We refuse to be
What you wanted us to be
We are what we are:
That’s the way (way) it’s going to be. If you don’t know!
You can’t educate I
For no equal opportunity:
(Talkin’ ’bout my freedom) Talkin’ ’bout my freedom
People freedom (freedom) and liberty!
Yeah, we’ve been trodding on the winepress much too long:
Rebel, rebel!
Yes, we’ve been trodding on the winepress much too long:
Rebel, rebel!
Babylon system is the vampire, yea! (vampire)
Suckin’ the children day by day, yeah!
Me say: de Babylon system is the vampire, falling empire
Suckin’ the blood of the sufferers, yea-ea-ea-ea-e-ah!
Building church and university, wo-o-ooh, yeah!
Deceiving the people continually, yea-ea!
Me say them graduatin’ thieves and murderers
Look out now: they suckin’ the blood of the sufferers (sufferers)
Yea-ea-ea! (sufferers)
Tell the children the truth
Tell the children the truth
Tell the children the truth right now!
Come on and tell the children the truth
Tell the children the truth
Tell the children the truth
Tell the children the truth
Come on and tell the children the truth
‘Cause – ’cause we’ve been trodding on ya winepress much too long:
Rebel, rebel!
And we’ve been taken for granted much too long:
Rebel, rebel now!
(Trodding on the winepress) Trodding on the winepress (rebel):
Got to rebel, y’all (rebel)!
We’ve been trodding on the winepress much too long – ye-e-ah! (rebel)
Yea-e-ah! (rebel) Yeah! Yeah!
From the very day we left the shores (trodding on the winepress)
Of our Father’s land (rebel)
We’ve been trampled on (rebel)
Oh now! (taken for granted)
Lord, Lord (rebel)
Go to rebel (rebel)
Unmasking Oppression: The Message Behind “Babylon System”
“Babylon System” by Bob Marley is a powerful critique of societal structures that perpetuate inequality and exploitation. Through vivid metaphors like “vampire” and references to “winepress,” Marley speaks out against systems—termed as “Babylon”—that drain the vitality and freedom from the people. The repeated call to “rebel” becomes an anthem for resistance and self-empowerment, urging listeners to reject imposed identities and to demand truth and justice. The song’s plea to “tell the children the truth” underscores the importance of awareness and education as tools for liberation. Marley’s lyrics resonate with anyone who has faced oppression, making “Babylon System” both a protest song and a call to consciousness.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Bob Marley
- Release Year: 1979
- Label: Island Records