We And Dem

Bob Marley's song 'We And Dem' delves into the complex and often painful relationship between the oppressed and their oppressors. The repeated refrain, 'We no know how we and them a go work this out,' underscores a sense of uncertainty and frustration about finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Marley highlights the daily shedding of innocent blood, a poignant reminder of the violence and injustice faced by marginalized communities. This line, 'But someone will have to pay for the innocent blood that they shed every day,' suggests a call for accountability and justice, echoing biblical themes of retribution and moral reckoning.

Marley also touches on the broader spiritual and existential crisis facing humanity. He references the biblical creation story, noting that 'in the beginning Jah created everything' and gave man dominion over all things. However, he laments that 'man have lost their faith,' leading to the exploitation and destruction of the Earth. This loss of faith and moral direction is depicted as a root cause of the societal and environmental decay that Marley observes. The song's message is both a critique of human failings and a plea for a return to spiritual and ethical principles.

The song also addresses the alienation and lack of support from 'high society.' Marley sings, 'We have no friends in a high society,' highlighting the isolation and marginalization of those who resist oppression. This line emphasizes the divide between the powerful and the powerless, and the struggle for identity and recognition in a world that often overlooks the plight of the disenfranchised. Through 'We And Dem,' Marley calls for unity, justice, and a reconnection with spiritual values as a means to overcome the deep-seated divisions and injustices in society.