They were formed in 1973 and are still releasing records today. Their lineup has changed over the years, as has their musical style, although it has not strayed too far from the "roots reggae" style that they are generally categorized as.
With Dean Pond in the touring lineup (Dean Pond, founder of Dub Mystic and one time musical director and drummer for Culture, and V.I. producer of the year) this year (??) should prove to be even bigger for Third World.
Third World Man
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is a bunker filled with sand
He's become a third world man
Smoky Sunday
He's been mobilized since dawn
Now he's crouching on the lawn
He's a third world man
Soon you'll throw down your disguiseWe'll see behind those bright eyes
By and by
When the sidewalks are safe
For the little guy
I saw the fireworks
I believed that I was dreaming
Till the neighbors came out screaming
He's a third world man
Soon you'll throw down your disguise
We'll see behind those bright eyes
By and by
When the sidewalks are safe
For the little guys
When he's crying out
I just sing that Ghana rondo
E l'era del terzo mondo
He's a third world man
The song "Third World Man" by Third World is a poignant commentary on the plight of marginalized people living in impoverished countries. The lyrics paint a picture of a man named Johnny who has been forced to flee from his home and seek refuge in a bunker filled with sand. He has become a "third world man," which implies that he is no longer a citizen of a developed country and is now living in a country struggling with economic and political instability. The opening few lines set the tone for the song as Johnny has been mobilized since dawn and is now crouching on the lawn, suggesting that he is in constant fear of an attack.
The song takes a turn when the singer begins to address the audience directly, telling them that they will soon throw down their disguise, and they will see behind those bright eyes. The singer is referring to the fact that many people in developed countries are not aware of the plight of those living in third-world countries. He goes on to say that when the sidewalks are safe for the little guy, they will see the truth of what is happening to people like Johnny. The line "I saw the fireworks, I believed that I was dreaming, till the neighbors came out screaming" denotes that the singer was probably watching fireworks display from afar when he heard the screams of people that had been attacking or when a bomb blast had occurred.
In conclusion, "Third World Man" is a powerful protest song that highlights the suffering of people living in impoverished countries as a result of economic and political instability. The song urges people to take action to create a more just and equitable world in which everyone has access to basic human rights.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny's playroom
The physical and mental space of the singer.
Is a bunker filled with sand
It is an environment that feels fortified and isolated from the outside world, characterized by fear and instability.
He's become a third world man
The singer is experiencing life in a way that is similar to many inhabitants of countries that are considered to be part of the 'third world.'
Smoky Sunday
The day of the week is not relevant to the song's message, but it serves to create a vivid mental picture of the scene.
He's been mobilized since dawn
The artist has been preparing for a difficult situation all morning.
Now he's crouching on the lawn
The singer is hiding, afraid of the dangers around him.
Soon you'll throw down your disguise
The 'you' in this sentence is not specified, but it is likely the collective 'we' of society. The songwriter is suggesting that soon people will stop pretending that everything is okay.
We'll see behind those bright eyes
When people stop pretending, they will be more open and honest about their emotions and feelings, and we will be able to see their true selves.
By and by
At some point in the future.
When the sidewalks are safe
The sidewalks represent the public space. When the public space is safe and secure, people can feel free and confident to be themselves.
For the little guy
For the vulnerable and marginalized in society.
I saw the fireworks
A metaphor for the intense emotions and experiences that the artist is going through.
I believed that I was dreaming
The singer finds it hard to believe that what is happening is really happening.
Till the neighbors came out screaming
The singer realizes that what is happening is real when he hears the reactions of others around him.
He's a third world man
Repetition of the earlier line to reinforce the theme and message of the song.
When he's crying out
Refers to the moment when someone is in despair or in need of help.
I just sing that Ghana rondo
The Ghana rondo is a musical piece with African roots. The artist is suggesting that he turns to music to help him get through difficult times.
E l'era del terzo mondo
Means 'and it's the era of the third world.' The songwriter is acknowledging the pervasive influence of third world countries on our contemporary world.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: William Alexander Clark, Michael Cooper, Stephen Haldane Coore, Richard Daley, Irving Jarrett, William Stewart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charmaine Iris Pirere
on Committed
I still enjoy this song.