Until the philosophy which hold one race
Superior and another inferior
Is finally
And permanently
Discredited
And abandoned
Everywhere is war
Me say war
That until there are no longer
First-class and second-class citizens of any nation
Until the colour of a man’s skin
Is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes
Me say war
That until the basic human rights
Are equally guaranteed to all
Without regard to race
Dis a war
That until that day
The dream of lasting peace
World citizenship
Rule of international morality
Will remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued
But never attained
Now everywhere is war
War
And until the ignoble and unhappy regime
That hold our brothers in Angola
In Mozambique
South Africa
Sub-human bondage
Have been toppled
Utterly destroyed
Well, everywhere is war
Me say war
War in the east
War in the west
War up north
War down south
War, war
Rumors of war
And until that day
The African continent
Will not know peace
We Africans will fight, we find it necessary
And we know we shall win
As we are confident
In the victory
Of good over evil
Good over evil, yeah!
Good over evil
Good over evil, yeah!
Good over evil
Good over evil, yeah!
Unyielding Call for Equality
“War” by Bob Marley stands as a powerful anthem against racism, oppression, and social injustice. The lyrics, adapted from a speech by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, confront the deeply rooted philosophy of racial superiority and the resulting divisions in society. Marley delivers a resolute message: as long as inequality and discrimination exist, there will be conflict—”everywhere is war.” The song’s repetition of the word “war” underscores the urgency and universality of the struggle for human rights.
Vision of Peace and Unity
Marley’s verses call for an end to first-class and second-class citizenship, demanding equal rights for all, regardless of race or nationality. By referencing places like Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa—nations fighting against colonial rule and apartheid—he situates the struggle within a global context. The hope for “the victory of good over evil” closes the song with optimism, inspiring listeners to continue the fight for justice and harmony.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriters: Bob Marley, Carlton Barrett, Alan Cole, Aston Barrett
- Release Year: 1976
- Label: Island Records