Uh! Ya too rude!
Uh! Eh! Oh what a rat race!
Oh, what a rat race!
Oh, what a rat race!
Oh, what a rat race!
This is the rat race! Rat race! (Rat race!)
Some a lawful, some a bastard, some a jacket
Oh, what a rat race, yeah! Rat race!
Some a gorgon-a, some a hooligan-a, some a guine-gog-a
In this sphere rat race, yeah!
Rat race!
I’m singing that
When the cat’s away
The mice will play
Political violence fill ya city, ye-ah!
Don’t involve Rasta in your say say
Rasta don’t work for no C.I.A.
Rat race, rat race, rat race! Rat race, I’m saying
When you think is peace and safety
A sudden destruction
Collective security for surety, ye-ah!
Don’t forget your history
Know your destiny
In the abundance of water
The fool is thirsty
Rat race, rat race, rat race!
Rat race!
Oh, it’s a disgrace
To see the human-race
In a rat race, rat race!
You got the horse race
You got the dog race
You got the human-race
But this is a rat race, rat race!
The Struggle Within Society: Bob Marley’s “Rat Race”
“Rat Race” by Bob Marley is a powerful commentary on the challenges and injustices faced by individuals navigating a corrupt system. Through vivid metaphors and pointed phrases, Marley exposes the relentless competition, dishonesty, and political turmoil that define modern society. The repeated refrain, “Oh, what a rat race!” captures the exhaustion and frustration of trying to survive within a system rigged against the common person. Marley calls out societal divisions—”some a lawful, some a bastard, some a jacket”—and warns against forgetting one’s history and destiny, urging listeners to remain aware amidst chaos and manipulation.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Songwriters: Bob Marley, Rita Marley
- Release Year: 1976
- Label: Island Records