Rub, rub, rubby-doo-day
Rum-pum-pum a-rum-pum-pum-pum!
Dready got a job to do
And he’s got to fulfill that mission
To see his hurt is their greatest ambition, yeah!
But-a we will survive in this world of competition
‘Cause no matter what they do
Natty keep on comin’ through
And no matter what they say-ay-ay-ay
Natty do them every day. Yeah!
Natty Dread rides again
Through the mystics of tomorrow
Natty Dread rides again:
Have no fear, have no sorrow, yeah!
All and all you see a-gwan
Is to fight against Rastaman
So they build their world on great confusion
To force on us the devil’s illusion
But the stone that the builder refuse
Shall be the head cornerstone
And no matter what game they play
Eh, we got something they could never take away
We got something they could never take away:
And it’s the fire (fire), it’s the fire (fire)
That’s burning down everything:
Feel that fire (fire), the fire (fire)
Only the birds have their wings, yeah!
No time to be deceived
Oh, brothers, you should know and not believe:
Jah say this judgement – it could never be with water
No water can put out this fire (fire):
This fire (fire), this fire (fire)
This fire (fire), a yaga y’all! Ride, Natty, ride!
Go there, Dready, go there
‘Cause now the fire is out of control
Panic in the city, wicked weeping for their gold!
Everywhere this fire is burning
Destroying and melting their gold
Destroying and wasting their souls
Go ride, Natty, ride!
Go there, Dready! Go there!
Tell you what: now the people gather on the beach
And the leader try to make a speech
But the Dreadies understandin’ that it’s too late:
Fire is burning
Man, pull your own weight!
Fire is burning
Man, pull your own weight!
Natty Dread rides again (Natty Dread rides again)
And me saying, Go there, Dready! Go there! (go there, go there)
Oh ride, Natty, ride! (Dread rides again)
And go there, Dready! (Go there, go there)
Ridin’ through the storm
Riding through the calm (go there, go there)
Oh ride, Natty, ride!
Go there, Dready, go there!
Ride, Natty, ride!
Go there, Dready, do there!
The Unbreakable Spirit of Natty Dread
“Ride Natty Ride” by Bob Marley is a powerful anthem of resilience, faith, and resistance. The lyrics tell the story of “Natty Dread”—a Rastaman who perseveres despite adversity and opposition. Marley paints a vivid picture of a world filled with challenges, but emphasizes that nothing can extinguish the inner fire or break the spirit of those committed to their mission. The “fire” represents both the righteous anger against oppression and the spiritual strength that keeps Natty Dread moving forward, regardless of obstacles or attempts to deceive and undermine him.
Symbolism and Lasting Legacy
Marley weaves biblical imagery with Rastafarian philosophy, referencing the “stone that the builder refuse” becoming the “head cornerstone.” The repeated call to “Ride, Natty, ride!” is both a rallying cry and a message of hope—urging listeners to stand strong and push through trials with courage and conviction. Ultimately, the song celebrates the indomitable will of those who fight for justice and truth, ensuring their legacy endures.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriters: Bob Marley
- Release Year: 1979
- Label: Tuff Gong/Island Records