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.
We a Guh Some Weh
Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers Lyrics
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We have to ride on ride on
We say ayzo, ayzo
Yes we have to ride on, ride on
[Chorus]
We a guy some weh
So they want to hold us up
So they want to mix it up
Children, children
Father's children
Now let's get ready for the fuss
[Chorus]
All those coward eyes
They keep peepin' day and night
They want to know what we up to next
All those coward eyes
That keep peepin' day and night
They want to know what we do next
So I'll tell them all I know
[Chorus]
We'll cry for the right
But tomorrow all must fight
Now they know they ain't got nuthin'
Ay! Yes, we'll cry for the right
But tomorrow all must fight
And now they know they ain't got nothin' A-a-a-oh
[Chorus]
Children, children
Jah, Jah children
Let's get ready, let's get ready, let's get ready
Children, children
M-m-my father's children
Let's get ready for the fuss
[Chorus]
We a guh, we a guh, we a guh
Mix it up! Yeah, they can't stop us
We a guh, we a guh, we a guh
Some weh (no?) They just can't, they just can't stop us
Ca' we say woyo, woyo
Yes, we have to ride on, ride on
Yes, we say a me say could dem, could dem
I know we got to ride on, ride on
Ca we say woyo, woyo
Man, we have to ride on, ride on
Yes, we say a me say could dem, could dem
Man, we we have to ride on, ride on Aay!
The song "We a Guh Some Weh" by Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers is a call to action for people to stay focused on their journey no matter what obstacles they face. The verses emphasize the band's determination to keep going despite the doubters and naysayers. The chorus speaks to the idea that when people are making progress towards their goals, others may try to slow them down or interfere. However, Ziggy and the Melody Makers encourage listeners to keep pushing and ignore the haters because the journey is worth it. The call-and-response structure of the song is reminiscent of traditional African rhythms and creates a feeling of unity and community.
The song's lyrics are full of repetition and simple, declarative statements that make it easy to sing along and internalize the message. The band's reggae soundscape reinforces the message of "We a Guh Some Weh" by evoking feelings of peace, hope, and positivity. It is not surprising that Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers were able to craft a catchy and inspiring song like "We a Guh Some Weh." As the children of legendary musician Bob Marley, they grew up surrounded by reggae music and its powerful messages of social change and solidarity.
Line by Line Meaning
Some say woyo
Some people may doubt us
We have to ride on ride on
We have to keep moving forward
We say ayzo, ayzo
We respond with confidence
Yes we have to ride on, ride on
We reiterate our need to keep moving forward
[Chorus]
Refrain emphasizing our journey and the obstacles we face
Children, children
Addressing our fellow youths
Father's children
Referencing our shared heritage and ancestry
Now let's get ready for the fuss
Preparing ourselves for the challenges ahead
[Chorus]
Refrain emphasizing our journey and the obstacles we face
All those coward eyes
Referring to those who doubt and fear us
They keep peepin' day and night
Watching our every move
They want to know what we up to next
Curious about our plans and ambitions
So I'll tell them all I know
Openly sharing our intentions
[Chorus]
Refrain emphasizing our journey and the obstacles we face
We'll cry for the right
We will stand up for what is just and fair
But tomorrow all must fight
Everyone must join in the struggle
Now they know they ain't got nuthin'
Our detractors will ultimately fail
Ay! Yes, we'll cry for the right
Reaffirming our commitment to justice
And now they know they ain't got nothin' A-a-a-oh
Our detractors have no power over us
[Chorus]
Refrain emphasizing our journey and the obstacles we face
Jah, Jah children
Referencing our spiritual beliefs and empowerment
Let's get ready, let's get ready, let's get ready
Encouraging ourselves and others to prepare for the struggle
We a guh, we a guh, we a guh Mix it up!
Reaffirming our determination and courage
Yeah, they can't stop us
Our detractors have no power over us
Some weh (no?) They just can't, they just can't stop us
We are going to our destination and nothing can stop us
Ca' we say woyo, woyo
Saying that we have the support of the ancestors and the universe
Man, we have to ride on, ride on
Reiterating our need to keep moving forward
Yes, we say a me say could dem, could dem
We have the strength and determination to overcome obstacles
Man, we we have to ride on, ride on Aay!
Encouraging ourselves and others to keep moving forward
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID NESTA MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind