Careless Ethiopians
Toots & The Maytals Feat. Ben Harper Lyrics
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Have gone astray
So much carless Ethiopians
Have gone away
Hey Hey
They calling up an anti Christ each night and day
Pray for a god to come from outer space
So much carless Ethiopians
Have gone astray
So much carless Ethiopians
Have lost their way
Are you coming my way? (x2)
I said I wonder what you do
You gotta come my way
Come my way
Is they know not where they're going?
They've gone astray
The lyrics to Toots & The Maytals's song "Careless Ethiopians" seem to refer to the struggles and hardships of the Ethiopian people. The repetition of "so much careless Ethiopians have gone astray" speaks to the chaos that many Ethiopians may have felt during a time of war or political upheaval. The line "they're calling up an anti-Christ each night and day, pray for a god to come from outer space" seems to suggest a loss of faith in traditional religion and a yearning for a savior to come and fix their problems from an external source. The use of the word "anti-Christ" adds a sense of danger and desperation, as if the Ethiopians are willing to turn to anything for salvation.
The repetition of "have gone astray" and "have lost their way" emphasizes the theme of confusion and hopelessness. The question "are you coming my way?" can be interpreted as a plea for help or guidance for someone, possibly a leader or a figurehead, to come and lead them out of their struggles. The final line "they know not where they're going, they've gone astray" reinforces the idea that the Ethiopian people have lost their direction and are in need of guidance to find their way again.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the struggles of the Ethiopian people in times of turmoil and uncertainty. The repetition of certain lines adds to the sense of chaos and desperation that the lyrics evoke.
Line by Line Meaning
So much carless Ethiopians
There are numerous careless Ethiopians
Have gone astray
They have gone off the path
So much carless Ethiopians
There are numerous careless Ethiopians
Have gone away
They have disappeared
Hey Hey
Indicates enthusiasm and attention
They calling up an anti Christ each night and day
They are invoking the anti-Christ every day and night
Pray for a god to come from outer space
They are praying for a God to come from space
So much carless Ethiopians
There are numerous careless Ethiopians
Have gone astray
They have gone off the path
So much carless Ethiopians
There are numerous careless Ethiopians
Have lost their way
They are lost and uncertain of their direction
Are you coming my way? (x2)
Asking the listener if they will come along
I said I wonder what you do
Wondering about the listener's actions
You gotta come my way
You have to come with me
Come my way
Inviting the listener to follow
Is they know not where they're going?
They don't know where they are going
They've gone astray
They are lost and have strayed from the path
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FREDERICK HIBBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leonardantonio6111
Still listening this song since 1996 when I was at secondary school. RIP pioneer of reggae music.
@elisaabolafia9542
My favorite song by Toots ❣️🎵
@dreemeagle
powerful from one of the pioneers of reggae;
@jhaenga2330
I is coming your way , astray , but now on my way , Bless n praise's to the Most High from NZ Native 🔥
@welingtonairessantos4412
Puts. Que pedrada é essa 😎🇯🇲🇧🇷 Bar do Nelson 2021 toca muito.
@rastamindmusic
Bar do Nelson ❤️
@Mr100258
Classic reggae music from one our eminent musical masters. This song and the relevance thereof will always be valid. Respect for the posting.
@laviniapahulu
when I was 12years old this album was released
our sounds of the 80s
wanna be street kid even
thanks .. these are memorabilia for me
@onatural7475
BAR DO NELSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! O MELHOR DO MARANHÃO!!!!
@lawrencenjawe1935
Unforgettable track from an eminent master and unshakeable genius of reggae.