They recorded for the major Jamaican producers at the time, including Coxsone Dodd of Studio One fame. The Heptones had a number of Jamaican hits for Studio One, including "Pretty Looks Isn't All", "Fattie Fattie" and "I Hold the Handle." They went on to record with Joe Gibbs, Harry J (Harry Johnson), and Rupie Edwards. In 1977, they recorded "Party Time" for Lee Perry, one of Perry's finest productions, which included a version of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released."
Sibbles left the group in 1977 to start a successful solo career. He was replaced by Naggo Morris. After Sibbles left, the group's popularity waned. The original trio reunited in 1995 and released Pressure! produced by Tappa Zukie
Mystery Babylon
The Heptones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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)
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.
The Heptones' song "Mystery Babylon" is a warning to the people about the Babylonian system, a metaphor for the corrupt and oppressive government and society. The lyrics are directed towards Babylon, warning them about their schemes and plans, which are designed to intoxicate and deceive the children. The opening line of "Mystery Babylon" is repeated several times throughout the song, as if to emphasize the point that Babylon's true nature is a mystery to many people who don't see its hidden agenda. The Rastafarian narrator, who refuses to drink or consume anything that would intoxicate his mind, is aware of Babylon's plan to keep the people docile and ignorant by giving them alcohol.
The second stanza explains that Babylon's scheme is to intoxicate the children to dull their minds, rendering them unable to think critically and make informed decisions. The singer warns the people not to drink the wine given by Babylon, which will lead them to their downfall. The final lines of the song threaten the destruction of the oppressive Babylonian system, which will be engulfed in the flames of hell's fire.
Line by Line Meaning
Mystery Babylon, mystery Babylon
Referring to Babylon, a biblical city symbolizing evil and corruption.
I know your scheme, I know your plan
Acknowledging that Babylon has a plan, but that the singer is aware of it.
Can't never hold a Rastaman
Asserting that Babylon has no control over a Rastaman, who is someone who follows the Rastafari faith.
Now you come and give the children wine
Accusing Babylon of corrupting and influencing children with wine, which can represent harmful ideas and actions.
Intoxicate their minds (their minds, their minds)
Implying that Babylon is brainwashing children and causing them to have a distorted view of the world.
When the wine is in the wit, is out
Suggesting that drinking wine decreases a person's ability to think and reason clearly.
Rasta, don't drink wine
Encouraging Rastas not to partake in activities that may harm their mental clarity or spiritual well-being.
In an hour, you'll discover
Warning Babylon that they will face consequences for their actions.
You will be burning in hell's fire (fire, fire)
Conveying that Babylon's actions will lead to eternal damnation in hell.
Mystery Babylon (Babylon!) mystery Babylon
Reiterating that Babylon is a source of corruption and evil.
Can't never hold a Rastaman
Repeating the idea that Babylon has no power over someone who follows the Rastafari faith.
Writer(s): Marsten Daley Buzz Mccoy, Frank Nardiellogroovie Mann
Contributed by Layla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@guilhermegarai9557
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 mind (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 mind (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 hells fire (fire, fire)
Can't hold a Rastaman
Now you come and give the children wine
To intoxicate their mind (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
Can't never hold a Rastaman..
@judahabajian2801
Inna times like these ..left is right, the youth want to intoxicated them mids , the want pronouns to think of the way of the devil..woman want to man and man seh dem Caan have baby? Dem suh confused, Jah want all of all of us to praise him ...my only goal I life is to get back the father jahova!! And be with my lord my savior 🙏 and learn from my experience here on earth .. I am a sinner and I need Jah to guide me beca' dem devil and him helpers of sin always looking fi corrupt the man who loves jah...respect Jah breeze..my first 10' is with horace Martin, awake Jah Jah children side a side b ranking Forrest and the I jah breeze ..two the hard way ..priates choice record..10 in vinyl...thank you suh very much for putting out this music..yuh don't know how many people you might help grow...certain reggae music is ah teaching music..some is just dance and nah worry and nah fret music. Some music is jus' to be with yuh dawghter. Some is the heartbeat ridding the nyah drumming, the music that makes you feel the overstanding...of yuh life...the drum was the first instrument from the heart of africa...that's why when you hear the drum...you think 🤔 of Jah and yuh reason for being here.. nyah ❤️.. Jah bless yuh 🙏..so much love and respect 🙏 fi bionic dub!..Chicago love ❤️ rasta ❤️. Jah breeze
@jak1oak677
once you hear dem phaser guitars and hi hats you know seh Perry produce this. Murda
@ianjackson7948
Classic Reggae!!!!!!!
@bawbawl
2022, I’m here
@donjuan_21
Classic!, love it 🔥
@user-qc9cz3pp4r
Such a good song!
@kabbaaurora168
Big Tune 👍🏾
@chukonwea5956
Tuff iyah.
Super tuff missile from the great Heptones. One of the pin-up classics in the rootical firmament.
The wine of pride, wickedness, backbiting, jealousy, envy, and anger. Rasta, don't drink that wine.
@Snappy-ut4bj
Classic tune. Thanks.
@davidturner4610
Always loved this song