We no know how we and dem a-go work this out, oy!
We no know how we and dem a-go work it out
But someone will have to pay
For the innocent blood
That they shed every day
Oh, children, mark my word
It’s what the Bible say, yeah! Yeah!
Oh, we no know how we and dem a-go work this out
We no know how we and dem a-go work it out
But in the beginning Jah created everythin’ (oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh)
Givin’ man dominion over all things
But now it’s too late
You see, men has lost their faith (oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh), hey-ey-hey!
Eating up all the flesh from off the earth, eh!
We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (we no know)
We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (no, we don’t know)
Dub-da-dub-da-dub!
Dub-a-dippidi-doop-de-doo!
Nim-a-nummany num-na-noo!
Num-a-nummana-num-da-nay!
Dippy-dippy-dippy: dip-de-dub-de-day!
Dip-a-dubbada-dub-da-day!
But I say: we no know how we and dem a-go work it out:
Them a flesh and bone!
We no know how we and dem a-go work it out
But we no have no friends
In-a high society, yea-a-eah!
We no have no friends
Oh, mark my identity
We no have no friends. Oh-oh! Yeah!
We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (no, we no know)
We no know how we and dem a-go work this out (we no know)
We no know how we and dem a-go work it out (no, we don’t know)
(We no know how we and dem a-go work this out.) Rasta!
(We no know how we and dem a-go work this out.) Ilyabom!
Confronting Division and Injustice
“We And Dem” by Bob Marley is a powerful reflection on societal divides and the struggle for justice. The recurring phrase, “We no know how we and dem a-go work this out,” captures a sense of uncertainty and frustration when facing entrenched inequalities. Marley addresses the consequences of violence and the shedding of innocent blood, urging listeners to remember the moral lessons of the Bible. His words are a call for accountability and a reminder of the spiritual foundations that should guide humanity. The song also touches on the loss of faith and the consequences of mankind’s disconnection from creation, highlighting the exploitation of the earth and the breakdown of unity.
Song Credits
- Songwriter: Bob Marley
- Release Year: 1980
- Label: Tuff Gong