Sleeping Bag-o-wire
Groundation
The Struggle for Freedom and Purity in 'Sleeping Bag-o-wire'
Groundation's song 'Sleeping Bag-o-wire' featuring IJahman is a profound exploration of the struggle for freedom and purity in a world that often feels oppressive and corrupt. The repeated call to 'shake off those warrior garments' and 'shake off your warrior armor' suggests a need to let go of the burdens and defenses that one might carry in a hostile environment. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for shedding the emotional and psychological armor that people wear to protect themselves from the harsh realities of life.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of innocence lost, as seen in the lines 'All of them use to be so free and so clean hearted unto you and me.' This reflects a longing for a time when people were more innocent and pure, untainted by the 'dutty soul' or dirty soul that the song mentions. The 'Sleeping Bag-o-wire' itself is a powerful image, suggesting a state of discomfort and entrapment, as if one is trying to rest in a bed of thorns. This could symbolize the difficult and painful conditions under which people are trying to find peace and rest.
The song also carries a spiritual undertone, with references to 'Loving Jah always' and 'chanting for your crisis.' This indicates a reliance on spiritual strength and guidance to navigate through life's challenges. The night time imagery throughout the song, such as 'Is it night time again?' and 'Look it's night time again,' adds to the sense of an ongoing struggle, as night often symbolizes darkness, uncertainty, and fear. Yet, the song ends on a somewhat hopeful note, urging listeners to 'sleep well my friend,' suggesting that despite the hardships, there is still hope for rest and peace.