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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'.
Why
The Mighty Diamonds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why me black brother why, dis looting and shooting?
Why me black brother why, you ruling your mumma?
Why me black brother why, you mash up your puppa?
What you gonna do when de voice say come?
Remember the day of judgment.
Pick up your guns and you go to town,
See your black brother and you shoot dem down.
No me black brother no, no bother with no tribal.
No me black brother no, it only cost a trial.
No me black brother no, you chop up all your brother.
No me black brother no, now you beat your black sister.
Yeah
Why me black brother why, you ruling your mumma?
Why me black brother why, you mash up your puppa?
No me black brother no, no bother with no tribal.
No me black brother no, no beat your black sister.
What you gonna do when de voice say come?
Remember the day of judgment, yeah.
Pick up your guns and go to town,
See your black brother and shoot dem down. That's wrong!
Why black brother why, dis robbing and killing?
Why me black brother why, dis looting and shooting?
Why me black brother why, you ruling your mumma?
Why me black brother why, you mash up your puppa?
The Mighty Diamonds's song "Why Me Black Brother Why" uses powerful and poignant lyrics to address the ongoing crisis of violence and hate within the Black community. The repeated phrase "Why me black brother why" highlights the confusion and despair faced by many members of the community as they try to understand why there is so much violence and destruction within their own communities.
The lyrics also speak to the toxic masculinity and societal pressures that drive some Black men to engage in violent behavior towards their own families and communities. The lines, "Why me black brother why, you ruling your mumma? Why me black brother why, you mash up your puppa?" tap into the idea of the emasculated Black man who feels the need to assert his dominance and control over those closest to him.
Ultimately, the song is a call for unity and peace within the Black community. The lines, "No me black brother no, no bother with no tribal. No me black brother no, no beat your black sister" urge listeners to let go of tribalism and to treat all members of the community, regardless of gender or lineage, with respect and decency.
Line by Line Meaning
Why me black brother why, dis robbing and killing?
Why do you, my black brother, engage in the act of stealing and murder?
Why me black brother why, dis looting and shooting?
Why do you, my black brother, participate in looting and firing weapons?
Why me black brother why, you ruling your mumma?
Why do you, my black brother, subject your own mother to your authority?
Why me black brother why, you mash up your puppa?
Why do you, my black brother, destroy and ruin your own father?
What you gonna do when de voice say come?
What will you, my black brother, do when the call comes for divine judgment?
Remember the day of judgment.
Recall that the day of reckoning is coming.
Pick up your guns and you go to town,
You cannot just arm yourself and head to the city.
See your black brother and you shoot dem down.
You cannot see your fellow black brother and just shoot them down.
That's wrong!
That is not the right thing to do.
No me black brother no, no bother with no tribal.
Do not, my black brother, be concerned with tribal identity.
No me black brother no, it only cost a trial.
You will only be subjected to a legal trial, my black brother.
No me black brother no, you chop up all your brother.
Do not, my black brother, kill your own sibling.
No me black brother no, now you beat your black sister.
Do not, my black brother, physically harm your own sister.
Yeah
(used as an exclamation of confirmation or agreement)
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DONALD SHAW, FITZROY OGILVIE SIMPSON, JOSEPH HOOKIM, LLOYD ANTHONY FERGUSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andreareid1903
Had to come here and share my condolences. R.I.P to a great singer. These songs shaped my youth, if we didn't hear these songs when hours beat then it wasn't a good party. Thanks for the good times. 🙌
@joelprince8299
So touching😥
@normathompson5743
Andrea Reid I am in a state of shock.
@asztonekasztonski3735
😥
@toprankingconstruction8536
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 RIP Tabby Diamond
@dcbiglew
Thanks for the tribute. The Mighty Diamonds were loved in Nigeria . Big time love. Their harmonies helped me to understand reggae in a deeply personal way. Bless up, Tabby. Rest in power.
@indigoGoddess7
RIP Tabby ❤❤❤
Thank you for making music that I can play at any age and any time 🎉🎉🎉
@janicejames1953
Someone here listening to this song in 2024
@janicejames1953
R.I.P The mighty diamonds
@alanaisaac1032
Yes we here