Sizzla, along with reggae recording artists such as Capleton, Buju Banton, and Anthony B, are credited with leading a movement toward a re-embracement of Rastafarian values in contemporary reggae music by recording material which is concerned primarily with spirituality, social consciousness, explores common themes, such as Babylon's corrupting influence, the disenfranchisement of ghetto youth, oppression of the black nation and Sizzla's abiding faith in Jah and resistance against perceived agents of oppression. Sizzla has over 40 full completed albums sold in record stores to date, the most popular which have been "Black Woman & Child" and "Da Real Thing" on the Digital B label, "Praise Ye Jah" on Xterminator, and "Rise to the Occasion" on Greensleeves.
Recently, however, he has come under fire for the homophobic content of many of his lyrics, and the advocacy of violence against gays.
Dem A Try A Ting
Sizzla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well ah dis dis one go bless to mih see mih
From the lowest of depths...ey!
To the highest of heights
Some ah dem ah crumble from dem hear Rasta voice--same way so we go
(Chorus:)
A Babylon ah try ah ting but me no scare
And dem police and soldiers here and there
And all de guns whey dem ah carry de babe we bad still no fear
Babylon ah try ah ting but we no scare
Dem think dem sit down pon throne when dem clutch pon chair
And dem police and soldiers here and there
And all de guns whey dem ah carry
(Verse 1:)
'Binghi youth
Dem system design for business
Judge and politician all run dem business
Police whey dem ah train ah fi protect dem business
But never yuh worry yuh brain and try to puzzle out who this is
Babylon yuh stutter easy words from yuh mouth
When we tell yuh say "I ah come bun out King's House"
Nyabinghi that's de fire inna White House
Sound the trumpet because ah black woman ah shout
From dem build dem house,ghetto youths doh live no wey
So all de homeless over King's House me ah bring dem over dey
Fi dem share and care until dem ready fi go 'way
Repatriation ah hail de ghetto youths ah say-ey!
(Chorus B:)
Babylon ah try ah ting but we no scare
Dem think dem sit down pon throne-ey! dem clutch pon chair
And dem police and soldiers here and there
And all de guns whey dem ah carry de babe we bad still no fear
Babylon ah try ah ting-we no scare
Dem think dem sit down pon throne,John Paul,dem clutch pon chair
And dem police and soldiers here and there
And all de guns whey dem ah carry-judgement!
(Verse 2:)
The whole ah dem ah wonder how de ghetto youth so strong
Prime Minister...I ah say repatriation
Yow Elizabeth,what about we compensation?
Yow,no bother make we have start worth in ah Babylon
Me tell dem say earthquake,lightning,and ah thunder
What we past tails of government get can over
Is Emperor Selassie I-lion conqueror
Yow! what is the answer?-ey!
(Chorus A)
(Verse 3:)
Judgement!
Money ah dem power,yet de people in ah pain
Plant de food dey farmer,make me feed dem with de grain
As how yuh check yuhself,we check yuh never de self same
Go tell de ghetto youths,send dem fi look out fi rain--ey!
(Chorus A:)
We no fear
(Verse 1: from "Dem system......")
(Chorus A: fading)
In Sizzla's song "Dem A Try A Ting," he speaks about the power dynamics between the Babylon system and the ghetto youths. He acknowledges that Babylon is trying to control and oppress them, but the ghetto youths are not intimidated by their use of police, soldiers, and guns. Sizzla mentions the corrupt nature of the system which places businessmen, politicians, and judges at the top of the hierarchy that they operate. They use the police to protect their interests but the ghetto youths see through their facade. Sizzla's use of "Babylon" refers to the system of oppression that is set up to ensure that the people at the top remain there, while those who are below them remain oppressed.
Sizzla's lyrics centers around the hope of repatriation for the ghetto youths who are oppressed by this system. He mentioned that they cannot build their houses and that they are homeless because of the Babylon system. However, Sizzla offers a solution by bringing them over to King's House while they regroup and prepare for repatriation. He speaks about the power of the Nyahbinghi Rastafarian order and the need for the Black Woman's voice to be heard in the halls of power. He also speaks about the question of compensation for the injustices done to Black people.
The thrust of the song is a call to emancipate oneself mentally and stand up against the system that oppresses the Black community. Although the Babylon system has a lot of power, the ghetto youths are not afraid to speak up and claim their rights to freedom and self-determination.
Line by Line Meaning
Dem system design for business
The government and its institutions exist to benefit those in power and their business interests.
Judge and politician all run dem business
Even the people who are supposed to hold power accountable are often beholden to the same business interests.
Police whey dem ah train ah fi protect dem business
The police are not there to protect the people, but rather to protect the government and its business interests.
But never yuh worry yuh brain and try to puzzle out who this is
Don't waste your time trying to figure out who is responsible for the corrupt system, just know that it exists.
Babylon yuh stutter easy words from yuh mouth
The government speaks in spin and platitudes to try and hide their corrupt actions.
When we tell yuh say "I ah come bun out King's House"
We are not afraid to speak truth to power and call out the government's corruption.
(Chorus A)
Babylon (the corrupt government and its institutions) is trying to intimidate us, but we are not afraid.
From dem build dem house,ghetto youths doh live no wey
The government builds houses but neglects the poorest members of society, leaving many homeless and without basic necessities.
So all de homeless over King's House me ah bring dem over dey
We are bringing the homeless to the government's own doorstep to highlight their failures to provide for their citizens.
Repatriation ah hail de ghetto youths ah say-ey!
We call for repatriation (returning to Africa) as a solution for the poverty and oppression faced by ghetto youths.
(Chorus B)
Babylon is trying to maintain its grip on power, but we will not be intimidated or silenced.
Prime Minister...I ah say repatriation
The Prime Minister and government officials should be considering repatriation as a solution to the problems faced by the ghetto youth.
Yow Elizabeth,what about we compensation?
We demand compensation for the historical and ongoing oppression faced by Black people under colonialism and its legacies.
Is Emperor Selassie I-lion conqueror
Emperor Selassie I was a great leader and symbol of resistance against colonialism as well as an inspiration for Rastafarianism.
The whole ah dem ah wonder how de ghetto youth so strong
Despite facing incredible hardship and oppression, the ghetto youth remain resilient and strong.
(Verse 3)
The government has power and wealth, but they neglect the needs and suffering of the people.
Plant de food dey farmer,make me feed dem with de grain
We demand support for farmers and sustainable agriculture to provide sustainable food for the people.
As how yuh check yuhself,we check yuh never de self same
As you scrutinize us, we demand that you hold yourself and your corrupt institutions to the same standard.
Go tell de ghetto youths,send dem fi look out fi rain--ey!
We call on the ghetto youth to remain vigilant and aware of the challenges they face and to be prepared for whatever may come.
Contributed by Emma F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@andyboakye5154
I was listening to this when I was 20 in my 40s and nothing changed lyrics still very relevant breaks my heart.
@zeusluby1290
Same!
@clevelandtownsend1570
This artist has been a way ahead of his time when he wrote this song. Trust mi one of the greatest artist burning down mystery babylon
@fullcircle4464
Sizzla the world needs to hear from you. Start pushing your 3 first album your message still relevant even now more than ever love bro
@jameilyfrith9143
Powerful message big tune big up sizzla kolongi and judgement yard Jamaica Africa
@rasbentleyapostle4470
Truth will never dies it here to teach us so we can be wise but instead we accept the truth we turn to the negative energy instead only God alone can help us❤❤❤❤
@naiduk
I've been looking for this tune for years. FREEDOM CRY!! babylon ah try ah ting but we nah scared!!!
@Mark-dw6kg
Speechless ❤❤❤❤
@ChristopherKCollins
strength and courage ... love Africa and all the black skin people ... my every effort for the progeny of us ... all of us at once is the GOD
@talibmael1579
Dash d fire in d white house