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.
Raw Riddim
Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My sound still in the musical top, relax
Come on in, the gate is wide and open
Don't be afraid, we're not as bad as they say
Do you, do you, do what you got to do
Do you, do you, do what you got to do
Do you, do you, do what you got to do
We're having fun down in the ghetto
We're having fun down in the ghetto
We're having fun down in the ghetto
We're having fun down in the ghetto
[Chorus]
When will the innocent stop being
Punished for their innocence
When will the innocent stop being
Punished for their innocence
When will the innocent stop being
Punished for their innocence
When will the innocent stop being
Punished for their innocence
Come on in, the gate is wide and open
Don't be afraid, we're not as bad as they say
Do you, do you, do what you got to do
Do you, do you, do what you got to do
Do you, do you, do what you got to do
Do you, do you
[Chorus]
Now I'm at a corner, gonna check a sistren
Left alone to suffer
No I'm at the station, going to check a brethren
Charge with instigating revolution
See it ya, now me say we willy winkle
Where have you been
So skinning up your teeth, you know we not smiling
Because you upstairs downstairs committing sin
Political wise and you don't deserve a thing
Every sufferer suffer sometime or another
Though you see wiinna knit ganz and sweater
We belly could a full, but we still a suffer
House and land down suh it without furniture
Though wi export wi coffee send wi farm worker
Ex-amount a wi people still a suffer
The ghetto gal from down suh,
Man mi say she sweet like a wah
Man wi hail up Pam and big up Barbara
Special request to Panserella Big up the youth
Call Burro Chaga, soul man him dey yah
In nough gold chain, silver
[Chorus]
You see as to how wi get this riddim yah
Fe dance wid, you dance wid it you nuh
Same way you nuh
In Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers' "Raw Riddim," the lyrics depict a world where people are free to express themselves and have fun without fear of being punished for something they did not do. The chorus questions when the innocent will stop being punished for their innocence, suggesting that people are being held responsible for things they did not contribute to. The gate is open, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, suggesting that everyone is allowed to take part in something joyful, regardless of their background, race, or social status. The lyrics remind people that even though they may be living in the ghetto, they can still enjoy life and have fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Hop bop but don't call the cop
Let loose and enjoy yourself, but don't bring any negative energy or consequences to the situation.
My sound still in the musical top, relax
My music is still at the top and there's no need to worry. Just relax and enjoy it.
Come on in, the gate is wide and open
The entrance to our world is open and welcoming. All are invited to join us.
Don't be afraid, we're not as bad as they say
Don't let the rumors and stereotypes of our culture sway you. We're not as bad as they say, and we mean no harm.
Do you, do you, do what you got to do
Be true to yourself and do what you need to do to succeed or be happy.
We're having fun down in the ghetto
Despite the challenges and struggles of living in poverty, we're still able to enjoy ourselves and have fun.
When will the innocent stop being Punished for their innocence
It's unjust and unfair for innocent people to be punished for things they didn't do or aren't responsible for.
Now I'm at a corner, gonna check a sistren
I'm heading to a street corner to meet a female friend and check on her wellbeing.
Charge with instigating revolution
My friend has been falsely accused and charged for starting a revolution or uprising.
Political wise and you don't deserve a thing
Despite being politically knowledgeable, some people don't deserve the privileges or benefits they receive.
Every sufferer suffer sometime or another
Everyone experiences hardship or suffering at some point in their lives.
Though you see wiinna knit ganz and sweater
Despite the appearance of success or wealth, we still struggle and suffer.
House and land down suh it without furniture
Some of us may own property, but we can't afford basic necessities like furniture.
Though wi export wi coffee send wi farm worker
We may be exporting our resources and employing our own people, but we still suffer from poverty and lack of economic prosperity.
Special request to Panserella Big up the youth
A special shoutout to Panserella for her contributions and support, and recognition of the youth who also face struggles and hardships.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: STEPHEN MARLEY, ZIGGY MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind