In 2010, Protoje began working with his cousin and popular Jamaican producer Don Corleon. After releasing "Dread", "JA" and "Roll" in 2010, Protoje's debut album, entitled The Seven Year Itch, was released in 2011. The first single off the album dubbed "Arguments" (2009) was responsible for his early popularity in Jamaica. In 2011, he released another single off the album entitled "Rasta Love" featuring Ky-Mani Marley.
His second album, The 8 Year Affair, was released in 2013. "Who Dem A Program" was the first single released from the album followed by "This Is Not A Marijuana Song". "Kingston Be Wise" was heavily promoted via traditional and social media. Protoje cited reggae artist Ini Kamoze and group Black Uhuru as influences when recording the album.
His third album Ancient Future is set for release in September 2014
Hail Ras Tafari
Protoje Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Peace to my mind when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing His eyes are on I
Jah be my guide, I reside with the Most High
Even inna drought I nuh cry
These are the times when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing that Jah will provide for I
Understanding nothing is belonging to me
Earth will provide you with the necessity
Me say simplicity is what we use in these days
And Ras Tafari prophesied there would be wars
Many possessions would be lost
What you live is what you leave with, so
Hold it close, it’s the only thing that's yours
Every morning I rise
Peace to my mind when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing His eyes are on I
Jah be my guide, I reside with the Most High
Even inna drought I nuh cry
These are the times when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing that Jah will provide for I
Because we know Jah we cannot walk away
Heart of the Lion is telling us not to stay far
‘Cause when it all passes away
To abide in Your presence is the only thing I pray for
‘Cause it is beautiful to know
Storms all around and You safely guide the way home
Yes, You lightening my load
Keep me right here on the straight road
Every morning I rise
Peace to my mind when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing His eyes are on I
Jah be my guide, I reside with the Most High
Even inna drought I nuh cry
These are the times when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing that Jah will provide for I
Haile love I, you never forget
Haile bless I, don’t you ever forget
Haile love I, don't you ever forget
Haile bless I, don’t you ever forget
Every morning I rise
Peace to my mind when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing His eyes are on I
Jah be my guide, I reside with the Most High
Even inna drought I nuh cry
These are the times when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing that Jah will provide for I
Haile is the power and the knowledge and the key
One, two, three, the Holy Trinity, yeah
The beginning of Protoje’s “Hail Ras Tafari” portrays the singer every morning, rising and praising the Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie I, whom he refers to as Ras Tafari. By hailing him, Protoje feels at peace since he trusts that Jah (God) is looking out for him. He looks to the Most High in every situation, even when faced with drought, he believes that Jah will provide a solution. Protoje goes on to acknowledge that everyone is just a borrower on this earth and that nothing belongs to them. He concludes that Ras Tafari prophesied there would be wars, and one should not accumulate too many possessions since one could lose them all. It is only the simple things that guarantee survival in these days, according to Protoje.
Protoje refers to Ras Tafari as a powerful unifying force, a figure who not only brings people together but also guides them. He believes that through Ras Tafari, they have a reason to stay and fight wars. Protoje finishes by asking Jah to keep him on the straight road and thanking him for providing every time he has hailed Ras Tafari. The song is a tribute piece that acknowledges the impact of Rastafarian culture and the power it holds in guiding one's faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Every morning I rise
I wake up every day
Peace to my mind when I hail Ras Tafari
Honoring Ras Tafari brings me mental peace
Knowing His eyes are on I
I am aware of God watching over me
Jah be my guide, I reside with the Most High
I ask for God's guidance as I remain close to Him
Even inna drought I nuh cry
I do not despair in difficult times
These are the times when I hail Ras Tafari
Hails to Ras Tafari are particularly important in tough times
Knowing that Jah will provide for I
I trust that God will provide for me
I said He giveth and He taketh away
God is both a giver and taker of life
Understanding nothing is belonging to me
I realize that material possessions are temporary
Earth will provide you with the necessity
Nature will provide you with what you need to survive
Me say simplicity is what we use in these days
We utilize simplicity in modern times
And Ras Tafari prophesied there would be wars
Ras Tafari predicted war
Many possessions would be lost
Many material possessions will be lost in war
What you live is what you leave with, so
What you experience in life is all you can bring with you when you die
Hold it close, it’s the only thing that's yours
Value and cherish your life experiences as they are unique to you
Because we know Jah we cannot walk away
Our relationship with God prevents us from leaving Him
Heart of the Lion is telling us not to stay far
A strong and courageous heart compels us to stay close to God
‘Cause when it all passes away
When everything comes to an end
To abide in Your presence is the only thing I pray for
To be with God is my only prayer
‘Cause it is beautiful to know
It's wonderful to understand
Storms all around and You safely guide the way home
God guides and protects us through difficult times
Yes, You lightening my load
God eases my burdens
Keep me right here on the straight road
God keeps me on the right path
Haile love I, you never forget
God's love is forever present and unforgettable
Haile bless I, don’t you ever forget
I remember God's blessings and remain grateful for them
Haile is the power and the knowledge and the key
God is the source of power, wisdom and unlocks the path to goodness
One, two, three, the Holy Trinity, yeah
The Holy Trinity consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all one divine entity
Contributed by Henry P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Tyronejizz
Every morning I rise
Peace to my mind when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing His eyes are on I
Jah be my guide, I reside with the Most High
Even inna drought I nuh cry
These are the times when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing that Jah will provide for I
I said He giveth and He taketh away
Understanding nothing is belonging to me
Earth will provide you with the necessity
Me say simplicity is what we use in these days
And Ras Tafari prophesied there would be wars
Many possessions would be lost
What you live is what you leave with, so
Hold it close, it's the only thing that's yours
Every morning I rise
Peace to my mind when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing His eyes are on I
Jah be my guide, I reside with the Most High
Even inna drought I nuh cry
These are the times when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing that Jah will provide for I
Because we know Jah we cannot walk away
Heart of the Lion is telling us not to stay far
'Cause when it all passes away
To abide in Your presence is the only thing I pray for
'Cause it is beautiful to know
Storms all around and You safely guide the way home
Yes, You lightening my load
Keep me right here on the straight road
Every morning I rise
Peace to my mind when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing His eyes are on I
Jah be my guide, I reside with the Most High
Even inna drought I nuh cry
These are the times when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing that Jah will provide for I
Haile love I, you never forget
Haile bless I, don't you ever forget
Haile love I, don't you ever forget
Haile bless I, don't you ever forget
Every morning I rise
Peace to my mind when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing His eyes are on I
Jah be my guide, I reside with the Most High
Even inna drought I nuh cry
These are the times when I hail Ras Tafari
Knowing that Jah will provide for I
Haile is the power and the knowledge and the key
One, two, three, the Holy Trinity, yeah
@jenniferwilliams4111
1st song I listen to every morning . Stay blessed. Peace ✌
@Garlicdoshia
I play this after I pray
@jenniferwilliams4111
@@Garlicdoshia stay blessed ✌
@luteriofernando9232
Me too
@Voo504Doo
i use to do the same bro lol every morning and even night before bed but ima get back into it now!
@zecesario
Oh damn i was choosing a song for my alarm clock and my brain automaticaly started playing this song inside my head, it was my alarm clock during my first years of college, i havent remembered it in years. Hail ras tafari 😄
@variax2thedopechannle
just woke up, 6am, spliff, coffee, hail Ras Tafari, hoping Jah make my day good
@scottydo2155
C,
@jaylucky5555
Bless up, keep dem positive vibes ,more love more life bun dis system elderz been banging on that drum tooo long time for all we in unity to pay attention and stand for Mother Earth , almighty bless we every day
@johndillermand4053
Brother, sister, whatever, the fact that you wake up this morning, that alone means God made your day good.