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.
You've Got the Power
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've got the Power
You've got the Power Ahoy
I-been to so many places not knowing just
What I'd find
I seen so many different faces but they
Some of them seem so lonely trying to make it
On their own
Wondering where to turn to knowing you can't
Make no blood out of stone
(Chorus "A")
People everywhere they just want to be free
But they find it so hard to he what they gotta be
Gotta he the teaching of their society
(Chorus "be")
Brother you've got the Power to make a
Change
Sister you've got the Power rearrange
(Repeat Chorus "A" & "be")
I've been through hard time decisions
When I could not tell right from wrong
But at the end of my destination
I've found out that's just where I belong
(Repeat Chorus "A")
(Repeat Chorus "be" four times)
The lyrics to Third Worldโs song Youโve Got The Power encourage listeners to recognize the power they hold within themselves to advocate for change. The opening lines suggest that the artist has traveled to many places, seen different faces, and acknowledges the struggles of people trying to make it on their own. The chorus emphasizes the universal desire to be free but recognizes the difficulties that people face in finding who they want to be due to the teachings of society. It is at this point that the song shifts towards the main message of the song โ to remind listeners that they possess the power to bring about change.
This message is further emphasized in the repetition of the lyrics โBrother youโve got the Power to make a change, Sister youโve got the Power to rearrangeโ. The lyrics suggest that transformation can take place if one acknowledges their own power and motivates others to do so as well. The artist has personally experienced both difficult decisions and times where they could not differentiate between right and wrong but ended up finding their true destination. The song concludes with another repetition of the chorus, allowing the powerful message to be firmly ingrained in the listenerโs psyche.
Overall, the lyrics encourage listeners to recognize their own power and ability to bring about change, as hard as it may be. The song reminds one that although the journey may be difficult, the goal of being free and true to oneself is worth fighting for.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got the Power
You have the power to make a difference
You've got the Power Ahoy
You have the power and it's time to use it
I-been to so many places not knowing just
What I'd find
I have been to many places without any expectations
I seen so many different faces but they
Always stay fresh in my mind
I have met new people and their memories remain in my mind
Some of them seem so lonely trying to make it
On their own
Some people appear alone while trying to achieve something
Wondering where to turn to knowing you can't
Make no blood out of stone
They are confused where to go as they can't get help from someone who isn't capable of giving it
People everywhere they just want to be free
But they find it so hard to he what they gotta be
Gotta he the teaching of their society
People want to be free but find it difficult to be what society expects them to be and follow its teachings
Brother you've got the Power to make a
Change
Sister you've got the Power rearrange
Addressing individuals, encouraging them that they have the power to bring a change
I've been through hard time decisions
When I could not tell right from wrong
But at the end of my destination
I've found out that's just where I belong
Had to make tough decisions and couldn't differentiate between right and wrong but eventually, I realized that everything led me to where I needed to be
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management
Written by: STEVE MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jen R xnavygal
I have listened to this song for 30yrs now and it NEVER gets old. Lovely song with a powerful spiritual message!
marvin harms
Im on twenty years now๐
Lotus Diosa
@frances carodine b
HARDWIRED to SELF DESTRUCTION
Maybe its powerful spiritual measage is why this album became out of print a couple years after it came out...28yrs for me and still rockin them.
Daniel Ray
First time i heard it
Warren Johnson
So many wonderful songs from this great band, but this has to be one of my all time favourite. Up late listening to it over and over again. Big up the surviving members of this band. Hold it together....
Dean Jensen
Third World always puts me in a great mood!!
Anthony Ward
You got the power. Best song ever. The world needs to hear this right now.
M Mill
I worked as a Paramedic in Chicago. I've seen many children shot due to gang violence. I wish this song will make its way to the ears of many who are struggling to keep their head afloat in difficult human conditions; not just in the USA but world wide. The message is in the music.
Jimmy Bolton
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