Meaning of Tumblin' Down by Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers

Here comes the eagle

Symbolic introduction of a powerful force or authority represented by an eagle.

Here comes the bear

Introduction of another formidable force or authority symbolized by a bear.

And they're fighting to control

Conflict between the eagle and the bear for control over the lion dominion, representing a struggle for dominance or power.

The lion dominion

Continuation of the power struggle for control over a symbolic domain represented by the lion.

But the load gonna come tumblin' down

Repeated affirmation that a significant change or downfall is imminent, expressed through the phrase "But the load gonna come tumblin' down."

But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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Here comes synthetic food

Introduction of synthetic food and big-time money as potential threats to the well-being of individuals.

And their big time money

Reference to the influence of wealth and power in attempting to control the bodies and souls of individuals.

And they want to control

Desire for control over the essence of human beings.

Our body and soul

Emphasis on the struggle against external forces attempting to dominate one's body and soul.

But the load gonna come tumblin' down

Repetition of the anticipation of a significant change or downfall with the phrase "But the load gonna come tumblin' down."

But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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Here comes the maker

Introduction of a positive force (the maker) to overcome or crush oppressive elements.

To crush the oppressor

Expressing the intention of the maker to suppress those who oppress.

Well I bet you didn't know

Surprising revelation that victory is achieved through the power of the mind over external challenges (mind over matter).

It was mind over matter

Reiteration of the strength of mental power in overcoming adversity.

But the load gonna come tumblin' down

Repetition of the anticipation of a significant change or downfall with the phrase "But the load gonna come tumblin' down."

But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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Here comes the eagle

Recurrence of the eagle and bear, suggesting a cyclical nature of power struggles.

Here comes the bear

Restatement of the conflict between the eagle and bear for control over the lion dominion.

And they're fighting to control

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The lion dominion

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

Repetition of the anticipation of a significant change or downfall with the phrase "But the load gonna come tumblin' down."

But the load gonna come tumblin' down (Jah, Jah know)

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down (Jah, Jah know)

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

Final repetitions emphasizing the inevitability of change or downfall with the phrase "But the load gonna come tumblin' down."

But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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But the load gonna come tumblin' down

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Tumblin' Down

Lyrics

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