You Can't Blame The Youth

Bob Marley's song "You Can't Blame The Youth" is a powerful critique of the societal and educational systems that mislead and misinform young people. Marley, a legendary figure in reggae music, uses his platform to address the false narratives and historical inaccuracies taught to the youth. The song opens with a repetitive assertion that the youth cannot be blamed or fooled, setting the tone for a message of empowerment and awareness.

In the lyrics, Marley highlights the absurdity of some of the lessons taught in schools, such as the nursery rhyme about a cow jumping over the moon and the dish running away with the spoon. These lines symbolize the broader issue of feeding children with fantastical and misleading information. Marley then shifts to more serious historical examples, criticizing the glorification of figures like Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, and pirates like Hawkins and Morgan. He points out that these so-called great men were involved in heinous acts such as robbing, raping, kidnapping, and killing, yet they are celebrated in history books.

Marley also touches on the commercialization of violence, noting how children are given toy guns for Christmas, which subtly normalizes aggression and conflict. The song concludes with a biblical reference, suggesting that the truth, once hidden from the wise and prudent, is now revealed to the young and innocent. This reinforces the idea that the youth are not to be underestimated; they are strong and capable of discerning the truth. Marley's call to "save the children" underscores his belief in the potential of the younger generation to bring about positive change and justice.