08 Old Slaves
Stephen Marley Lyrics

Wanna see my past Look at my face You see them pains from yesterday Look at my face
If you want to understand my history and the struggles I've faced, just look at my face. The pain and hardships of the past are still visible in my expression and the way I carry myself today.

Wanna see my face Look at my face Was an honest face Look at my face
My face is a reflection of who I am and my character. I've always been truthful and genuine, and that shows in my demeanor and expression.

And this morning Feels so close to the past For just yesterday You were left in the dark
The past is never far from my mind, and even though time has passed, it can feel like the same struggles and injustices are still happening. It's a reminder that the past can never truly be left behind and forgotten.

Yeah and the dem oppression Of them chains Still weighs on my brain
The trauma and pain of slavery and oppression still linger and affect me today. The memories and history of those who suffered through it are still with me, and the weight of that knowledge is heavy.

Can you see what I'm saying Look at my pain You see them pains from yesterday Look at my face
I'm trying to communicate the lasting impact of slavery and oppression, and the best way to understand is by looking at the sadness and pain still visible on my face.

You wanna see my face Look at my face Was I born free, Was I born a slave Look at my face
My face tells the story of my life and my ancestry. You can see the generational trauma of slavery and the fight for freedom in my features.

With the whip on your mind And your mind leads Your soul astray
The legacy of slavery and oppression can still affect our thinking and actions today. It's important to recognize how the past has influenced us and work to break those cycles.

And you can see that today You are all just some Murdered slaves
Even though slavery may not exist in the same form as it did in the past, there are still systems of oppression that function to keep people in a state of servitude and suffering. We must recognize and fight against these systems to truly be free.

'Cause you been thinking That slavery is just from The nation's past That's the puppet masters game
Those in power may try to downplay the lasting effects of slavery and oppression by framing them as solely historic events. This is a tactic to keep people complacent and prevent them from demanding true justice and change.

And this morning Feels so close to the past For still yet today We are slaves in our yards
The past is ever-present and there are still struggles and systems of oppression that keep people from being truly free. We must continue to work towards change in order to break these chains.

Should I sing it together Look at my pain You see them pains from yesterday Look at my face
I'm asking for solidarity and recognition of the struggles that have been endured. By acknowledging the pain and trauma of the past, we can work together to create a better future.

Look at my pace I'll forever come From yesterday Look at my pace, yeah yeah
My past and the history of my ancestors will always be a part of me, shaping who I am today. It's important to recognize and honor that past as we continue to advocate for change and work towards a better future.