Babylon Queendom
Peter Tosh Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Babylon, your queendom is falling
Rahab, Ethiopia is calling

Babylon, your queendom is falling (tumbling down)
Rahab, Ethiopia is calling

Gimme back mi gold, mi ruby an mi diamond
Babylon, your queendom is falling
and Rahab, Ethiopia is calling

sent I sons & daughters from a far off
I said all those that are called of I name

Babylon, your queendom is falling (tumbling down)
Rahab, Ethiopia is calling

I say Babylon, your queendom is falling
Rahab, Ethiopia is calling

Gimme back mi Zebra, mi Lion an mi Tiger

Babylon, your queendom is falling (tumbling down)
Rahab, Ethiopia is calling

I say Babylon, your queendom is falling
Rahab, Ethiopia is calling

Gimme back mi land, mi language and mi culture

Oh yeah

Babylon, your queendom is falling (tumbling down)
Rahab, Ethiopia is calling

I say Babylon, your queendom is falling
Rahab, Ethiopia is calling

I said, take back your chink, your roach and mosquito





Babylon, your queendom is falling (tumbling down)
Rahab, Ethiopia is calling...

Overall Meaning

In Peter Tosh's song Babylon Queendom, he addresses the downfall of Babylon and the call of Ethiopia. Babylon is a reference to the oppressive power structures that have enslaved and exploited black people for centuries. Tosh suggests that this Babylonian queendom is falling or crumbling, indicating that the system of oppression is coming to an end. The reference to Rahab calling Ethiopia is a nod to the biblical story of Rahab and Joshua, where Rahab, a prostitute from Jericho, helps Joshua and his army in their conquest of Jericho. In this context, the call of Ethiopia could be interpreted as a call to overthrow Babylonian rule.


Tosh calls for the return of what was taken from Africa, symbolized by gold, rubies, diamonds, zebras, lions, tigers, land, language, and culture. He asserts that these belong to the people of Africa and should be returned. The line "sent I sons & daughters from a far off I said all those that are called of I name" suggests that there are people across the world who are called to fight against Babylon and to return what was taken.


This song is an anthem of resistance and a call to action against colonialism and oppression. Tosh's lyrics are a powerful statement of the need for black people to reclaim their land, culture, and heritage. In the end, Babylon's queendom will fall, and the call of Ethiopia will be answered.


Line by Line Meaning

Babylon, your queendom is falling
The empire of Babylon is collapsing and losing its power


Rahab, Ethiopia is calling
Ethiopia is rising up and calling for change


Gimme back mi gold, mi ruby an mi diamond
Return to me the wealth that was taken from my land


sent I sons & daughters from a far off
I have scattered my people throughout the world


I said all those that are called of I name
I have called upon those who share my beliefs to rise up


Gimme back mi Zebra, mi Lion an mi Tiger
Give me back the animals that once roamed my land


Gimme back mi land, mi language and mi culture
Restore to me the land, language, and culture that were taken away


Oh yeah
An expression of agreement and determination


I said, take back your chink, your roach and mosquito
Reject the harmful and oppressive elements brought by the colonizers




Contributed by Madison B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@glendoncodling1012

This is the song that changes my life way back in 1976.and I'm still here with you BUSH DOCTOR PETER TOSH

@innocentmrema3025

Give me back me Gold, Ruby and Diamond send back my Brothers and Sisters this is one of the greatest reggae hits from Tosh .
RIP 🙏

@ValTyalin

Timeless.
Peter’s message in his music was unapologetic and straight to the point. He wasn’t out to appease the oppressors or provided therapy music for them.
Rest in Zion with the Ancestors
Stepping Razor. 🖤💚💛❤️

@jeanclarke9106

HEAVY, POWERFUL, STIMULATING, UPLIFTING. 2020 is almost over, and I am still rocking to this song. Rest in tranquility my brother.

@peterawane3490

Aaqppa0ppppplp0

@walternyukuri3605

Nothing sounds strong spiritual like this.Peter Tosh is my blood.

@jacobfrohnhofer1419

Powerful

@mnyamezelimbilini1294

Peter is the best no one will ever top this

@mzeerama2689

A true rebel of the hardest core reggae vibes

@snownfire

So relevant amid the events taking place in Africa. Mali, Burkinafaso, Niger, Gabon

More Comments

More Versions