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
This Is Not a Marijuana Song
Protoje Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Jah so let it be
They don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Herb smoke keep I sane, take my pain
Stop migraine, so much I gain, so why blame?
I'm saying Jah might bring the right strain
To my brain fi chop lightning like I-Wayne
'Cause man deh ya pon the lava ground
And if you soft like a guava you can't come round
This part of town, I tell unuh the thought alone
A could a Sparta it falter down
Revival Hallelujah it start up now
Reprisal fi the luu Jah it watered down, naa pardon none
What deh in a me garden strong
This is not a Marijuana song
'Cause they don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Jah so let it be
They don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Jah so let it be
This is not Marijuana music
Just a message from the ones that use it
Don't abuse it 'cause a mind that's fertile
Brings forth something that's worthwhile
Know your worth child
'Cause no officer alive coulda look in a ma eyes
And see what I prophesy
My mind it forever occupies, thoughts of
Hold ma talk 'cause spies amongst us
If trouble come ah trouble make, then mi chalice ah go bubbly
Drop in a one load then double it
What deh in a me garden strong
This is not a Marijuana song
'Cause they don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Jah so let it be
They don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Jah so let it be
So me say, listen up, the truth is to be told
Open your eyes there is beauty to behold
What is the new if you consider the old
Why gain the world and no consider your soul
What is the cloud if you understand the lining
Who is the king if you consider the lineage
You know its H.I.M so no continue deny him
Is it freestyle if I consider the line
Then configure the timing adjust to fit the rhyme scheme
With no trouble to my mind really?
Seal it
Wah deh in a me garden strong
This is not a Marijuana Song
'Cause they don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Jah so let it be
They don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Jah so let it be
'Cause they don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Jah so let it be
They don't want you to know Marijuana
Light up and be free
Jah so let it be
The song "This Is Not a Marijuana Song" by Protoje is a powerful commentary on the stigma surrounding marijuana use. The opening lines reflect the idea that the herb has been provided for use by those who choose to do so, but those in power do not want people to know about its usefulness. The song then goes on to highlight the benefits of marijuana use, including its ability to alleviate pain and promote mental clarity.
The chorus reinforces the idea that marijuana use should not be stigmatized or frowned upon, but rather embraced as a free and natural choice. The fourth verse questions the authority of those who would try to suppress the use of marijuana and suggests that they do not have the power to see the prophetic vision that marijuana users can experience. The song ends with a reminder to listeners to pay attention to the truth, to not be afraid to open their eyes to beauty, and to not lose sight of their own worth and spirituality.
Line by Line Meaning
And so it was said that the herb be provided for I and I
Marijuana has been given to us by a higher power.
They don't want you to know Marijuana
There are individuals who benefit from keeping the truth about Marijuana hidden.
Light up and be free
Marijuana can help you relax and feel free from the stresses of life.
Jah so let it be
We should trust in the higher power to guide us in our use of Marijuana.
Herb smoke keep I sane, take my pain
Marijuana is a natural remedy for stress and pain.
Stop migraine, so much I gain, so why blame?
Marijuana has many benefits that outweigh any negative criticisms it may receive.
I'm saying Jah might bring the right strain
Different strains of Marijuana can have unique effects on the individual using it.
To my brain fi chop lightning like I-Wayne
Marijuana can enhance creativity and mental clarity.
'Cause man deh ya pon the lava ground
Marijuana can help individuals cope with difficult life situations.
And if you soft like a guava you can't come round
Only those who can handle the effects of Marijuana should use it.
Revival Hallelujah it start up now
Marijuana culture and use is growing in popularity and acceptance.
What deh in a me garden strong
I have a strong selection of Marijuana in my garden.
This is not a Marijuana song
This song is not only about Marijuana, it has a deeper message.
Just a message from the ones that use it
This song is a message from those who use Marijuana to the general public.
Don't abuse it 'cause a mind that's fertile
Like with any substance, Marijuana should be used responsibly to avoid negative effects.
Brings forth something that's worthwhile
Marijuana can have beneficial effects on creativity and well-being.
Know your worth child
Individuals should understand their own value and use Marijuana in a way that aligns with their values.
'Cause no officer alive coulda look in a ma eyes
No authority figure can truly understand the effects of Marijuana on someone's mind and body.
And see what I prophesy
The effects of Marijuana use are unique to each individual and cannot be predicted by others.
My mind it forever occupies, thoughts of
Marijuana use can have long-lasting effects on an individual's thoughts and emotions.
Hold ma talk 'cause spies amongst us
It's important to be cautious with who you trust regarding Marijuana use.
If trouble come ah trouble make, then mi chalice ah go bubbly
In difficult situations, Marijuana can help an individual cope and feel more relaxed.
What deh in a me garden strong
I have a strong selection of Marijuana in my garden.
So me say, listen up, the truth is to be told
It's important to listen to the messages being shared about Marijuana use.
Open your eyes there is beauty to behold
Marijuana use can open individuals' minds to new experiences and perspectives.
What is the new if you consider the old
We should consider traditional uses of Marijuana before making judgments about it.
Why gain the world and no consider your soul
Individuals should prioritize their inner well-being over worldly success.
What is the cloud if you understand the lining
Understanding the deeper meanings and effects of Marijuana use is more important than just seeing the surface-level experience.
Who is the king if you consider the lineage
Society's ideas of authority and hierarchy may not always align with what is actually important.
You know its H.I.M so no continue deny him
The higher power has given us Marijuana, so denying its use is denying the higher power.
Is it freestyle if I consider the line
True artistic expression requires understanding of the form and structure being used.
Then configure the timing adjust to fit the rhyme scheme
Artistic expression should still be done with intention and care for the audience's experience.
With no trouble to my mind really?
Marijuana use can help an individual feel more relaxed and creative without negative consequences.
Seal it
The importance of Marijuana use should be recognized and embraced without fear or shame.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Oje Ken Ollivierre
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Niel Fernandez Otero
niece song
Irie Rastaman
nie ma nutki w twoim wykonaniu ktora by mi sie nie podobała ! Jesteś Mega ! GIGANT <3 BleSs Ya !
Tomás Massy
I did quit drug 3 years ago and i'm proud to be clean and stil in love with the jah and reagge scene ,, no weed needed to have a rasta hart ;) ❤️ peace bro's and sistaa's
DeessaSun
Same!!!!! Proud of us ❤️
Tomás Massy
Ntuthuko Khaba like i already told respect for each one of us i do not disrespect people cause they smoke weed i will never lose my reagge heart ;) 👍🏻💪🏼
Ntuthuko Khaba
No need to bash herb users
Jugz.42
This is not marijuana music, just a message from the ones that use it! -Protoje
Jonasz
Głupio by było jak by nie było Protoje :D Kawałek świetny :D Świat jest piękny :D Cieszmy się każdym dniem :D
calichica10
I always enjoy listening to this great tune and love the fact that the video was filmed in Cali. Blessings and respect Protoje.
Danmar Samilo
multi-syllabic rhymes at the last verse 🔥🔥. Protoje is another level