redemption song
lauryn hill ziggy marley Lyrics

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Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever have

Redemption song
Redemtion songs

Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the Almighty
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fulfill the book

Won't you help to sing
Another song of freedom
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs

And other songs of freedom
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs

Redemption songs
Redemption songs

Overall Meaning

Lauryn Hill's "Redemption Song" is a cover of the classic Bob Marley song. The lyrics describe the experiences of an African person sold into slavery by pirates and his enduring faith in redemption. Despite being forcibly removed from his home, the singer is not deterred and remains hopeful for a better future. In the song, help is requested from the listener to sing songs of freedom, indicating solidarity with an oppressed People.

The repetition of the phrase "Redemption songs" ties the verses together, suggesting that the singer's redemption comes from the act of singing in unison with others. The final verse encourages listeners to "emancipate themselves from mental slavery," and reminds them that "none but ourselves can free our minds." The call to action is reinforced with a call to sing "another song of freedom."

In summary, Lauryn Hill's version of "Redemption Song" is a message of hope and unity for those who have been oppressed. The song reminds listeners that redemption can come from within a community and that it is essential to work together to achieve freedom.

Line by Line Meaning

Old pirates, yes, they rob I
I was once robbed by old pirates

Sold I to the merchant ships
They then sold me as a slave to some merchant ships

Minutes after they took I
Immediately after I was captured

From the bottomless pit
Taken from a place of despair

Won't you help to sing
Can you join me in song?

These songs of freedom
The songs that speak of freedom

'Cause all I ever have
All I have are

Redemption songs
Songs of redemption

Redemtion songs
Songs of redemption

But my hand was made strong
However, I grew strong

By the hand of the Almighty
Due to the hand of God