Say People
Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers Lyrics


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Uh, let me ask you somethin'

Say people, are you ready?
Are you ready to get together
To get together?

But first, well, there's just one thing
We've, we've got to do
You know, we've got to do

Well, first let's set all people free
First let's set all, no matter color or creed
No matter if a mixed breed

Say people, ay, are you ready?
Ah, could you, could you
Tell me if you're ready
To stand up and fight?

Oh, fight for your rights, we're gonna fight for our rights
M I A's, missing in action
Oh, P.O.W's, prisoners of war
Brother South Africans, couple of soldiers
Oh, men abroad, come back ah ya yard, uh

First let's set all people free
First let's set all, no matter color or creed
No matter if a mixed breed, ay, we mean it

First let's set all people free
First let's set all, no matter color or creed
Ay, no matter if a mixed breed

Ay, say people, ay, are you ready?
Ah, could you tell me if you're ready
To get it together?
You better get it together

But, but first there's just
One, one, one thing
Ooh, we've got to do, ooh, we must do

Ay, first let's set all people free
You know first let's set all, no matter color or creed
No matter if a mixed breed, ay, ay, ay

Are you ready?
Could you tell me if you're ready?
To get it together once and forever
Just get it together, once, once and forever, ay

Say people, are you ready?
Say people, are you ready?
All you people, are you ready?

Say people
(Black, white, Indian and Chinese)
Are you ready?




(Uh, uh are you ready?)
Say people, are you ready?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ziggy Marley & Melody Makers' song "Say People" are a call to action for unity and equality among all people regardless of color, creed, or race. The song starts with a question, asking if people are ready to get together, to which the response is to first set all people free. This freedom is not just limited to physical freedom, but also the freedom to be accepted and respected regardless of differences.


The lyrics then transition to a call for action, asking people to stand up and fight for their rights. The song mentions various groups of people who are missing or oppressed, including soldiers, prisoners of war, and South Africans, calling for their freedom and return home. The chorus repeats the call to set all people free and emphasizes the importance of unity and getting together once and forever.


Overall, "Say People" is a powerful message of unity, equality, and freedom that encourages people to come together and fight for justice for all.


Line by Line Meaning

Uh, let me ask you somethin'
Starting the song with a casual question to get the attention of the audience.


Say people, are you ready?
Asking people how prepared they are for something.


Are you ready to get together
Asking whether the audience would like to come together.


To get together?
Repeating previous line for emphasis.


But first, well, there's just one thing
Explaining that there is a condition that must be met.


We've, we've got to do
Highlighting that there is a collective action that must be taken.


Well, first let's set all people free
Stating that the first step is to liberate all people.


First let's set all, no matter color or creed
Reinforcing the importance of free society irrespective of skin color or ethnicity.


No matter if a mixed breed
Extending the idea of setting everyone free, regardless of race or parentage.


Say people, ay, are you ready?
Repeating the question of readiness.


Ah, could you, could you
Amping up the excitement and asking if listeners can't wait a moment longer.


Tell me if you're ready
Asking listeners to confirm that they are attentive and ready.


To stand up and fight?
Asking if people are ready to fight for their rights.


Oh, fight for your rights, we're gonna fight for our rights
Encouraging people to join their voice and stand together fighting for one's rights.


M I A's, missing in action
Explaining that there are people who are missing from their lives.


Oh, P.O.W's, prisoners of war
Highlighting people who are held captive in war zones.


Brother South Africans, couple of soldiers
Talking about soldiers involved in a battle, and brotherhood between Africans.


Oh, men abroad, come back ah ya yard, uh
Calling for people overseas to return home safe and sound.


Ay, say people, ay, are you ready?
Repeating the urgent question, building anticipation for the action.


To get it together?
Asking if they will get together.


You better get it together
Encouraging the listeners to act swiftly and decisively so that they can come together soon.


Ay, first let's set all people free
Reiterating the priority of freeing everyone from racial divides.


You know first let's set all, no matter color or creed
Restating the basic principle of equality.


No matter if a mixed breed, ay, we mean it
Repeating again that every breed deserves freedom.


Could you tell me if you're ready?
Asking if people are fully geared up for what's coming.


To get it together once and forever
Asking if people are determined to unite together with a bond that will never break.


Just get it together, once, once and forever, ay
Asserting that all people must work together to resolve this problem once and for all.


Say people, are you ready?
Reiterating the core of the song, reminding the listeners that it's about their readiness.


All you people, are you ready?
Expanding the question to include everybody listening, specifically inclusive of their broadest identity.


Say people (Black, white, Indian and Chinese)
Including all the diversity of the people and calling them to hear.


Are you ready?
Asking if they are ready yet again!




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ZIGGY MARLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Robert Correa

True reggae roots music.

Florian Ruegg

one of the best songs BIG UP!!

Helena Clochet

Premier kiff années 90 collège Paris 🐸💪❤️🤣

Juan Francisco Oshiro Oyakawa

Great! :D

Radimil Ratiborov

GREETINGS FROM RUSSIA

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