Mr. Chatterbox, how long will you live?
Always to receive but never to give
Always carry news all over the place
Mr. Chatterbox, you are a big disgrace
You cheek and you tongue a go let you down
And a when them let you down we a go batter you around
Bif, baf, boof, those are the blows you’re gonna get
Mr. Talkative, I know you will regret
Mr. Chatterbox, how long will you live?
Always to receive but never to give
Always carry news all over the place
Mr. Chatterbox, you are a big disgrace
You cheek, cheek, cheek, and tongue, tongue, tongue
A go let you down
And a when them let you down, we a go batter you around (Hey!)
Bif-an, baf-an, boof, those are the blows you’re gonna get (Hey!)
Mr. Talkative I know you will regret
Mr. Chatterbox, how long will you live?
Always to receive but a never to give
Always carry news all over the place
Mr. Chatterbox, you are a big disgrace
You cheek and tongue a go let you down
And a when them let you down, we a go batter you around
Bif-an baf-an boof-an, that’s the blows you gonna get
Mr. Chatterbox, I know you will regret (Oh, yeah)
Mr. Chatterbox (Oh, yeah)
Mr. Chatterbox (Oh, yeah)
(Watch him) Mr. Chatterbox
Who’s he? Who’s he? Who’s he? Who’s he?
The Tale of Mr. Chatterbox: A Social Commentary
“Mr. Chatterbox” by Bob Marley is a lively reggae track that delivers a pointed message about gossip and rumor-mongering. The lyrics use the character of Mr. Chatterbox as a symbol for those who talk excessively and spread news without considering the consequences. Marley’s playful yet sharp tone calls out the hypocrisy of being quick to receive information but never willing to give back or contribute positively. The repeated warnings—about the trouble caused by a loose tongue—underscore the negative impact of idle talk, serving as a cautionary tale against spreading rumors and meddling in others’ affairs.
Song Credits
Artist: Bob Marley
Songwriter: Bob Marley
Release Year: 1970
Label: Upsetter Records