The unity must have to start now
Because I mean, how long would we have to suffer?
Let us learn these things that we must be united
That’s right
Truly, we’re involved in a struggle
So what we going to do?
We got to make it right for our people
For our forefathers and mothers
That’s right (must be united)
For the seeds (must be united)
Spiritual warriors (must be united)
Woman hold her head and cried
Because her son had been shot down in the street and died
From a stray bullet
Woman hold her head and cried
Explaining to her was a passer by who
Saw the woman cry
Wondering
How can she work it out (how can she work it out)
Now she knows not the wager of turning them
Her gift of love is life
She cried
Oh um mm how
Johnny was a good man
How
Johnny was a good good good good good good good
Good good good good good good man
Johnny was a good man
She cried
She cried
Any attempt to change my stance son, would be futile
Ma, things for you would never get easier ooooow child
Supreme the colour scheme
Why brothers die with dirty cream
They avoid their dreams
But they obtained by worthy beings
Homicide statistics, obituary columns
Numerous things listed
Different violent types of behavior depicted
They murdered my brethren
He was a good man
Protected his fam, we all respected this man
Still his life got held up like liquor stores
Or old school jams
What goes around re-surfaces
Now is it worth it kid?
Do you really wanna get out the game?
I know you nervous kid
Hot and caught up
Like my boy Bokeem in the flick
Plus we know reality is much more worse and much more sick
Your cerebral eye probe vocals, can’t touch your ear-lobes
Destroying all microbes
The ill-dynamic psycho
Analyst, so understand it this
Beautiful world as we know it, is definitely at risk
Righteous soldiers professed to be triumphant at battle
Loud cries from the cell, many cages rattle
Fire radiates heat, ice radiates cold
I radiate thoughts and ideas all things within my control
Some men travel down twisted roads
And innocent lives get lost
May Ja, bless his soul
Johnny was a good man
How
Never did a thing wrong
How
Johnny was a good man
Kinda woman’s tender care, keep crying
These two was the child she bare
Oh, a woman’s tender care
Seem to all the child she bare
Woman cry just like I am there
Word is bond he was a good man
So is my man BIG
Rest in peace BIG
So is my man Pac
Rest in peace Pac (Rest in peace Pac)
So was so many other brothers
Too numerous to mention (To numerous to mention)
Time is now (Time is now)
For us to fight for what is ours, rightfully
As was prophesied from the beginning
So shall it be (So shall it be)
Reflections on Loss and Unity
“Johnny Was” by Bob Marley is a poignant narrative that delves into the pain and aftermath of violence in the community. The song opens with a call for unity, emphasizing that collective strength is essential to overcome suffering. Through the vivid imagery of a grieving mother mourning her lost son, Marley highlights the personal toll of societal conflict and stray violence. The repeated assertion that “Johnny was a good man” speaks to the tragedy of innocent lives lost, underscoring the senselessness of these deaths. The song also extends its message to broader struggles, referencing fallen icons and urging listeners to honor their legacy by standing together and fighting for justice. Ultimately, “Johnny Was” serves as both a lament and a rallying cry for change, compassion, and solidarity.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriters: Bob Marley
- Release Year: 1976
- Label: Island Records