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Mighty Diamonds are a Jamaican trio who had major success during the 70's at the 'Channel One' studio and record label at Maxfield Avenue, Jamaica.
Despite their heyday at Channel One, the trio continued to produce sublime work in later years, notably for 'Gussie Clarke' with the classic 'Pass The Kouchie' which rode an updated cut of an old Studio One instrumental called 'Full Up'. The tune was also covered by the English group 'Musical Youth' but was known as 'Pass The Dutchie'.
Payaka
The Mighty Diamonds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Everything you slide.)
The more you want (payaka)
You fight down your bredda (payaka)
Ca' you a payaka (payaka)
Before you teach to love one another
All you a do is fight down your brothers
Don't beat your black sister (payaka)
I sure you know better (payaka)
Be fair on this land (payaka)
Take your stand as a man (payaka)
Before you teach to love your black sister
All you a do is make her life bitter
Everything you run down 'pon (payaka)
Everything you slide down 'pon (payaka)
(Everything you run.)
The more you get (payaka)
(Everything you slide.)
The more you want (payaka)
You fight down your bredda (payaka)
Ca' you a payaka (payaka)
Before you teach to love one another
All you a do is fight down your brother
Don't beat your black sister (payaka)
I sure you know better (payaka)
Be fair on this land (payaka)
Take your stand as a man (payaka)
Before you teach to love your black sister
All you a do is make her life bitter
Everything you run down 'pon (payaka)
The Mighty Diamonds' song Payaka is a call for unity and love among people. Payaka is a term of Jamaican slang that refers to materialistic greed, selfishness and the love for money. The lyrics suggest that the more people get, the more they want, and this selfish behavior leads them to fight against their own brothers and sisters. The song condemns this kind of mentality and urges people to be fair, respectful and love one another. The Mighty Diamonds warn that if people continue to fight and mistreat one another, they will never be able to achieve any lasting positive change.
The song's message is clear, and it is conveyed effectively through its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm. The Mighty Diamonds use their harmonized singing to draw listeners' attention to the need for unity and love. The lyrics highlight the importance of treating each other with kindness and respect, and they condemn any behavior that promotes selfishness and materialism. The song's message is a reminder that people must work together to create a better future for all.
Line by Line Meaning
The more you get (payaka)
You become addicted to accumulating things and constantly want more.
(Everything you slide.)
You attain material possessions without putting in effort and don't value them.
The more you want (payaka)
Your desire for material wealth grows insatiable.
You fight down your bredda (payaka)
You harm or oppress members of your own community for personal gain.
Ca' you a payaka (payaka)
Because you are greedy and selfish, you are a deceitful person.
Before you teach to love one another
Prioritize addressing the harmful behaviors and biases you hold before spreading love and unity.
All you a do is fight down your brothers
Instead of promoting unity and peace within your community, you engage in divisive behavior and cause conflict.
Don't beat your black sister (payaka)
Don't commit acts of violence or hatred against someone who is a member of the same community as you.
I sure you know better (payaka)
You know that violent or oppressive behavior is wrong and should be avoided.
Be fair on this land (payaka)
Treat everyone equally and justly, acknowledging that we all share the same earth.
Take your stand as a man (payaka)
Stand up for justice and morality as a responsible, mature person.
Everything you run down 'pon (payaka)
You devalue and degrade people and things for personal gain.
(Everything you run.)
You gain riches and wealth through exploitative means, disregarding the consequences of your actions.
Writer(s): Donald Shaw, Lloyd Ferguson, Fitzroy Ogilvie Simpson
Contributed by Parker Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lawrencenjawe1935
Great infectious sound by the Diamonds.
@TrueKing
Blessed chune!!!!
@JayP-ct8xz
The bassline on this tune is bad and mean. Put on some quality headphones and you'll hear how the bassie is driving this whole tune. From start to finish. Hes out front and hitting bad and hard. Check it.