Roots With Quality
Third World Lyrics


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I roots, I roots, I roots, I roots... I roots
Roots it up with quality...
yeah yeah yeah yeah Steppin' it with Quality ...woah woah woah woah
That girl shes trying to act sophisticated,
she loves to travel high class She didn't check
that natty dread was educated, and all the exams I pass

Every morning she look up in the
mirror boy, she dont like what she sees
She cover Dem with eyeshadow and mascara, and hide her true qualties

All the jump she a jump and prance and all the wail you de wail
she got to come to the rootsman dance,
rootsma man music dey (gotta) play No
Botha Gwaan, bodda gwan like a diplomat
No Botha Gwaan have like a topanaris

No Mas a gwaan...
A check it out shes a dry land tourist
and what she know she got to know it

All the jump she a jump and prance and all the wail you de wail
she got to come to a the rootsman dance,
rootsma man music dont, rootsman music a



Jah Jah music never fail i yet No, Jah Jah music never fail... no
A Jah Jah music Never fail I yet no. Jah Jah music never fail...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Third World's song Roots With Quality express pride in one's roots and culture, and a critique of those who are overly concerned with societal status and superficial beauty. The continuous repetition of "I roots" emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to one's origins and heritage. The phrase "roots it up with quality" encourages individuals to not only embrace their culture but to do so with excellence and a sense of integrity.


The second verse is directed towards a woman who is trying to appear sophisticated by traveling in high class circles. However, her attempt at sophistication fails as she ignores a "natty dread" who is educated and has passed more exams than her. The song suggests that true knowledge and understanding comes from embracing one's roots and culture, rather than trying to assimilate into societal norms.


The chorus invites the woman to join the "rootsman dance" and listen to "Jah Jah music," which will never fail. The use of Jamaican patois and Rastafarian beliefs within the lyrics highlight the importance of Caribbean culture and spirituality.


Line by Line Meaning

I roots, I roots, I roots, I roots... I roots
I am proud of my roots and I embrace them fully.


Roots it up with quality... yeah yeah yeah yeah Steppin' it with Quality ...woah woah woah woah
I am committed to representing my roots with dignity and class.


That girl shes trying to act sophisticated, she loves to travel high class She didn't check that natty dread was educated, and all the exams I pass
The girl is trying to pretend she is sophisticated and upper-class, but she failed to realize that I, as a Rastafarian, am educated and knowledgeable.


Every morning she look up in the mirror boy, she dont like what she sees She cover Dem with eyeshadow and mascara, and hide her true qualties
The girl is unhappy with her true self and covers it up with makeup, masking her natural qualities.


All the jump she a jump and prance and all the wail you de wail she got to come to the rootsman dance, rootsma man music dey (gotta) play No Botha Gwaan, bodda gwan like a diplomat No Botha Gwaan have like a topanaris
She needs to come to the Rastafarian gathering and experience the music and culture firsthand, without trying to act like someone she's not.


No Mas a gwaan... A check it out shes a dry land tourist and what she know she got to know it
She's just a tourist trying to fit in, but she needs to come to terms with the fact that she will never be a true Rastafarian and needs to respect our culture.


All the jump she a jump and prance and all the wail you de wail she got to come to a the rootsman dance, rootsma man music dont, rootsman music a Jah Jah music never fail i yet No, Jah Jah music never fail...
The girl needs to come to our gathering and listen to our music, which always represents Jah and the true Rastafarian message.




Writer(s): Winston Holness, K. Michael Cooper

Contributed by Wyatt Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

EffeSerius

This song is a blessing to the worldβ™₯️

Walter Mukudu

My favorite reggae band ever. ❀️

Againan Again

Been lovin' this tune for years !!!

NORMAN OSBORNE

FIRST HEARD "ROOTS WITH QUALITY" ON DAVID RODIGAN'S LATE NIGHT ROOTS ROCKERS SHOW. STILL SOUNDING CRUCIALLY WICKED.
πŸ–€πŸ’œβ€οΈπŸ§‘πŸ’›πŸ’πŸ’–πŸ’šπŸ’™πŸ–€πŸ’œβ€οΈπŸ§‘πŸ’›πŸ’πŸ’–πŸ’šπŸ’™πŸ–€πŸ’œβ€οΈπŸ§‘πŸ’›πŸ’πŸ’–πŸ’š

Barry Quinnell

Originall released in Jamaica on the Observers label, a real gem.

Shoan's Collections

I played at a session tonight and I started with this tune. Niceniss!!!

joslyn_xoxo

Jah Jah music never failsπŸ’―

Vincent Guerrero

Hi nice song ha..

I AM A CAVEMAN!

joslyn_xoxo girl my love never fails lookin like that😘😁

True King

β€οΈπŸ’›πŸ’š

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