Sizzla Kalonji (real name Miguel Orlando Collins) is a Jamaican reggae musi… Read Full Bio ↴Sizzla Kalonji (real name Miguel Orlando Collins) is a Jamaican reggae musician. He was born on 17 April 1976, in St Mary, Jamaica, of devout Rastafari parents and raised in August Town. He is unusually prolific, even by Jamaican standards. Sizzla has worked with such artists as Mobb Deep.

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.

Don't Say
Sizzla Lyrics

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Don't say what the heathen's say. Don't do what the heathen's do.
Don't go where the pagan's' go.
Praise rasta fari your blessing a go through. 2x

I don't linger and I don't ____. I don't skylark and I don't flirt.
I am so clean because I'm not dirty.
Red, gold and green know what life worth
African queen, big up the African girls

Righteousness, more life we preserve

I don't just go around chasing every skirt
Rastafari put righteousness first.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Sizzla's song "Don't Say" invite the listener to reject the ways of the heathens and pagans, and embrace the tenets of Rastafari. The heathens and pagans likely represent people who live without faith, God or morals. The song counsels the listener to not follow in their footsteps, to steer clear of their paths and not to engage in their behaviors. Instead, the song implores the listener to praise Rastafari and make the right choices in life.

The lyrics also relay the idea that one can achieve cleanliness and righteousness by choosing a certain way of life guided by Rastafari's precepts. The singer expresses a sense of pride with being part of the Rastafarian culture that honors African queens, condemns immorality and puts righteousness first. The lyrics comment on societal issues, highlighting the importance of self-control, discipline, and respect for women. Sizzla puts these values forward as essential for leading a fulfilling and worthy life.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't say what the heathen's say.
Avoid using the words and expressions used by those who do not believe in God.

Don't do what the heathen's do.
You should not engage in activities that reflect ungodly behavior.

Don't go where the pagan's' go.
Avoid places where people who have no religion gather and congregate.

Praise rasta fari your blessing a go through. 2x
Worship Rastafarianism to receive divine blessings.

I don't linger and I don't ____. I don't skylark and I don't flirt.
I do not loiter around, nor do I waste time playing around and flirting with females.

I am so clean because I'm not dirty.
I am pure because I stay away from impure activities.

Red, gold and green know what life worth
The colors of the Rastafarian movement represent the importance of life.

African queen, big up the African girls
Acknowledge the importance of African women and their role in society.

Righteousness, more life we preserve
Uphold godly values to sustain and protect life.

I don't just go around chasing every skirt
I do not have a promiscuous lifestyle and respect women.

Rastafari put righteousness first.
Follow Rastafarian principles that prioritize doing what is right in the eyes of God.

Writer(s): Donald Dennis, Philip Burrell, Migel Orlando Collins

Contributed by Matthew R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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