Revolution

I am pretty sure the lyric goes "start the way of revolution," instead of "stop." As "stop" it doesn't fit with the rest of the song - the song is clearly about treating people better, and changing the way things currently are - "do you feel the atmosphere? Almost everyone is living in fear."

Sorry Comrade, but I am afraid you are mistaken. The song was released in 1974 on their “In the Dark” album. During most on the 1970's Jamaica was experiencing political violence and unrest. From 1972-1980 the Peoples National Party (PNP) was the ruling party in Jamaica. The PNP led by Michael Manley were self-proclaimed social democrats. The conservative opposition party was the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). The song is about the the political violence which was heavily concentrated in ghettos of Kingston. The Mytals, like many other Reggae artist distrusted both parties. Both parties were led by white men with ties to the pre-independence English government. Instead most wanted "unity" and an end to the violence. The last few lines are the most telling. The JLP, whom were seen as the aggressors, were also predominantly Christian. The song is a plea for the JLP to stop their attempted revolution in an attempt to unify Jamaica.

Well, this is how i have the lyrics:

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Ohhhh ohhh ohhh ahhh ahhh ahhhh

Listen In the night we'll take a walk in the park (ah ah) And there we would sit and talk (yeah, yeah, yeah) In the morning, we'll have those thoughts (ah ah) And in the day, we would break those hearts

CHORUS Why you treat me in such funny ways? (funny ways) Why you treat me in such funny ways? (funny ways)

In a search you will find (ah hah) A little piece of mind all the time (yeah, yeah) If you look over yonder there (ah hah) You will see that love don't have no fear

CHORUS Why you treat me in such funny ways? (funny ways) Why you treat me in such funny ways? (funny ways)

Listen Got a feeling deep down inside of me And I know there is room for everyone in this place

I know there will be a way for me and you (ah hah) I want to live in a unity (yeah) Let us live in unity (yeah) Do you feel the atmosphere Almost everyone is living in fear (yeh, yeh, yeah) If you look over yonder there (ah hah) You will see that love don't have no fear Don't you say you are a Christian Why don't you pray for the children and start the wave of revolution Revolution Revolution

La la la la la la La-la la la la la La la la la la la wooh-whoo hey hey

La la la la la la La-la la la la la La la la la la la Sing it Children

La la la la la la La-la la la la la La la la la la la

Granted, all roots, rock , reggae has political under tones and this song is no exception. The frist verse is talking about how the government would make handshake agreements one day (or night in this reference) and then do the total opposite the next day, in the public eye. Which is why the chorus asks, "why you treat me in that funny way?"

The second verse, they point out that peace can be had if you look outside of what you are doing now. That's why the verse asks to look "over yonder" where other people enjoy peace of mind and do not live in fear - implying the government to change their direction and learn from other places to make life better here (in Jamaica). And, again, the question sung by the chorus being relevant to the point being made.

The third verse, the longest, communicates a gut feeling (if you will) that all people can live in peace and harmony - that there is room for everyone if we just spend more time loving. They almost plead, even beg, for unity - which I think is the most compelling part of the song. "Let us live in unity" isn't saying anything new standing alone, but in the context of this song it carries the entire meaning of the song. Its the deepest part of the song when you look at everything that has already been said, and what is going to be said.

Anyway, I digress ... they close by asking (the government) if they even feel what is going on around them - don't you feel the atmosphere - everyone is living in fear. And finally, convinced the government doesn't get it, T&M say screw it lets just start a revolution.

Now, as a side note, what is so brilliant about roots reggae is the disguising act. This song starts off like a romance song - almost like a guy and a girl talking in the park and then the chorus also makes it sound like its just gonna be a cute song. But then, it turns to the direct point. This is common with roots reggae as the government would typically listen to the beginning of songs to censor them - they didn't have time to listen to the whole thing - so this technique was developed to get past that initial screening. By the time the government catches up, the song is out and making an impact.

CHORUS Why you treat me in that funny way? (funny way) Why you treat me in that funny way? (funny way)

And I know there is room for everyone in this place should actually be: And I know there is room for everyone to spare