Looks Is Deceiving

The Gladiators' song "Looks Is Deceiving" is a profound commentary on the dangers of judging others based solely on their appearance. The lyrics are rich with Jamaican proverbs and metaphors, which add layers of meaning to the message. The song opens with a reference to Babylon, a term often used in reggae music to symbolize oppression and societal corruption. By setting the stage in Babylon, the band immediately places the listener in a context where appearances can be particularly misleading and where deeper truths are often obscured by superficial judgments.

The song's central message is encapsulated in the repeated line, "Looks is deceiving, man - don't underrate no man." This serves as a caution against making snap judgments based on outward appearances. The lyrics use vivid imagery and traditional sayings to drive this point home. For instance, the line "Goat never know the use of him tail till the butcher cut it off" suggests that one often doesn't realize the value of something until it's gone. This can be interpreted as a warning to appreciate and understand people for who they truly are, rather than what they seem to be on the surface.

The Gladiators also emphasize the importance of actions over appearances. The line "Don't watch the tool, the work it can do / Watch the man that behind it" underscores the idea that the true measure of a person lies in their actions and capabilities, not in their outward appearance or the tools they possess. This is further reinforced by the proverb, "The man laugh first, him nuh laugh / yet the man laugh las', get it full," which suggests that those who are underestimated or overlooked may ultimately have the last laugh. Through these powerful metaphors and proverbs, The Gladiators deliver a timeless message about the importance of looking beyond appearances to understand the true nature and potential of individuals.