Chant Down Babylon
Sylford Walker Lyrics

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We a go chant down, chant down Babylon.
We a go chant down, chant down the wicked one.
We a go chant dem down to the ground.
We a go chant down, chant down Babylon.
We a go chant down, chant down the wicked one.
Said the wicked one cannot survive, no, oh-oh way, at all.
Yes we a go chant down, chant dem down.
We a go chant dem, chant dem down.

We a go chant dem down to the ground.

Chant dem dreadlocks, chant dem.
A me say chant dem dreadlocks, chant dem.
A me say chant dem dreadlocks, down to the ground.
Chant dem dreadlocks, chant dem.
A chant dem dreadlocks, chant dem.
Chant dem dreadlocks, chant dem to the ground.

A serious ting 'bout dis ya one.
A serious ting 'bout dis ya one.
Ooh. well, ooh yeah!

Come natty dread, mek we chant dem down.
Come natty dread, a mek we chant dem down.
Chant dem natty, chant dem to the ground.

The wicked, they can never get away now!
The wicked, they can never get away now!
Cah natty dreadlocks chant dem down to the ground, ey!
Chant dem natty, chant dem.
An' then Jah surely gonna shoot them with the lighting.
Jah surely gonna shoot them with the thunder.
Jah surely gonna shoot them with the brimstone and fire.

Go deh natty dread, me say go deh.
Go deh natty dread, mek we go deh.
And chant dem down, right down to the ground, ey!
Chant dem natty dread, chant dem natty dread.
The wicked cannot stand up, oh no.

The wicked cannot stand up, oh no.
We chant dem down to the ground, natty dread

Overall Meaning

The song "Chant Down Babylon" by Sylford Walker is a classic reggae track that speaks of unity among the Rastafarian community against the oppressive forces of Babylon. The first stanza of the song starts with the repeated line "We a go chant down, chant down Babylon" and continues with "We a go chant down, chant down the wicked one," which highlights the need to bring down the corrupt powers and fight for justice. The lyrics then call for the wicked to be brought down to the ground, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue at hand.

The song then mentions the importance of dreadlocks and refers to them as a tool to "chant dem down." The next line states that "a serious ting 'bout dis ya one" indicating the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action. The song then calls for the natty dreadlocks to join forces and chant down the oppressive forces. The lyric "Jah surely gonna shoot them with the lightning, Jah surely gonna shoot them with the thunder, Jah surely gonna shoot them with the brimstone and fire," suggests that divine retribution will befall those who continue to oppress.

"Chant Down Babylon" is a powerful call to action against corruption and oppression. The lyrics urge the Rastafarian community to come together and fight for justice as they have done for many generations. The song has become an anthem for those who stand up against the forces of oppression and is a reminder of the importance of collective action.

Line by Line Meaning

We a go chant down, chant down Babylon.
We will bring down the oppressive and corrupt system of Babylon through our words and actions.

We a go chant down, chant down the wicked one.
We will bring down those who perpetrate evil and harm in our society.

We a go chant dem down to the ground.
We will completely dismantle and destroy those who oppose justice and freedom.

Said the wicked one cannot survive, no, oh-oh way, at all.
Evil cannot continue to exist or thrive, as we will fight against it until it is eradicated.

Chant dem dreadlocks, chant dem.
We will sing and shout and protest against those who discriminate against Rastafarians, and all oppressed people.

A me say chant dem dreadlocks, chant dem.
I am telling you to join us in our fight against discrimination and oppression.

A serious ting 'bout dis ya one.
This is a serious matter we are dealing with, and it requires our full attention and effort.

Come natty dread, mek we chant dem down.
Let us come together as Rastafarians to fight and bring down those who oppress us and others.

The wicked, they can never get away now!
Those who perpetrate evil and harm will not escape justice, as we will hold them accountable.

Cah natty dreadlocks chant dem down to the ground, ey!
Because Rastafarians are fighting against oppression and injustice, we will be the ones to bring about change.

An' then Jah surely gonna shoot them with the lighting.
God will help us in our quest for justice, and those who oppress others will face consequences for their actions.

Go deh natty dread, me say go deh.
Come with me, Rastafarian, and let us fight for what is right.

And chant dem down, right down to the ground, ey!
We will bring those who perpetrate evil and harm to their knees through our collective efforts.

The wicked cannot stand up, oh no.
Those who bring harm and oppression will not be able to continue in their ways, as we will fight against them with strength and determination.

We chant dem down to the ground, natty dread
Through our protest and resistance, we will bring down those who perpetrate oppression and injustice.

Contributed by Emily C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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