proclaims to be "Iron like a Lion in Zion," symbolizing their strength of character and resistance to such power struggles.


Overall, "Lion in Zion" highlights the strength, resilience, and determination of marginalized individuals in society who are facing immense challenges like tribal conflicts.


Line by Line Meaning

I am on the rock and then I check a stock
I am stationed somewhere safe and secure and then I check my resources to ensure my survival


I have to run like a fugitive to save the life I live
I have to flee from danger in order to preserve my existence


I'm gonna be Iron like a Lion in Zion
I will be strong and resilient like a lion in my homeland


I'm gonna be Iron like a Lion in Zion
I will be a force to be reckoned with, just like an iron lion in my homeland


Iron Lion Zion
I will be powerful like an iron lion in my homeland


I'm on the run but I ain't got no gun
I am fleeing from danger but I am unarmed and defenseless


See they want to be the star
Others desire to be in the spotlight


So they fighting tribal war
They are engaging in wars and conflicts based on their tribal identities


And they saying Iron like a Lion in Zion
They too are striving to be strong and powerful like lions in their homeland


Iron like a Lion in Zion
They too want to be hailed for their strength and resilience in their homeland


Iron Lion Zion
They want to be as formidable as an iron lion in their homeland


I'm on the rock (running and you running)
I am positioned somewhere safe (yet running) and others are also running from danger


I take a stock (running like a fugitive)
I evaluate my resources while fleeing from danger like a fugitive


Iron like a Lion in Zion, Iron like a lion in Zion
Reiteration of the desire to be strong and powerful like a lion in their homeland


(Running like a fugitive) Iron like a Lion in Zion (Iron Lion Zion), Iron like a Lion in Zion
Even while fleeing like a fugitive, the desire to be strong and powerful like a lion in their homeland remains strong




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597

reality fact: not only the rolling Stones are thrilled and shocked of the reggae sound and place in thier albums for years. they was going to the offices of the Marley's and tuff gong in Kingston just to "borrow' the song lion to put in thier sticky fingers album in '71. real story.

@axelnatural

A BIIIIIIIIIIIIIG TUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@SurfLeleco

sonzeira!

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