Guiltiness (talking about guiltiness)
Pressed on their conscience
And they live their lives (they live their lives)
On false pretence every day
Each and every day
These are the big fish
Who always try to eat down the small fish
(These are the big fish)
A just the small fish
I tell you again: they would do anything
To materialize their every wish
Woe to the downpressors
They will eat the bread of sorrow
Woe to the downpressors
They will eat the bread of sad tomorrow
Woe to the downpressors
They will eat the bread of sorrow
Guiltiness
(Talk about guiltiness)
Pressed on their conscience
These are the big fish
(These are the big fish)
Who always try to eat down the small fish
A just the small fish
I tell you what: they would do anything(anything)
To materialize their every wish
Woe to the downpressors
They will eat the bread of sorrow
Woe to the downpressors
They will eat the bread of sad tomorrow
Woe to the downpressors
They will eat the bread of sorrow
Guiltiness
They’ll eat the bread of sorrow every day
Exploring the Message in “Guiltiness”
“Guiltiness” by Bob Marley is a powerful reflection on social injustice and the moral burden carried by oppressors. The song uses the metaphor of “big fish” preying on “small fish” to highlight the exploitation of the vulnerable by those in power. Marley’s lyrics underscore the idea that those who live on false pretenses and oppress others cannot escape the weight of their own guilt. The repeated warning that the “downpressors” will “eat the bread of sorrow” serves as both a condemnation and a prophecy: their actions will inevitably lead to their own downfall and regret.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriters: Bob Marley, Rita Marley
- Release Year: 1977
- Label: Island Records