Come we go burn down Babylon one more time
(Come we go burn down Babylon one more time)
Come we go chant down Babylon one more time
(Come we go chant down Babylon)
For them soft! Yes, them soft! (ah-yoy!)
Them soft! Yes, them soft! (ah-yoy!)
So come we go chant down Babylon one more time
(Come we go chant down Babylon)!
Men see their dreams and aspiration-a
Crumble in front of their face
And all of their wicked intention
To destroy the human race
And how I know – and how I know – and that’s how I know:
A Reggae Music, make we chant down Babylon
With music, make we chant down Babylon
This music, make we chant down Babylon
This music, come we chant down Babylon
Come we go chant down Babylon one more time
(Come we go chant down Babylon one more time)
Come we go chant down Babylon one more time
(Come we go chant down Babylon)
For them soft! Yes, them soft! (ah-yoy!)
Them soft! Me say, Them soft! (ah-yoy!)
So come we go chant down Babylon one more time
(Come we go chant down Babylon)!
Me say, Music you’re – music you’re the key
Talk to who? Please talk to me
Bring the voice of – of the Rastaman
Communicating to – ‘cating to everyone
How I (know) – how I know, how I (know) – how I know –
And that’s how I know:
A Reggae Music, chant down – chant down – chant down Babylon
Chant down Babylon, chant down Babylon
Chant down Babylon!
Reggae Music, chant down Babylon!
Reggae Music, chant down Babylon!
Reggae Music, chant down Babylon!
Reggae Music! (chant down Babylon)
Unpacking the Message of “Chant Down Babylon”
“Chant Down Babylon” by Bob Marley is a powerful call for resistance and unity through music. The recurring phrase “chant down Babylon” refers to challenging oppressive systems and corrupt powers—symbolized here by “Babylon.” Marley’s lyrics urge listeners to use reggae music as a form of protest, emphasizing that music is not just entertainment but a tool for liberation and communication. The lines about dreams and aspirations crumbling highlight the suffering caused by injustice, while the repeated assertion that “them soft” suggests that oppressive forces lack true strength compared to the spirit of the people. Ultimately, the song is a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring hope for positive change.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriter: Bob Marley
- Release Year: 1976
- Label: Island Records