The Rebel Spell
Rebellion Echoes: Walking to Babylon with a Gun
Lyrics
I want to be ready
I express a desire to be prepared.
I want to be ready
Reiteration of the desire to be ready.
I want to be ready Lord
The speaker seeks readiness, addressing the Lord.
Walking to Babylon with my gun
Heading towards Babylon armed with a gun.
1) Brother Rasta is dead
Announcement of Brother Rasta's death.
Listen every body says: They shot Brothers Rasta Dead!
Confirmation and outcry about the killing of Brother Rasta.
Braggin Boys in blue
Reference to law enforcement ("Boys in blue").
They shot him through
Indicates that Brother Rasta was shot by the police.
So tonight's the night
Expresses the urgency of the current situation.
We're gonna have a big fight
Anticipation of a significant confrontation tonight.
They got the power, we got the right
Recognition of the power dynamic but asserting a moral right.
2) Now it's my turn
Transition to the speaker's perspective.
I'm gonna take my gun
Declaration of the speaker's intent to use a gun.
And walk to Babylon
Plan to go to Babylon with the gun, potentially for revenge.
Like a million
Comparison to a large number, emphasizing determination.
"They gonna kill you, son!", "Don't worry Mum"
Dialogue suggesting warnings and reassurance from family.
Along my country way I'm gonna shout and say
Commitment to express the injustice along the way.
"They shot Brother Rasta Dead"
Reiteration of Brother Rasta's death and the injustice.
Rudy left for the City
Mention of Rudy leaving for the city.
But three days later
Indication of a time lapse since Rudy's departure.
Washed back by the Tide
Information about Rudy's return, washed back by the tide.
Mum found his body on the Riverback
Discovery of Rudy's body on the riverbank by Mum.
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