Hustlers Anthem
Respect the Hustle: Vybz Kartel's Anthem for Ambition
Lyrics
Da one yah name respect to the hustlers dem
This song is about showing respect to those who work hard.
Every hustlers fi keep hustle as friend
Everyone who hustles should make hustling their companion.
Fire burn fi the idlers dem
There's disdain for those who waste time.
Idlers alone keep idlers friend
People who waste time tend to stick with others like them.
Dawg, million a day mi a look
The singer is striving to earn a million daily.
Every ghetto youth follow mi nuh hot foot
Encouraging youths in impoverished areas to follow his example without hesitation.
Food haffi eat maybe a bank look
Even if it means resorting to crime, the aim is to survive.
But mi naw left the kitchen until a pot cook
He won't abandon his efforts until there's success.
Some bwoy waan thirty sneakers
Some desire numerous sneakers, but he prefers thirty bank account books.
But mi tell Genie mi waan thirty bank book
Referencing a desire for wealth over material possessions.
Big up Usain him have a drag foot
Commendation for Usain Bolt despite his less fortunate circumstances.
Dads Morgan can fling a shot put
Refers to another person who can achieve great things despite challenges.
A nuh every ghetto youth can do, do, that to
Not everyone from impoverished backgrounds can achieve such feats.
Suh mi big up every hustler weh deh a back to
Commendation for all hustlers working hard despite difficulties.
In a the street fire, fire, everyday
There's constant danger in the streets.
Dawg don't meck a killer catch unuh flat foot
A warning against being unprepared, especially against danger.
You a song mi a sing like mi a Samcook
Comparing himself to Sam Cooke, a renowned singer.
Mi nuh in a the, in a bag a man shuck
He doesn't involve himself in petty arguments or gossip.
Si the money deh mi naw stand up and look
He won't just stare at money; he'll go after it.
New land Comboland meck wi go fi that to
Aspires to own new land for development.
Big up every bad slave
Recognition for those who resisted oppression.
Samsharp set it like supn just blaze
Praising the efforts of a historical figure for making a significant impact.
Nanny my baby, love you my babe
Expressing love and gratitude to a significant figure who helped in overcoming difficulties.
You help wi fi tek off
Thanking someone who assisted in breaking free from oppression.
The shackles and chains
Metaphorically referring to liberation from bondage.
Suh how mi fi gwaan like mi a fool
He can't act foolishly; intelligence is necessary.
Weh do you? Man haffi have brains
Highlighting the importance of having intelligence.
Meck things better like wi a first aid
Efforts should aim to improve the situation.
New day now big up the old days
Acknowledging the importance of both past and present.
Every nurse tell mi fi tell unuh seh
Healthcare workers emphasize the need for increased wages.
Dem waan nough more money call it a pay raise
Educators emphasize the need for increased wages.
Every teacher a seh tell unuh seh
As high as an airplane in terms of aspiration.
Dem waan nough more money call it a pay raise
Criticism directed at authorities who turn a deaf ear to financial concerns.
High in a the sky like British Airways
Not merely observing wealth but actively pursuing it.
Hey babylon stick bruk in a yo ears
Metaphorically suggesting a refusal to be ignorant or complacent.
Weh the money deh mi naw stand up and gaze
He won't just stare at money; he'll go after it.
Mi a tek over earth from down a
Expressing a desire for dominance and success.
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