Boderation

Bunny Wailer's song "Boderation" is a powerful commentary on the socio-economic struggles faced by people in Jamaica, referred to as "Jamdon," and how these issues resonate globally. The term "boderation" itself is a Jamaican Patois word that can be interpreted as a combination of "botheration" and "borderation," suggesting a state of widespread trouble and distress. Wailer uses this term to encapsulate the myriad of problems plaguing not just Jamaica but the world at large.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the hardships faced by ordinary people, listing issues such as inflation, starvation, unemployment, and mismanagement. Wailer mentions various institutions like workhouses, almshouses, and madhouses, highlighting the systemic failures that contribute to the suffering of the masses. The repetition of the phrase "A-wey we do you" serves as a rhetorical question, asking what the people have done to deserve such hardships, thereby emphasizing the injustice and lack of accountability from those in power.

Wailer also touches on more severe societal issues like homicide, suicide, and genocide, indicating that the problems are not just economic but also deeply social and moral. The song's global perspective is evident in lines like "It's all over creation," suggesting that these issues are not confined to Jamaica but are part of a larger, global crisis. By doing so, Wailer calls for a collective awareness and action to address these pervasive problems, making "Boderation" a timeless anthem for social justice and change.