I Can't Stand It
The Browns Lyrics


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True gifts, respect for life
Psycho, Maccaronian echo
Puppa Albo, Dennis Brown
Original Schengen sound

I can't stand it, oh
I can't stand it
I can't stand it
No, I can't stand it

(Me cyaan' tek dem)
When Babylon a buss di Glock (me cyaan' tek dem)
Rotatatatatatatamta (me cyaan' tek dem)
And a likkle ghetto yute a get flat (me cyaan' tek dem)
Mummy a bawl fi empty pot, hey
Everything still remain the same
But this time me no take no blame
Different faces, different time, but di same all game
Dem mek di money run di place and cause too much pain
Inna no long talk, me nuh inna no long talk
Puppa come and tell dem stop fire di glock
Inna no long talk, me nuh inna no long talk
Puppa come and tell dem stop fire di glock, hey

I can't stand it, no
I can't stand it (me cyaan' tek dem)
I can't stand it
No, I can't stand it
One more (mix it up)

Bombombombombom-bombo bwoy
Me nah no mix up with no bombo bwoy
Bombombombombom-bombo bwoy
Me nah no mix up with no bombo bwoy

Puppa neva been to a jail, puppa nah go a jail
All me label dem badmind and dem wish me to fail
Puppa gone too far, yes, puppa gonna sail
Puppa gonna make it know and leave dem back a di tail
Back a mi tail, see dem back a mi tail
Puppa gone a jail and puppa get bail
Puppa lef' a likkle present inna di lawyer mail
Puppa laugh and a laugh, a why dem look so pale?

I can't stand it, no
I can't stand it (fire)
I can't stand it (hey)
No, I can't stand it
I can't stand it, no (me cyaan' tek dem)
I can't stand it
I can't stand it (hey)
No, I can't stand it, one more (watch dem)

Puppa tell dem, me cyaan' take how dem talk
Puppa tell dem, me nuh rate how dem talk
Puppa tell dem, lock off your mouth and walk
Puppa tell dem, just hit the road and walk
It's a brand new day, me no need no stress
It's a brand new day, mek me clean up di mess
Me clean up all a di mess, cah me a look fi di best
Me a look just fi di best, there's no time to rest, oii

I can't stand it, no
I can't stand it (psycho)
I can't stand it (me cyaan' tek dem)
no, I can't stand it
I can't stand it, no
I can't stand it (fire)
I can't stand it (echo)
Oh, I can't stand it, one more

Sekkle and go sokkle
Weh do you hear di big sound a play, please step aside




Puppa Albo, Dennis Brown, Specialist, run things, ah
Maccaronian echo, oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I Can't Stand It" by The Browns touch on various themes including social injustice, violence, and the desire for change. The song expresses frustration and anger towards a corrupt system that perpetuates oppression and inequality.


The opening lines, "True gifts, respect for life" suggest a longing for a world where people value and appreciate one another. However, the following lines, "Psycho, Maccaronian echo, Puppa Albo, Dennis Brown, Original Schengen sound" seem to reference specific individuals or events related to the struggles depicted in the song. The mention of "Original Schengen sound" could be a nod to a particular genre of music associated with the message of unity and resistance against oppression.


The repeated phrase "I can't stand it" serves as a powerful mantra, emphasizing the singer's inability to tolerate the ongoing injustice and pain inflicted upon the marginalized. The lyrics also touch on the reality of violence in the streets, with references to guns and innocent children becoming victims. The plea for change is evident in lines like "Puppa come and tell dem stop fire di glock," where the singer implores a respected figure to intervene and bring an end to the violence.


The lyrics also suggest the singer's resilience and determination to rise above adversity. The line "Puppa neva been to a jail, puppa nah go a jail" implies that the singer has managed to avoid the pitfalls of the system. However, it is clear that there is a strong sense of being targeted and undermined, with the mention of bad-minded labels and a desire to leave the detractors behind.


Ultimately, "I Can't Stand It" reflects a call for change and a plea for an end to violence and oppression. It shines a light on the harsh realities of life in a corrupt society and expresses the need for unity and progress.


Line by Line Meaning

True gifts, respect for life
Acknowledging and valuing the true talents and virtues in life


Psycho, Maccaronian echo
Expressing a sense of madness and chaotic reverberation


Puppa Albo, Dennis Brown
Recognizing the influence of Puppa Albo and Dennis Brown, Jamaican musicians


Original Schengen sound
Referring to the unique sound and style originating from the Schengen region


I can't stand it, oh
Strongly expressing an intense aversion or frustration towards something


I can't stand it
Reiterating the inability to tolerate or endure the situation


I can't stand it
Continuing to emphasize the frustration and dislike


No, I can't stand it
Affirming the refusal to accept or tolerate the circumstances


When Babylon a buss di Glock (me cyaan' tek dem)
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope when the authorities become violent


Rotatatatatatatamta (me cyaan' tek dem)
Expressing the sound and impact of gunshots, which are difficult to handle


And a likkle ghetto yute a get flat (me cyaan' tek dem)
Feeling distressed witnessing the abuse and harm inflicted on vulnerable young individuals in the ghetto


Mummy a bawl fi empty pot, hey
Hearing the cries of a mother struggling to provide for her family


Everything still remain the same
Despite the passage of time, the situation remains unchanged


But this time me no take no blame
Refusing to accept responsibility for the current state of affairs


Different faces, different time, but di same all game
Recognizing that despite changes in individuals and circumstances, the underlying problems persist


Dem mek di money run di place and cause too much pain
Understanding that greed and corruption have taken control, resulting in widespread suffering


Inna no long talk, me nuh inna no long talk
Preferring action over empty words and unnecessary discussions


Puppa come and tell dem stop fire di glock
Calling upon Puppa to intervene and put an end to the violence


One more (mix it up)
Requesting for a change or variation to break the monotony and bring something new


Bombombombombom-bombo bwoy
Referring to an explosive situation or an individual causing trouble


Me nah no mix up with no bombo bwoy
Declaring a refusal to associate with or involve oneself in the affairs of troublesome individuals


Puppa neva been to a jail, puppa nah go a jail
Asserting that Puppa has never been imprisoned and will not face incarceration


All me label dem badmind and dem wish me to fail
Recognizing that Puppa's record label is envious and hopes for his failure


Puppa gone too far, yes, puppa gonna sail
Highlighting Puppa's determination to succeed, despite facing challenges


Puppa gonna make it know and leave dem back a di tail
Assuring that Puppa will achieve success and leave his detractors behind


Back a mi tail, see dem back a mi tail
Observing that those who doubted Puppa's abilities are now left behind and trailing after him


Puppa gone a jail and puppa get bail
Acknowledging that Puppa has been imprisoned but later released on bail


Puppa lef' a likkle present inna di lawyer mail
Revealing that Puppa has sent a surprise or evidence to his lawyer


Puppa laugh and a laugh, a why dem look so pale?
Noticing that Puppa is joyful and wondering why his detractors appear fearful


Puppa tell dem, me cyaan' take how dem talk
Puppa expressing his frustration with the way others speak or behave


Puppa tell dem, me nuh rate how dem talk
Asserting that he does not respect or value the words or actions of certain individuals


Puppa tell dem, lock off your mouth and walk
Advising others to stop talking and instead focus on taking action


Puppa tell dem, just hit the road and walk
Encouraging others to leave and pursue their own paths


It's a brand new day, me no need no stress
Embracing a fresh start and refusing to be burdened with unnecessary worry or anxiety


Mek me clean up di mess
Taking responsibility to resolve and fix the chaotic and disordered situation


Me clean up all a di mess, cah me a look fi di best
Committed to resolving every aspect of the mess and striving for the best outcome


Me a look just fi di best, there's no time to rest, oii
Determined to only pursue the best options and not allowing oneself to rest or relax


Sekkle and go sokkle
Finding a state of calmness and stability before moving forward


Weh do you hear di big sound a play, please step aside
Acknowledging the presence of a loud and impactful sound and requesting others to move away to avoid getting in its way


Specialist, run things, ah
Recognizing the authority and expertise of Specialist in taking charge and leading


Maccaronian echo, oh
Referring to the echoing and repetition of chaotic and unpredictable events




Lyrics © Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Cloud9, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alberto D'Ascola, Clifton Dillon, Dennis Emanuel Brown

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

austin campbell

I never heard this one before. Anything by the Browns is special!

Maxine Russell

What a great memory, Jim Ed never sounded better.  (Maxine)

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