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.

Thanks and Praise to the Creator
Sizzla Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Whoa oh oh oh oh oh
Yea yea eh eh eh eh eh
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
Whoa

CHORUS
Thanks and praise to the creator
Above all things life is greater

Thanks and praise to the creator
And learn to respect Mother Nature
Thanks and praise to the creator
Above all things life is greater
Thanks and praise to the creator
Keep on playing the music operator

Your soul I forever bless, this is it togetherness
Found it interest you that it going on forever yes
What's the marketing look at who they're targeting
I've been out there in the streets performing
We're obsess about the music and them warning
One day one day Babylon they will be falling
We've been enduring for a night but joy come in the morning
I buss the window find my curtains sun shining on
Birds in the garden children playin in the lawn
Love that's what we need stop all the war
Listen to the music as you go you gonna reach far
I know that you're a star

CHORUS
Thanks and praise to the creator
Above all things life is greater
Thanks and praise to the creator
And learn to respect Mother Nature
Thanks and praise to the creator
Above all things life is greater
Thanks and praise to the creator
Keep on playing the music operator

Done so much for you, respect of the ranks
There you go turning yuh back not even saying thanks
Brutish fool no they don't stand a chance
Don't forget where yuh comin from I only tell you once
Ignorance of the earth might cause your anxiety
Not for silver nor gold don't turn on humanity
All things shall fade as long as its vanity
No, I'm not telling you no profanity
Store up your riches in Zion
That way they just can't be rust or gather dust like no iron
Hail up the Conquering Lion, most high Jah
You're the only one we can rely on

CHORUS
Thanks and praise to the creator
Above all things life is greater
Thanks and praise to the creator
And learn to respect Mother Nature
Thanks and praise to the creator
Above all things life is greater
Thanks and praise to the creator
Keep on playing the music operator

Save for a rainy day, it's just another day ah
Prepare for the day like no other day that's what I say

CHORUS
Thanks and praise to the creator
Above all things life is greater
Thanks and praise to the creator
Keep on playing the music operator
Thanks and praise to the creator
Above all things life is greater

Thanks and praise to the creator
Ah ah ahhhhh

Overall Meaning

Sizzla's "Thanks and Praise to the Creator" is a song that celebrates the power of the divine creator and the beauty of life. The song urges people to respect mother nature and acknowledge the greatness of the creator, who has done so much for us. The chorus reinforces the idea that life is a precious gift, and we should be grateful for it. The song also addresses the need to appreciate and preserve the environment around us. Sizzla emphasizes the importance of music, which he sees as a powerful tool for healing, joy, and inspiration.

The first verse of the song reflects on the idea that our soul is forever blessed, and there is an eternal sense of togetherness that comes with our spiritual connection to the creator. Sizzla draws attention to the marketing strategies of the music industry, which often target specific groups of people. He highlights the contrast between the materialistic nature of the industry and the emotional depth and spiritual significance of his music. The second verse highlights the potential consequences of human ignorance and arrogance towards the environment. Sizzla urges people to value life over material possessions and not to forget where they come from.

Overall, "Thanks and Praise to the Creator" encourages people to live a life of gratitude and mindfulness towards the divine creator and the environment. The song emphasizes the interconnectedness of everything, and the positive impact that gratitude and respect can have on our lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Thanks and praise to the creator
Expressing gratitude and admiration towards the divine force that created and sustains life

Above all things life is greater
Acknowledging the immeasurable value and significance of life itself

And learn to respect Mother Nature
Encouraging a deeper appreciation and reverence for the natural world and its interconnected systems

Keep on playing the music operator
Emphasizing the importance of music as a means of expression, connection, and spreading positive vibes

Your soul I forever bless, this is it togetherness
Recognizing and affirming the interconnectedness of all beings, and the spiritual aspect of existence

Found it interest you that it going on forever yes
Reflecting on the eternal nature of the universe and the cycles of life and death

What's the marketing look at who they're targeting
Questioning the motives and agenda of those who seek to profit from commercializing music and culture

I've been out there in the streets performing
Sharing personal experiences of performing and connecting with people through music

We're obsess about the music and them warning
Stressing the importance of music as a means of social commentary and raising awareness about important issues

One day one day Babylon they will be falling
Positing a vision of social and political transformation, and the eventual downfall of oppressive systems

We've been enduring for a night but joy come in the morning
Expressing hope and resilience in the face of adversity, and the promise of better days to come

I buss the window find my curtains sun shining on
Celebrating the simple joys and beauty of everyday life, such as the warmth and light of the sun

Birds in the garden children playin in the lawn
Observing and appreciating the natural world, and the innocence and joy of children at play

Love that's what we need stop all the war
Advocating for love and compassion as the antidotes to conflict and violence

Listen to the music as you go you gonna reach far
Encouraging people to find inspiration and motivation in music, and to use it as a tool for personal growth and development

I know that you're a star
Affirming the inherent worth and potential of every individual, and their capacity for greatness

Done so much for you, respect of the ranks
Expressing gratitude and acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of those who have come before us

There you go turning yuh back not even saying thanks
Highlighting the ingratitude and disrespect shown by some towards those who have helped and supported them

Brutish fool no they don't stand a chance
Rejecting ignorance and violence as viable solutions to problems, and advocating for peaceful, intelligent solutions

Don't forget where yuh comin from I only tell you once
Reminding people of their roots and cultural heritage, and the importance of knowing and honoring their history

Ignorance of the earth might cause your anxiety
Warning about the dangers of environmental destruction and neglect, and the negative consequences they can have

Not for silver nor gold don't turn on humanity
Rejecting greed and materialism as destructive forces that can lead to betrayal and exploitation of others

All things shall fade as long as its vanity
Recognizing the transience and impermanence of worldly possessions and pursuits, and the importance of cultivating inner peace and contentment

No, I'm not telling you no profanity
Asserting the importance of honesty and authenticity in communication, even if it means not sugarcoating the truth

Store up your riches in Zion
Encouraging people to focus on spiritual wealth and abundance, rather than material possessions

That way they just can't be rust or gather dust like no iron
Asserting the enduring nature and value of spiritual wealth, which cannot be destroyed or lost like physical objects

Hail up the Conquering Lion, most high Jah
Acknowledging and honoring the divine presence and power, and the role it plays in guiding and protecting us

Save for a rainy day, it's just another day ah
Encouraging people to be responsible and plan for the future, while also recognizing the importance of living in the present moment

Prepare for the day like no other day that's what I say
Advocating for intentionality and mindfulness in daily life, and the importance of making every day count

Ah ah ahhhhh
Expressing a sense of joy, wonder, and awe towards the mysteries and beauty of life and the universe

Contributed by Avery B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS