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Riley is the son of veteran singer Jimmy Riley and nurse Lavern Tatham-Riley. He was born in the Bronx and grew up in South Florida. He began his musical career as a deejay working with Busta Rhymes, taking his birth sign as his stage name at his mother's suggestion (the spelling later changed from Taurus to Tarrus), and recorded his first singles for his father's Love & Promotion label. He was guided in his early career by Dean Fraser, who also performs in his band and produces much of Riley's work.
Riley has released three albums, Challenges (2004), Parables (2006), and Contagious (2009). Contagious features guest appearances from Damian Marley, Vybz Kartel, Etana, Konshens, Demarco and Duane Stephenson. His commercial breakthrough came in 2006 with the Parables album and the Jamaican number one single "She's Royal".
Riley was awarded the Reggae Runnins Caribbean Heritage Award at the 2009 HOT 105 FM Caribbean-American Heritage Awards. He was nominated in the Best Reggae category of the 2009 MOBO Awards.
Lion Paw
Tarrus Riley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't touch the lion
Lion paw Tarrus Riley
I'm walking through the valley of test
and I never been away caught in the wilderness
The power of Jah perserves I
Riding in all that I do
So trodding through the heights and the depths
the power of Jah perserve I
And guides in all I do
{chorus}
So all the evil that mean me harm
can go back where they came from
No demonic works performed shall prosper yeah
I tell the wobiah and the science man come
cause they can't squeeze my lion paw
No demonic words performed shall prosper
Can't touch the lion {bridge}
no no no
The wages of blessing in everliving life
So I keep my meditation in a Haile I
I weather the storm and put up a fight
Cause we can do anything
Should you feel like giving up
Let the strength of your ancenstors fill your cup
The power of Jah preserves I
And guides in all I do
{chorus}
Selassie I Know
Say the more
Dem aile up
a dem more
dem taste the spoil up
And say dem more dem come wid science
nuh dem cyan break the heart of a lion
The more dem aile up
a dem more dem taste the spoil up
The power of Jah preserve I
and guide in all that I do
{chorusx2}
{Outerlude}
I, I, I, I, I He's so humble yeah yeah yeah
Higher I, I, I, I Selassie I, I, I yeah yeah
The lyrics to Tarrus Riley's song "Lion Paw" are a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from a deep connection to one's heritage and belief in a higher power. The song begins with Tarrus Riley acknowledging the power of the lion, and his own understanding of the need for humility as he walks through the "valley of test." Despite the challenges he is facing, Tarrus is confident that the "power of Jah" will preserve him and guide him through his journey.
What's particularly interesting about this song is the way that Tarrus Riley takes his personal experiences and uses them to speak to a broader truth about the human experience. When he talks about trampling frustration and conquering stress, for instance, it's not just about his own life but about the way that we all have to overcome adversity in order to thrive. Similarly, when he speaks about the evil that would harm him, it's not just about his personal safety but about the way that we all have to contend with the darker aspects of the world.
At the same time, "Lion Paw" is also a deeply personal song for Tarrus Riley. He invokes his own heritage in a number of ways, whether it's through his reference to Haile I or his use of Jamaican patois. Ultimately, what makes this song so powerful is how it combines the personal and the universal, offering a message of hope and resilience that can resonate with a wide range of listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
He's so humble yeaaah
Tarrus Riley is humble
Can't touch the lion
Tarrus Riley's strength and power is impenetrable
Lion paw Tarrus Riley
Tarrus Riley's strength and power is represented by a lion paw
I'm walking through the valley of test and I never been away caught in the wilderness
Tarrus Riley has encountered many trials but has persevered thus far
The power of Jah perserves I
Tarrus Riley's strength comes from the power of Jah (God)
Riding in all that I do
Tarrus Riley relies on Jah's guidance in all his actions
So trodding through the heights and the depths
Tarrus Riley endures both highs and lows in life
We trample frustration and we conquer stress
Despite obstacles, Tarrus Riley overcomes hardship
So all the evil that mean me harm can go back where they came from
Tarrus Riley does not allow negative influences into his life
No demonic works performed shall prosper yeah
Evil deeds will not succeed against Tarrus Riley
I tell the wobiah and the science man come cause they can't squeeze my lion paw
Even those who try to bring him down will fail
The wages of blessing in everliving life
Good deeds lead to eternal life and blessings
So I keep my meditation in a Haile I
Tarrus Riley turns to Jah in meditation
I weather the storm and put up a fight
Tarrus Riley faces challenges head-on
Cause we can do anything
Tarrus Riley is confident in his abilities
Should you feel like giving up let the strength of your ancestors fill your cup
In times of doubt, Tarrus Riley is inspired by his ancestors
Selassie I Know Say the more Dem aile up a dem more dem taste the spoil up
Rising up to new perspectives will open greater experiences to people.
And say dem more dem come wid science nuh dem cyan break the heart of a lion
No one can break the spirit of Tarrus Riley
The power of Jah preserve I and guide in all that I do
Tarrus Riley's strength comes from Jah's guidance
Higher I, I, I, I, Selassie I, I, I yeah yeah
Tarrus Riley is thanking and praising Jah throughout the lyrics
Contributed by Maria H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@theebest9595
He's so humble yeaaah
Can't touch the lion
Lion paw Tarrus Riley
I'm walking through the valley of test
And I never been away caught in the wilderness
The power of Jah perserves I
Riding in all that I do
So trodding through the heights and the depths
We trample frustration and we conquer stress
The power of Jah perserve I
And guides in all I do
{chorus}
So all the evil that mean me harm
Can go back where they came from
No demonic works performed shall prosper yeah
I tell the wobiah and the science man come
Cause they can't squeeze my lion paw
No demonic words performed shall prosper
Can't touch the lion {bridge}
No no no
The wages of blessing in everliving life
So I keep my meditation in a Haile I
I weather the storm and put up a fight
Cause we can do anything
Should you feel like giving up
Let the strength of your ancenstors fill your cup
The power of Jah preserves I
And guides in all I do
{chorus}
Selassie I Know
Say the more
Dem aile up
A dem more
Dem taste the spoil up
And say dem more dem come wid science
Nuh dem cyan break the heart of a lion
The more dem aile up
A dem more dem taste the spoil up
The power of Jah preserve I
And guide in all that I do
{chorusx2}
{Outerlude}
I,I,I,I,I He's so humble yeah yeah yeah
Higher I,I,I,I Selassie I,I,I yeah yeah
@ayanikethomas1500
Still listening 2023 ❤️
@Tray1013
Yes yes
@shanellegraham
Me ❤
@shanellegraham
Every Sunday evening mi play this ❤❤
@tadicacampbell3570
Aunt was apart of his background crew brings back alot of memories 😭😭😭😭❤❤❤❤
@uncletotal8334
Real track till the sun down doh❤
@marleneburchell1374
I am a Christian and this ministered in a vision about the plans of the wicked..the Lion of Judah prevails..
@foster1496
Amen
@nadesaricketts2661
Never touch the lion big meditation
@diannewilliams7223
I can definitely relate