Lyrics
People want to be free, people got to be free
Expressing the universal desire for freedom and emphasizing its importance.
No matter what color, class or creed you may be
Highlighting the inclusivity of freedom, irrespective of differences in color, class, or creed.
I want you to be merry I hope you're feelin' irie
Encouraging a joyful and positive state of mind ("irie") in others.
'Cause I've seen people dancing in the street
Observing people celebrating and dancing in the streets.
Some don't have a bite to eat
Noting that some people, despite poverty, are still able to celebrate and make merry.
But them a make merry
Reinforcing the idea of people making merry despite challenges.
So hot, them a make merry
Emphasizing the intensity of their celebration.
Some try to put the best outside
Describing the struggles people face to present their best selves outwardly.
Some try to find a place to hide
Highlighting the tendency for some to seek refuge or escape from difficulties.
What you sow, it's that you reap
Conveying the concept of reaping what one sows, suggesting accountability for one's actions.
Silent river runs deep, yeah, oh yeah
Using a metaphor ("silent river runs deep") to suggest that meaningful emotions or issues may not always be apparent on the surface.
See, never give a man more than he can bear
Advising against burdening someone beyond their capacity to handle.
What about your time when you ought to get your share
Questioning fairness in the distribution of time and resources.
What I mean to say, that if you're wrong, won't you say you're wrong
Encouraging self-reflection and admission of mistakes.
'Cause this race is not for the swift
Stating that success in life is not solely determined by speed or strength.
Neither does the battle for the strong
Extending the idea that the outcome of life's challenges is not always predictable based on strength alone.
So my people does not care of what the crisis may be
Expressing resilience in the face of crises among the people.
Them a make merry, them a make merry
Reiterating the theme of people making merry despite challenges.
Some a rock steady, dancing in the street
Describing a specific style of dancing ("rock steady") in the street.
Dem say this waiting might be long
Addressing the patience required during a period of waiting.
Dem want I to left right do wrong
Acknowledging external pressures to deviate from the right path.
But this race is not for the swift
Reiterating that success is not solely for the swift.
Neither does the battle for the strong
Emphasizing that victory in life's battles is not exclusively for the strong.
So my people does not care of what this crisis may be
Reaffirming the people's resilience in the face of crises.
Dem a make merry, dem a make merry
Repeating the theme of people making merry despite challenges.
Yet dem belly empty
Highlighting the paradox of celebrating while facing hunger or scarcity.
Dem a make merry.
Reiterating the resilience and joy expressed by people even when facing hunger.
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