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.
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.