Natty Dread
The Wailers Lyrics

Dread, Natty Dread now,
Expressing the current state of being a fearsome, respected reggae legend with dreadlocks.

Dreadlock Congo Bongo I.
Proudly proclaiming the existence of one's long and twisted hair, connected to the culture of African tribes.

Natty Dreadlock in a Babylon:
Acknowledging the hardships of living in a society far removed from one's cultural roots, but maintaining a fierce sense of dignity and independence.

A dreadlock Congo Bongo I.
Reiterating the importance and power of one's hair, representing both physical and spiritual strength.

Eh! Children get your culture
Urging young people to embrace and learn about their heritage, rather than simply imitating others.

And don't stay there and gesture, a-ah,
Encouraging active participation and engagement in cultural traditions, rather than just aping them.

Or the battle will be hotter
Warning of the consequences of ignoring or rejecting one's cultural identity, potentially leading to conflict and struggle.

And you won't get no supper.
Suggesting that by neglecting one's cultural heritage, there may be lost opportunities or consequences.

Natty Dread, Natty Dread, now;
Repeating the proud and powerful phrase to remind listeners of one's identity.

Roots Natty, Roots Natty!
Celebrating the deep, historical roots of one's culture and identity.

Then I walk up the first street,
Describing a journey through a city or town.

And then I walk up the second street to see.
Sharing the experience of exploring and interacting with different parts of a new environment.

Then I trod on through third street,
Describing the perseverance and determination needed to navigate difficult situations.

And then I talk to some Dread on fourth street.
Connecting with fellow cultural practitioners and likeminded individuals.

Natty Dreadlock in a fifth street,
Reiterating one's identity and sense of self in a new location.

And then I skip one fence to sixth street.
Overcoming obstacles and barriers to reach new places and experiences.

I've got to reach seventh street:
Setting goals and targets for oneself.

Natty Dreadlock Bingy Bongo I
Repeating the powerful phrase, while adding a new element.

Natty dread, Natty Dread, now,
Further emphasizing one's identity and sense of self.

Roots Natty Congo I.
Returning to the celebration of one's cultural roots and heritage.

Oh, Natty, Natty,
Addressing oneself using the powerful nickname.

Natty twenty one thousand miles away from home, yeah!
Acknowledging the physical distance from one's homeland and cultural identity.

And that's a long way
Reflecting on the emotional and psychological distance that can come with being disconnected from one's culture.

For Natty to be from home.
Reiterating the sense of longing and displacement that comes with being separated from one's roots.

Don't care what the world seh;
Asserting one's independence and resistance to conforming to societal expectations.

I'n'I couldn't never go astray.
Maintaining a sense of purpose and direction, even in the face of adversity.

Just like a bright and sunny day:
Evoking feelings of optimism and positivity.

Oh, we're gonna have things our way.
Reaffirming one's sense of agency and control over one's own life and identity.

Natty Dread, Natty Dreadlock,
Repeating the powerful phrase once again.

Dreadlock Congo Bongo I.
Affirming the importance of one's hair and its cultural significance.

If a egg Natty in a the red -
Beginning a metaphor or figure of speech.

If a egg Natty in a the red.
Continuing the metaphor, suggesting a sense of caution and warning against negative influences.

Natty Dread, Natty Dreadlock.
Closing the song with the powerful and repeated phrase.