It Was Written

Damian Marley's 'It Was Written' is a song that delves into the themes of spiritual endurance, the power of the written word, and the resilience of the human spirit. The lyrics, interwoven with Rastafarian beliefs and references to the Book of Life, suggest a narrative of overcoming adversity and the impermanence of physical existence in contrast to the eternal nature of the soul.

The song begins with the assertion that the pen is mightier than the knife, symbolizing the enduring power of ideas and words over violence and physical force. Marley emphasizes that while the body may be destroyed, the spirit lives on, untouched by the 'anti-christ' or any form of evil. This reflects a Rastafarian perspective, where the physical body is seen as merely a vessel for the soul's journey. The mention of not being able to 'go a Zion and a wear jheri curls' is a cultural reference to the importance of naturalness within Rastafarianism, rejecting Western beauty standards and artificiality.

The song also touches on the concept of enduring wisdom and the cyclical nature of life, as seen in the references to Elijah and the chariot of flames, a biblical story symbolizing ascension and spiritual power. The lyrics call for remembrance of these lessons and the recognition of the divine within oneself, as well as the acknowledgment of Haile Selassie, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, who is revered as a messianic figure in Rastafarianism. The song concludes with a call to remain childlike in spirit, to be aware of the 'natural mystic' in the air, and to share the gift of Rastafari, which is seen as a path to true happiness amidst the confusion and pollution of the world.