Dread, Natty Dread now (Natty Dread)
Dreadlock Congo Bongo I (Natty Dread)
Natty Dreadlock in a Babylon (Natty Dread)
A dreadlock Congo Bongo I (Natty Dread)
Eh! Children get your culture (Natty Dreadlock)
And don’t stay there and jester, a-ah, (Natty Dreadlock)
Or the battle will be hotter (Natty Dreadlock)
And you won’t get no supper (Natty Dreadlock)
Natty Dread, Natty Dread, now (Natty Dread)
A dreadlock Congo Bongo I (Natty Dread)
Natty Dreadlock in a Babylon (Natty Dread)
Roots Natty, Natty Roots Natty (Natty Dread)
Then I walk up the first street (Natty Dreadlock)
And then I walk up the second street to see (Natty Dreadlock)
Then I trod on through third street (Natty Dreadlock)
And then I talk to some Dread on fourth street (Natty Dreadlock)
Natty Dreadlock in a fifth street (Natty Dreadlock)
And then I skip one fence to sixth street (Natty Dreadlock)
I’ve got to reach seventh street (Natty Dreadlock)
Natty Dreadlock Bingy Bongo I (Natty Dread)
Natty dread, Natty Dread, now (Natty Dread)
Roots Natty Congo I (Natty Dread)
Oh, Natty Natty
Natty 21,000 miles away from home, yeah!
Oh, Natty Natty
And that’s a long way
For Natty to be from home
Don’t care what the world seh (Natty Dread)
I’n’I couldn’t never go astray (Natty Dread)
Just like a bright and sunny day (Natty Dread)
Oh, we’re gonna have things our way (Natty Dread)
Natty Dread, Natty Dreadlock (Natty Dreadlock)
Dreadlock Congo Bongo I (Natty Dreadlock)
Don’t care what the world seh (Natty Dreadlock)
And I gonna have things our way (Natty Dreadlock)
Natty Dread, Natty Dreadlock
The Spirit of Natty Dread: A Journey Through Roots and Identity
“Natty Dread” by Bob Marley is more than just a reggae anthem—it’s a profound statement of identity, resilience, and the cultural journey of the Rastafarian movement. The recurring phrases like “Dreadlock Congo Bongo” and “Natty Dreadlock in a Babylon” capture Marley’s embrace of Rastafari, symbolizing a spiritual stance against social oppression. Through the mention of streets and distances, Marley paints a vivid picture of perseverance, community, and the quest for belonging, even when one feels far from home. The call for children to “get your culture” is an urgent reminder to cherish roots and heritage amid adversity. Ultimately, “Natty Dread” celebrates self-empowerment and unity, underscoring Marley’s enduring message of hope and resistance.
Song Credits
- Songwriter: Bob Marley
- Release Year: 1974
- Label: Island Records