Rebel Rebel Music
The Wailers & Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics
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I, rebel music
Why can't we roam this open country?
Oh, why can't we be what we want to be?
We want to be free
Three o'clock roadblock, curfew
And I've got to throw away
Yes, I've got to throw away
My little herb stalk
I, rebel music
I, rebel music
Take my soul and suss me out
Check my life if I am in doubt
Three o'clock, roadblock
And, hey, Mr. Cop, ain't got no
(What you say down there?)
Ain't got no birth certificate on me now
I, rebel music
I, rebel music
I, rebel music
Take my soul and suss me out
Check my life if I am in doubt
Three o'clock, roadblock
And, hey, Mr. Cop, ain't got no
(What you say down there?) Hey Mr. Cop
Ain't got no birth certificate on me now
The lyrics of "Rebel Music" by The Wailers & Bob Marley & The Wailers is a vivid depiction of the oppression faced by the Jamaican citizens in the 1970s by their own government. The song starts with the words "I, Rebel Music" that set the mood for the rest of the song, which is about the fight for the right to freedom of speech, movement and political expression. It speaks to the fact that people shouldn't feel restricted or confined by rules set in place by the government. The line "Why can't we roam this open country?" signifies the longing of the people to be free to roam and explore their country without limits.
The lyrics also speak about the use of force by the authorities to silence the people's voices. The phrase "Three o'clock roadblock, curfew" talks about the military checkpoints set up by the government at odd hours to restrict people's movement. The singer has to throw away his little herb stalk, indicating that marijuana was one of the banned items.
"Rebel Music" is a powerful anthem that not only talks about the limitations and oppression faced by Jamaicans during the 1970s but also the importance of standing up for one's rights to be free to express oneself without fear of persecution.
Line by Line Meaning
I, rebel music
This song is one about the rebellion and the need to be free. The artist is embracing the identity of a rebel and standing up for what he believes in.
Why can't we roam this open country?
The artist is questioning why they are not allowed to have the freedom to go wherever they please in their own country. This line emphasizes the theme of freedom.
Oh, why can't we be what we want to be? We want to be free
The artist is expressing a desire to live freely and be able to pursue their dreams without restrictions from society. This idea of freedom is a common theme in the song and emphasizes the rebellious nature of the lyrics.
Three o'clock roadblock, curfew
This line is referring to the restrictions put in place by the government, such as a curfew, which limit the freedom of individuals. The specific mention of a roadblock at a certain time is a reflection of the artist's personal experiences with these limitations.
And I've got to throw away, Yes, I've got to throw away, Yes, I've got to throw away, My little herb stalk
The artist is being forced to discard their marijuana because it is illegal and they will face consequences if caught with it. This line highlights the tension between individual freedom and government regulation.
Take my soul and suss me out, Check my life if I am in doubt
The artist is expressing frustration with being constantly monitored and scrutinized by the government. This line emphasizes the idea that the government is not trusting of its people and is willing to invade their privacy to maintain control.
And, hey, Mr. Cop, ain't got no (What you say down there?), Ain't got no birth certificate on me now
The artist is challenging the authority of the police by stating that they do not have any documentation on them. This is a reflection of the artist's rebellious nature and their unwillingness to conform to the expectations of society.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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Chazz Shabazz
3 O'clock another road block. And hey Mr cop. I ain't got no. Hey, hey Mr cop. What you saying over there. Hey Hey Mr cop got no birth certificate on me now! 💯🔥
I-T iyah man
Chiyna Smith and Donald Kinsey 🎸
James Zamorano
Need to get out of this place me and my kids