Book of Rules
The Heptones Lyrics


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Isn't it strange how princesses and kings
In clown-ragged capers in sawdust rings
Just like common people like you and me
We'll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mask and the book of rules

And each must make his life as flowing in
Tumbling block on a stepping stone
Just like common people like you and me
We'll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mask and the book of rules

Pan pan pan, pan pa pa pa pan
La pa pa pa pan, pa pa pa pa pan pan
Pan pan pan, pan pa pa pa pan
La pa pa pa pan, pa pa pa pa pan pan

I said, common people like you and me
We'll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mask and the book of rules

Look when the rain has fallen from the sky
I know the sun will be only missing for a while
I said, common people like you and me
We'll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mask and the book of rules

Pan pan pan, pan pa pa pa pan
La pa pa pa pan, pa pa pa pa pan pan




Pan pan pan, pan pa pa pa pan
La pa pa pa pan, pa pa pa pa pan pan

Overall Meaning

The Heptones' song "Book of Rules" seems to be a reflection on life and the inevitability of death. The lyrics suggest that no matter who we are, whether we are princesses, kings or common people, we are all given the same tools to build our lives, and we must follow certain rules in order to do so. The opening lines of the song suggest a kind of juxtaposition between the grandeur and privilege of royalty and the humbleness of ordinary life. The 'clown-ragged capers in sawdust rings' suggests the idea of royalty resorting to a kind of entertainment that is usually associated with the lower classes, while also hinting at the transience of the human experience.


The image of a bag of tools and a shapeless mask suggests that everyone has the tools they need to build their lives but are yet to find their true identity. The 'book of rules' is a metaphor for the knowledge and conventions we must follow in order to build our lives. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the idea that we are all equal and must follow the same rules to build our lives, in turn highlighting the inevitability of death despite our societal statuses as kings or common folk.


Overall, "Book of Rules" is a philosophical reflection on life and death, conveyed through the use of metaphors.


Line by Line Meaning

Isn't it strange how princesses and kings
It's curious to note that even people of great wealth and power are subject to the same rules and challenges as the general population.


In clown-ragged capers in sawdust rings
Even those who hold the highest positions of social standing can sometimes appear foolish and out of touch.


Just like common people like you and me
Despite any perceived differences, everyone shares the same fundamental human experiences and struggles.


We'll be builders for eternity
Throughout our lives, we're constantly constructing our identities and shaping our futures, both individually and as a society.


Each is given a bag of tools
We all have access to certain resources and abilities, which we can use to build the life we want.


A shapeless mask and the book of rules
We're often expected to conform to societal norms and standards, which can sometimes feel restrictive or suffocating.


And each must make his life as flowing in
We have to find our own individual path through life and figure out how to make things work out for ourselves.


Tumbling block on a stepping stone
We'll inevitably encounter obstacles and challenges along our journey, but they can also serve as opportunities for growth and learning.


Look when the rain has fallen from the sky
When times are tough, it's important to remember that brighter days are always ahead.


I know the sun will be only missing for a while
Even when it feels like everything is going wrong, we can trust that things will eventually get better.


Pan pan pan, pan pa pa pa pan
Repeating nonsense syllables serves as a playful and lighthearted break from the heavier themes of the song.


La pa pa pa pan, pa pa pa pa pan pan
Continuing the previous pattern of rhythmic vocals, which don't necessarily convey a specific message.




Lyrics Β© MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: Barrington Selvin Llewellyn, Earl Morgan, Leroy Anthony Sibbles

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@francismuiruri9064

Isn't it strange how princesses and kings
In clown-ragged capers in, sawdust rings
Just while common people like you and me
We'll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mass.. and the book of rules

Each must make his life as flowing in
Tumbling block on a stepping stone
Just while common people like you and me
We'll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mass.. and the book of rules

(..)

I says, common people like you and me
We'll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mass.. and the book of rules

Look when the rain has fallen from the sky
I know the sun will be only missing for a while
I says, common people like you and me
We'll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mass.. and the book of rules

(..)

I says, common people like you and me
We'll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mass.. and the book of rules



All comments from YouTube:

@janicejames1953

Who's here in 2024 listening to this

@janicejames1953

Im here

@Luckii478

Mee

@christopherjones4366

Im Here

@nbinghi

Since a teenager in the 70s!

@lisahenry663

My father's voice will live on forever RIP Barry Llewellyn

@johnwitboi6138

Indeed, RIP Barry Llewellyn. Your voice was great, this song is a masterpiece, an eye opener, and your lyrics lead us to Jah Almighty. Forever loving Jah, Rastafari, RIP Barry !!! Big up Lisa Henry !

@lisahenry663

Thank you

@katycoyote

lisa henry
a magical voice never to be equalled, you must be proud, one love x

@johnwitboi6138

lisa henry I keep listening to this song every dayΒ .It give sme strenght, it opens my eyes, it is so spiritual, so real, it is heavenly cool. Can't believe the lead singer Barry is no more with us. But his legacy still lives, just like Jacob Miller, Peter Tosh, Joseph Β Hill, Β Bob Marley, and many others, Byron Lee, OMG Jamaicans are great musicians and prophets too, Love ! John Witboi in Surinam

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