The Ethiopians are a reggae, rocksteady, and ska vocalgroup, founded by Leo… Read Full Bio ↴The Ethiopians are a reggae, rocksteady, and ska vocalgroup, founded by Leonard Dillon, Stephen Taylor and Aston Morris, that started recording for Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd in 1966. Leonard Dillon had previously released some mento songs under the name Jack Sparrow. Around late 1966 Aston Morris left the Ethiopians.

Having left Coxsone the Ethiopians started recording at Dynamic Studios for the W.I.R.L. label releasing one of the all-time ska classics, the exhuberant 'Train to Skaville', which was their first success. In 1968 they recorded the song Everything Crash, their first big hit and a cry of criticism on the political situation in Jamaica at the time (water rationing and power cuts had been introduced leading to unrest, 31 people were shot by the police). Everything Crash was later covered by Prince Buster. 'The Whip' is another of their enduring songs from that period.

In 1969 they released the album Reggae Power and in 1970 the album Woman a Capture Man. In the period '70 - '75 the Ethiopians switched from producer to producer releasing several great songs like, no baptism, pirate and good ambition. In 1975 Stephen Taylor died in a car crash, Leonard Dillon continued to tour as the Ethiopian. In 1991 he recorded the album "On The Road Again".

There is also another band under the name as "ETHIOPIANS." They are a lo-fi band with a mix of garage rock and surf creating a unique atmospheric sound. Members of ETHIOPIANS are Marty Brass and Paul Ryan.

The Word Is Love
The Ethiopians Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Are you ready
Here comes the change
Are you ready
For that change?

Almighty Father
He's a powerful Savior
Almighty Father

He's a powerful Savior

So you must throw away your guns
And come with your heart, brother
I said to throw away your guns
And come with your heart, brother

My sister, if you live by the sword
You shall perish by the sword
If you live by the sword
You shall perish by the sword, brother

My sister, you must remember the word is love
And the name of the game is freedom
Remember the word is love
And the name of the game is freedom for all

So won't you sing it out, freedom
I got to tell you now, freedom
A happy ending, freedom

So you must throw away your guns
And come with your heart, brother
I said to throw away your gun
And come with your heart, brother

My sister, you must remember the word is love
And the name of the game is freedom

Remember the word is love
And the name of the game is freedom for all

Overall Meaning

The Ethiopians’ song “The Word Is Love” is a powerful call to action for social change. The song begins with a warning that change is coming and asks if the listener is ready for it. The lyrics then shift to a message of hope, with references to the Almighty Father as a powerful savior. The chorus repeats the message that listeners must “throw away your guns” and come with their hearts, emphasizing the need for nonviolent action.

The song continues with a reminder that violence only leads to more violence, citing the phrase “live by the sword, perish by the sword.” The singer urges his sister – and by extension all listeners – to remember that “the word is love” and the goal is “freedom for all.” The final chorus repeats these messages before ending on a note of happiness and freedom.

Overall, “The Word Is Love” is a message of hope and a call to action for peaceful change. The focus on love, freedom, and nonviolence is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and compassion in a time of social injustice.

Line by Line Meaning

Are you ready
Asking the listener if they are ready for a change that is coming

Here comes the change
There is a change that is coming

Almighty Father
A reference to God

He's a powerful Savior
God is strong and can save people

So you must throw away your guns
People need to get rid of their weapons

And come with your heart, brother
People need to come together and show love for each other

My sister, if you live by the sword
Addressing women who use violence

You shall perish by the sword
Those who use violence will face violent consequences

My sister, you must remember the word is love
Encouraging women to remember that love is the answer

And the name of the game is freedom
Freedom is the ultimate goal

So won't you sing it out, freedom
Urging people to express their desire for freedom

I got to tell you now, freedom
Expressing the importance of freedom

A happy ending, freedom
Freedom will lead to happiness

And come with your heart, brother
Men need to come together and show love for each other

My sister, you must remember the word is love
Encouraging women to remember that love is the answer

And the name of the game is freedom
Freedom is the ultimate goal

Remember the word is love
Continuing to emphasize the importance of love

And the name of the game is freedom for all
Everyone deserves to be free

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Sentric Music
Written by: Leonard Winston Dillon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Alex Giaretta

6y↑13

Are you ready
Here comes the change
Are you ready
For that change?
Almighty Father
He's a powerful Savior
Almighty Father
He's a powerful Savior
So you must throw away your guns
And come with your heart, brother
I said to throw away your guns
And come with your heart, brother
My sister, if you live by the sword
You shall perish by the sword
If you live by the sword
You shall perish by the sword, brother
My sister, you must remember the word is love
And the name of the game is freedom
Remember the word is love
And the name of the game is freedom for all
So won't you sing it out, freedom
I got to tell you now, freedom
A happy ending, freedom
So you must throw away your guns
And come with your heart, brother
I said to throw away your gun
And come with your heart, brother
My sister, you must remember the word is love
And the name of the game is freedom
Remember the word is love
And the name of the game is freedom for all