Uh, ah-oh-oh! I went downtown, (I went downtown)
I saw Miss Brown; (said, I saw Miss Brown)
She had brown sugar (had brown sugar)
All over her booga-wooga. (over her booga-wooga)
I think I might join the fun, (I might join the fun)
But I had to hit and run. (had to hit and run)
See I just can’t settle down (just can’t settle down)
In a kinky part of town.
Ride on;
Don’t you know I’ve got to (ride on), oh baby,
Ride on; see I just can’t settle down. (ride on)
Oh, I’m a leavin’ town. (kinky reggae)
Kinky reggae, take me away! (kinky reggae, now) kinky reggae, now!
Oh, kinky reggae; all I’ve got to say, kinky reggae, now!
Kinky reggae, oh baby! Kinky reggae, now!
It’s got to be kinky reggae (keep it up). Kinky reggae, now!
An’ I would say: ride on, ride on, ride on (ride on)!
Oh, ride on, baby!
Ride on, come on, woo-o-o! (ride on) wo-now! Eh!
I went down to Piccadilly Circus; (ooh-ooh-ooh)
Down there I saw Marcus: (oo-oo-oo-ooh)
He had a candy tar (ooh-ooh-ooh)
All over his chocolate bar. (oo-oo-oo-ooh)
I think I might join the fun, (I might join the fun)
But I had to hit and run. (had to hit and run)
See I just can’t settle down (just can’t settle down)
In a kinky, kinky part of town.
Nice one; that’s what they say, (nice one)
But I’m leavin’ you today. (nice one)
Oh, darlin’, please don’t pay (nice one)
Mama say – mama say.
Kinky reggae – kinky reggae, uh! Kinky reggae, now!
Take it or leave it!
Kinky reggae, believe it! Kinky reggae, now!
Kinky reggae – it’s got to be kinky reggae!
Kinky reggae, now! Cuka-yeah, now!
Kinky reggae – sca-ba-dool-ya-bung, baby!
Kinky reggae, now, oh-oh-ooh!
(Ride on!) Ride on! Come on, yeah! (Ride on)
Riding on – riding on!
Ride on, kinky reggae. Come on, ride on! Eh! Eh!
Kinky, kinky, kinky as kinky (kinky reggae) can be! Reggae! Eh!
Kinky reggae! Let me hear ya say, now: kinky reggae, now. Oh!
Kinky reggae! Kinky reggae, now! Kick it away!
Kinky reggae – kick it away, now! Kinky reggae, now, oh!
Ride on!
Unpacking the Playful Spirit of “Kinky Reggae”
“Kinky Reggae” by Bob Marley is a lively, groove-infused track that blends humor, subtle innuendo, and social commentary. The lyrics follow Marley’s playful encounters in various urban spots, using vivid imagery and clever wordplay to create a sense of lighthearted mischief. The recurring motif of “kinky reggae” serves as both a musical celebration and a metaphor for exploring the unconventional or taboo corners of life. Marley’s casual references to characters and adventures in “a kinky part of town” reflect a desire for freedom and spontaneity, underpinned by his signature reggae rhythms. The song’s repeated invitations to “ride on” reinforce the spirit of movement and nonconformity, encouraging listeners to embrace life’s unpredictable journey.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriter: Bob Marley
- Release Year: 1973
- Label: Island Records