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400 Years Lyrics
400 years (400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o)
And it's the same -
The same (wo-o-o-o) philosophy
I've said it's four hundred years;
(400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
Look, how long (wo-o-o-o)
And the people they (wo-o-o-o) still can't see.
Why do they fight against the poor youth of today?
And without these youths, they would be gone -
All gone astray
Come on, let's make a move:
(make a move, make a move. Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
I can (wo-o-o-o) see time (wo-o-o-o) - time has come,
And if-a fools don't see
(fools don't see, fools don't see. Wo-o-o-o)
I can't save the youth:
The youth (wo-o-o-o) is gonna be strong.
So, won't you come with me;
I'll take you to a land of liberty
Where we can live - live a good, good life
And be free.
Look how long: 400 years, (400 years, 400 years) -
Way too long! (wo-o-o-o)
That's the reason my people (wo-o-o-o) - my people can't see.
Said, it's four hundred long years - (400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o)
Give me patience (wo-o-o-o) - same philosophy.
It's been 400 years, (400 years, 400 years)
Wait so long! Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o.
How long? 400 long, long years. /fadeout/
And it's the same -
The same (wo-o-o-o) philosophy
I've said it's four hundred years;
(400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
Look, how long (wo-o-o-o)
And the people they (wo-o-o-o) still can't see.
Why do they fight against the poor youth of today?
And without these youths, they would be gone -
All gone astray
(make a move, make a move. Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
I can (wo-o-o-o) see time (wo-o-o-o) - time has come,
And if-a fools don't see
(fools don't see, fools don't see. Wo-o-o-o)
I can't save the youth:
The youth (wo-o-o-o) is gonna be strong.
So, won't you come with me;
I'll take you to a land of liberty
Where we can live - live a good, good life
And be free.
Way too long! (wo-o-o-o)
That's the reason my people (wo-o-o-o) - my people can't see.
Said, it's four hundred long years - (400 years, 400 years. Wo-o-o-o)
Give me patience (wo-o-o-o) - same philosophy.
Wait so long! Wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o.
How long? 400 long, long years. /fadeout/
Song Info
Submitted by
spliphstar On Jan 08, 2002
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This song refers a time slavery both physical (17th to 19th century) and mental (20th century). Also refers to the time Israel spent in captivity in Babylon.
Actually, for what its worth, the Babylonian captivity was about 70 years. 400 years was spent in Egypt so it goes. But also is paralleled by the roughly 400 years of slavery under the colonial era 16th to 19th Centuries. Awesome song by the way :-) Peace
Actually, for what its worth, the Babylonian captivity was about 70 years. 400 years was spent in Egypt so it goes. But also is paralleled by the roughly 400 years of slavery under the colonial era 16th to 19th Centuries. Awesome song by the way :-) Peace
Peter Tosh wrote and sang this song.
Peter Broggs also does this song.....its great
It was an Anti-Babylonian song
Against the system of babylon
by BobMarleyfan90 on 06-15-2006 @ 08:13:04 PM It was an Anti-Babylonian song
Against the system of babylon
are you seriiiuosly a dumb ass, against the SYSTEM of babylon not the people of babylon, seeing that your little name is bob marley you should at least know simple facts, the system of babylon was slavery, its not talking about being against regular babylon people
bob would not appreciate your harsh comments lets have a civil discussion man
Ya, im sure bob is looking down at your comment and smiling. do you thing bob would call would call someone who was trying to teach against babylon a dumbass? I know what i said, and I said it right. your just an ignorant person. Bob himself on MANY occasions called it the babylon SYSTEM. one of his songs is called 'Babylon System' The system of babylon is not slavery, it is a word givin to the MODERN DAY system that opresses, and holds people in mental captivity.
and considering that i am a 15 year old, and know what the babylon system even is makes me far from being a dumbass. you my friend are the one that needs to learn your facts.
being part jamaican and growing up with this music...my mother is from the parish of manchester, the city of mandeville (look it up!)...bob marleyfan90 is in the right. it is a song that clearly refrences the 400 year captivity of isreal by babylon and also the 400 years of silence between God and His people. Also, it is a song of social criticism. so before u go and make judgment on another, clearly look into yourself and understand that if one enjoys the music and feels good after hearing it, leave them be. -brian
This song is very haunting... it still gives me chills to listen to it. So much is said in this short song.
you all forgot this song was written by peter tosh not bob