Mr. President
The Heptones & Lee Perry Lyrics
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When I grow up to be a man
I won't lie for you
I won't die for you
'Cause I think you're wrong
Mister president
You've got to get
You ask me
If I'll be your friend
I can't tell you right now
I might be making a vow
And I could be wrong
I've got to get
Myself together
Du du du
When I grow up to be a man
I won't lie for you
I won't die for you
'Cause I think you're wrong
Mister president
You've got to get
Yourself together
The Heptones and Lee Perry's song "Mr. President" is one that packs a socio-political punch. It was recorded in 1970, a time when many Jamaicans felt disillusioned with their government and were grappling with issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. The lyrics of the song reflect this mood of frustration and disillusionment, particularly amongst the youth.
The song starts with the singer musing about growing up and how, when he does, he won't blindly follow or obey the President, even if asked to do so. The singer seems to be suggesting that it is high time that the President got his act together and started addressing the needs of his people. The repeated refrain, "You've got to get yourself together" is a call to action, a plea for the President to get his priorities right and start delivering on his promises.
Overall, "Mr. President" is a song that reflects the political climate of its time, but its message is still relevant today. It is a powerful statement of resistance against authoritarianism and a reminder that we should always question those in positions of power and hold them accountable.
Line by Line Meaning
When I grow up to be a man
At some point in the future, when I have reached adulthood
I won't lie for you
I will not deceive or mislead on your behalf
I won't die for you
I will not sacrifice my life on your behalf
'Cause I think you're wrong
The reason for my refusal is because I disagree with your actions or beliefs
Mister president
Referring to the current leader of the country
You've got to get
It is imperative that you
Yourself together
Organize or align your thoughts and actions in a coherent manner
You ask me
You pose a question to me
If I'll be your friend
Whether or not I am willing to develop a friendly relationship with you
I can't tell you right now
I am unable to provide an answer immediately
I might be making a vow
I could be committing myself to a certain promise or action
And I could be wrong
There is always a possibility that my decision is mistaken
I've got to get
It is important for me to
Myself together
Align my own thoughts and actions in a logical and reasonable manner
Du du du
Nonsensical expression used as a musical break
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IAN FREDRICK STEPHEN AMEY, TREVOR ALLAN DAVIES, JOHN DYMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lawrencenjawe9875
Classic Heptones track. Thank you Leroy Sibbles for your compositions and Perry.... You're a genius RIP !!
@michaelpoulosjr.2249
I’ve probably listened to Lee “Scratch” Perry’s productions more than any other producer. Amazing what he did with such basic equipment and in my opinion some of his recordings sounded better than top notch studios of the day.
@BorkaBDaProducer
love black ark phaser sound effect
@pennyanderson760
JESUS ✝️JAH JAH PRAISE JAH ✝️ KING OF KINGS LORD OF LORDS✝️LION OF JUDAH🦁🦁👆🌈Rastaman Vibration
@lenkaramsay9611
Great tune 👏one love Lady Lenka 🇨🇿
@jefersonvilaede
jah lion verse kills it
@doubleskin999
Cool
@rogueryan5024
Like any other brother do...
@DouglasF68
Rasta for Pres
@NicolaeLinguraru
come of ya big chair /i n i need our share / you sit around like big bear/you full of fear/driving in your big car