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.
This One
Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers Lyrics
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Time have no friend
Who you a go warn, when the real war come on
A no we you have to warn when the truth bust out
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
Malcolm X, Garvey, Martin, Marley,
Mohamed, Jesus Christ
Strive and free your life
Don't play their games
Don't put your mind to waste, don't put your mind to waste
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
This is the one that is this one
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
This is the one that is this one
Propaganda machine working overtime
Now more than ever on the younger minds
Don't just believe everything you see on the t.v.
Don't just believe everything you read in the magazine
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
This is the one that is this one
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
This is the one that is this one
People have their place
Race has its pace
Each blow a the right one
Every blow carries a weight
No giving up in I, I will keep the faith
No giving up in I, fight them racist hate
No no no no no no no no you can't do nothing 'bout it
You can't do nothing 'bout it
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
This is the one that is this one
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
I am the one that is this one
We are the one that is this one
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
This is the one that is this one
It a the right one, it a the real one
It a the right one, it a the real one
The song "This One" by Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers is a call to action for listeners to question the world around them and not let the media or society dictate their beliefs. The opening lyrics suggest that history has been distorted and time is not on our side. The singer believes that when the real war comes, it is up to us to warn others about the truth, rather than waiting for someone else to do so. The chorus repeatedly stresses that "Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one," indicating the power that individuals have to make a difference.
The second verse references several influential figures, including Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Bob Marley, Muhammad (presumably referencing the Islamic prophet), and Jesus Christ. The message is clear: these individuals worked to free others from oppressive systems, and we must follow their example. The singer encourages listeners to not waste their potential by playing into the propaganda machine and blindly accepting what they see in the media or read in magazines.
In the final verse, the singer asserts that "each blow a the right one" and encourages listeners to keep fighting against racism and hatred. The song ends with the repeated mantra that "We are the one that is this one" - reminding listeners that they have the power to effect change.
Line by Line Meaning
History been renamed
The facts of history have been altered and manipulated over time.
Time have no friend
Time is not something that can be controlled or slowed down. It can be an adversary to those who try.
Who you a go warn, when the real war come on
Who will you tell or warn when the inevitable and serious conflict arises?
A no we you have to warn when the truth bust out
We don't need to be warned when the truth becomes clear and obvious to us.
Dem can't do nothing 'bout this one
Those who seek to control or manipulate cannot stop this particular occurrence or situation.
Malcolm X, Garvey, Martin, Marley, Mohamed, Jesus Christ
These influential historical figures have contributed to the fight for freedom and equality.
Strive and free your life
Work hard and fight for your right to live a life free from oppression.
Don't play their games
Don't engage in the tactics and strategies of those who seek to manipulate and control.
Don't put your mind to waste, don't put your mind to waste
Don't allow your mind to be consumed or manipulated by propaganda.
Propaganda machine working overtime
The system and forces of propaganda are working harder than ever before.
Now more than ever on the younger minds
Younger generations are particularly susceptible and vulnerable to propaganda tactics.
Don't just believe everything you see on the t.v. Don't just believe everything you read in the magazine
Don't blindly accept or trust the information presented to you by the media.
People have their place. Race has its pace
Every individual has a unique role and purpose in society. Race also plays a significant role in how people are treated.
Each blow a the right one. Every blow carries a weight
Each action taken to combat oppression is important and carries significant impact.
No giving up in I, I will keep the faith
I will not give up, and will continue to believe in the cause.
Fight them racist hate
Combat and resist the forces of racism and hate.
No no no no no no no no you can't do nothing 'bout it
Those who seek to control or manipulate cannot stop this particular occurrence or situation.
I am the one that is this one
I am an individual with unique purpose and identity.
We are the one that is this one
Together, as a collective, we possess a powerful identity and purpose.
It a the right one, it a the real one
This is the correct and true path to follow.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID MARLEY, ZIGGY MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jam Onit
Don’t PUT YOUR MIND TO WASTE 🙏❤️
David Bulla
Before i was 2pacfan this Rastathug beats cool driving Africa dust & rough road. A rain fall.This one
Andrew Price
So Jah say Zigman. Bless up.