Mistry Babylon
The Heptones Lyrics


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Mystery Babylon, mystery Babylon
Mystery Babylon, mystery Babylon
I know your scheme, I know your plan
Can't never hold a Rastaman
Can't never hold a Rastaman

Now you come and give the children wine
Intoxicate their minds (their minds, their minds)
When the wine is in the wit, is out
Rasta, don't drink wine

Mystery Babylon, mystery Babylon
I know your scheme, I know your plan
Can't never hold a Rastaman
Can't never hold a Rastaman

Now you come and give the children wine
Intoxicate their minds (their minds, their minds)
When the wine is in the wit, is out
Rasta don't drink wine

Mystery Babylon, mystery Babylon
I know your scheme (Babylon!)

(.)

In an hour, you'll discover
You will be burning in hell's fire (fire, fire)
Can't hold a Rastaman

Now you come and give the children wine
To intoxicate their minds (their minds, their minds)
When the wine is in the wit, is out
Rasta, don't drink wine (don't drink wine, wine!)

Mystery Babylon (Babylon) mystery Babylon




I know your scheme, I know your plan
Can't never hold a Rastaman.

Overall Meaning

The Heptones's song "Mystery Babylon" is a powerful critique of Babylonian forces, which the Rastafarians see as an oppressive and corrupt colonial order that has enslaved and objectified black people for centuries. The song takes the form of a stern warning, urging the youth to be vigilant against the devious and insidious ways that Babylonian system preys on the vulnerable, especially by intoxicating them with alcohol and drugs. The lyrics express contempt for Babylon's schemes by showing that Rastamen are alert to their plans and cannot be bought or deceived into joining them.


The phrase "Mystery Babylon" is often used in Rastafarian culture to refer to the corrupt, materialistic, and imperialist forces that control society, exploiting the masses and preventing them from accessing their divine potential. Through the repetition of this phrase, The Heptones amplify the idea that Babylon operates on a mystery, secrecy, and opacity, which is often impervious to the scrutiny of those who seek to challenge it. The theme of intoxication also reflects the Rastafarian belief that the Babylonian system seeks to deprive people of their natural gifts and potential by offering them distractions and illusions that leave them numb, passive, and unfulfilled.


Line by Line Meaning

Mystery Babylon, mystery Babylon
Calling out to the Babylonian system that is shrouded in mystery and darkness.


I know your scheme, I know your plan
The Rastaman understands the Babylonian system's intentions and actions.


Can't never hold a Rastaman
Babylon's system will never be able to control or oppress a Rastaman.


Now you come and give the children wine
The Babylonian system is corrupting the youth with false ideologies and materialism.


Intoxicate their minds (their minds, their minds)
Their thoughts and actions become impaired and clouded.


When the wine is in the wit, is out
When one becomes drunk with power and materialism, their wisdom and clarity are lost.


Rasta, don't drink wine
The Rastaman abstains from materialism and maintains a clear mind for true wisdom.


In an hour, you'll discover
The Babylonian system will soon face the consequences of their corrupt actions.


You will be burning in hell's fire (fire, fire)
The Babylonian system will face the ultimate punishment for their wrongdoing.


Mystery Babylon (Babylon) mystery Babylon
Reiterating the call to the Babylonian system that operates in secrecy and deception.


I know your scheme (Babylon!)
The Rastaman is aware of the Babylonian system's scheme and exposes it.


Can't never hold a Rastaman.
The Babylonian system will never be able to defeat or oppress the Rastaman.




Writer(s): Morgan, Anderson, Llewellyn, Sibbles

Contributed by Micah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Luan Ventura

Amazing!

An Actual Coconut

👌

Appleyardgardenwoodencrafts

All skanka all skanka all Steppa all Steppa fisher man row, ark of the covenant

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