They formed the Melody Makers when they were teenagers in 1979, and recorded "Children Playing in the Streets" with their father. They went on to perform at their father's funeral in 1981.
The band's popularity was at its highest during 1988, prompting a major record deal with Virgin Records. Shortly thereafter, the group released "Conscious Party," their third album. On the album was the hit single "Tomorrow People," and the album went on to earn a well-deserved Grammy.
Justice
Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers Lyrics
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Justice, brother say, justice
Judge me if I am weak
Judge me if I am strong
Judge my days and all life long
They let the baby cry, let the mama cry
And youths like I and I have to cry
For justice, one, one, one word prayer
Justice, who yea, justice, justice
Is like a good friend
Who long time we don't see
Why they taking liberty
Who, is like a good friend
Who long time we don't see
Why they taking liberty, with I and I and I
Justice, yea yea yea
Justice, now not later, justice
Justice, people say
For I and I, justice, justice
Justice, where are you
Justice, look what they do
They make the innocent cry
The innocent cry
Look what they do to Garvey
They make the innocent die
They make the innocent die
How dem lie on Steve Biko
Justice, justice, the one word prayer
Justice, who yea, justice
The poor man cry, why do they do the wrong
Justice, they make me sing this song
Justice, who yea woa, mmmh, yea, yea
Justice, justice, desert me not
Justice, they are on my back
Justice, the more the tears
The more, the more we want, justice, justice
The song "Justice" by Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers is a call for social justice against the systematic oppression of a people. The repeated lines, "Justice, people say, justice; Justice, brother say, justice," reinforces the desire and demand for justice from all levels of society. The first verse highlights how people are judged regardless of their strength or weakness, and their entire life is scrutinized. The second verse uses the metaphor of a long-lost friend to describe how justice is now absent and needed, as liberty is taken away from the people. The chorus emphasizes the one-word prayer for justice, which is a plea for a fair and equal system for all people.
The bridge of the song mentions historical figures who were unjustly treated, such as Marcus Garvey and Steve Biko. This highlights the long-standing history of injustice towards marginalized groups, and how justice is yet to be served for them. The final verse highlights the tears shed due to oppression and mistreatment, and how it further fuels the desire for justice. Ziggy Marley's delivery of the lyrics conveys the urgency and passion for justice that is necessary for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Justice, people say, justice
The people are chanting for justice because they want it.
Justice, brother say, justice
The brother is echoing the people's call for justice
Judge me if I am weak
People should not be judged as weak if they stand up for their rights.
Judge me if I am strong
People should not be judged as strong if they abuse their power.
Judge my days and all life long
People should not be judged for what they do all their life long.
They let the baby cry, let the mama cry
Injustice causes innocent babies and mothers to suffer needlessly.
And youths like I and I have to cry
The youth cannot escape the effects of injustice.
For justice, one, one, one word prayer
Justice is so important that it is all that needs to be said.
Justice, who yea, justice, justice
Justice is being called out to for an answer.
Is like a good friend
Justice should be there to support and help people through good and bad times.
Who long time we don't see
People have not seen justice in a long time.
Why they taking liberty
Why are people able to abuse their power without consequence?
With I and I and I
The singer and others are personally impacted by injustice.
Justice, yea yea yea
The singer is continuing to call for justice.
Justice, now not later, justice
Justice is needed immediately, not later.
Justice, people say
The people are still calling for justice.
For I and I, justice, justice
The singer and others are still pleading for justice.
Justice, where are you
Justice is being asked where it is.
Justice, look what they do
Injustice is being pointed out as proof that justice is needed.
They make the innocent cry
Injustice causes innocent people to suffer.
Look what they do to Garvey
Injustice is exemplified by what was done to Garvey.
They make the innocent die
Injustice causes innocent people to die.
How dem lie on Steve Biko
Injustice is documented by how Steve Biko was treated and represented.
Justice, the poor man cry, why do they do the wrong
Justice is necessary to address the wrongs done to the poor.
Justice, they make me sing this song
The injustice that is present inspires the singer to write about it.
Justice, who yea woa, mmmh, yea, yea
Justice is still being called upon.
Justice, justice, desert me not
Justice is being asked not to abandon the people again.
Justice, they are on my back
The injustice that is present is personally impacting the singer.
Justice, the more the tears
The more tears that are shed, the more need there is for justice.
The more, the more we want, justice, justice
The need for justice intensifies as more injustice occurs.
Lyrics © Regard Music, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID NESTA MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind