Bad Man
Uprising Against Chains: Steel Pulse's Anthem of Freedom
Lyrics
Dem dread seh
Expression of acknowledgment or agreement among those with dreadlocks.
Dem dread seh
Repetition emphasizing unity or consensus among individuals with dreadlocks.
Dem dread seh
Continued emphasis on the collective voice of those with dreadlocks.
Dem dread seh
Reiteration of a shared sentiment or perspective within the dreadlocked community.
No matter how you bad I man badder than you
Assertion that the speaker, despite the addressee's toughness, is even more formidable.
No matter how you dread I man dreader than you
Similar to line 5, emphasizing the speaker's greater dread or fear-inspiring nature.
No matter how you hard I man harder than you
Stating the speaker's superior strength compared to the addressee's hardness or toughness.
No matter how you raw
Introduction of the speaker's vulnerability or weakness, implying it's hidden or less apparent.
I more-weak heart back way so
Elaboration on the speaker's vulnerability, suggesting a deceptive appearance of weakness.
A bad man no want go back Into captivity
Expression of a strong aversion to returning to captivity or slavery.
A bad man no want go back to slavery
Reiteration of the speaker's refusal to go back to a state of enslavement.
Uprising from the claws of the wicked
Describing a rebellion or resistance against oppressive forces.
Two bulls can't reign in one pen
Metaphorical statement emphasizing the impossibility of two powerful entities coexisting peacefully.
Two lions can't roar in a small den
Extended metaphor highlighting the incompatibility of two strong individuals within a confined space.
Two scorpions don't sting at the same spot
Illustration of the impossibility of collaboration between two harmful entities at the same location.
Two guns can't fire the same bullet shot so
Assertion that two dangerous elements cannot produce the same destructive outcome.
Move right out now
Encouragement or command to leave a situation or confrontational space immediately.
Move right out now
-Move right out now
-Move right out now
-Two kings don't wear the same crown
Emphasizing the uniqueness and exclusivity of kings wearing distinct crowns.
Two beauties don't have the same gown on
Illustration of the individuality and diversity in personal attributes or appearances.
Tomorrow Is too late to leave town
Warning about the urgency of leaving town before a significant confrontation.
If you're still here at noon,
Highlighting the consequences if one remains in the current location beyond a specified time.
There'll be one big, big, big showdown so
-Uprising, uprising
Repetition of the term "uprising" as a call to action or resistance against oppression.
Uprising, uprising
-I give you tlil noon to go
Setting a deadline for departure, emphasizing the importance of survival and a better life.
On your way to survival,where
-Your heart will beat more fonder
-With life
-And breath still enters your body
-Repeat verse one
Repetition of verse one, possibly for emphasis or reinforcement of the previous message.
If you still coming me nah run
Warning and threats against those who persist in approaching or challenging the speaker.
If you still coming, me ah go, drop you
-If you still coming me nah run
-So better stop running before I, break you
-So run and hide before I, find you
-Woe betide if I catch up on you
-If you still coming I box you down
-If you still coming I clart you down
-Long time we deh under backraw...
Reference to enduring hardships or oppression for an extended period.
Four hundred years (many, many years)
Acknowledgment of the prolonged duration (four hundred years) of slavery.
Slavery days...
Repetition of "Slavery days," emphasizing the historical context and impact of slavery.
Slavery days...
-Slavery days...
-Oh you've been bought
Reflection on the consequences of being bought, sold, and the suffering endured, referencing historical injustices.
Oh you've been sold
-Oh cast over me
-Got strung up for nothing at all
-Strange fruit...
Reference to "Strange Fruit," a powerful symbol of racial violence and injustice.
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