Chase the Devil

Max Romeo's 'Chase the Devil' is a song steeped in the Rastafarian beliefs of the artist, blending spiritual warfare with cultural commentary. The lyrics speak of a confrontation with evil, personified by Lucifer and Satan, and the determination to banish such negative forces from the Earth. The 'iron shirt' mentioned in the chorus is a metaphor for spiritual strength and protection, suggesting that the singer is arming himself with faith and righteousness to combat the devil's influence.

The song's refrain, 'I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race,' implies a desire to completely remove evil from the realm of humanity, casting it out to a place where it can do no harm. This line also reflects the Rastafarian view of Africa as Zion, a promised land for the African diaspora, and the rejection of Babylon, often associated with Western society and its perceived corruption. By sending the devil to outer space, Romeo is symbolically purging the world of the oppression and moral decay associated with Babylon.

The cultural context of the song is important to understand its full meaning. Released in 1976, 'Chase the Devil' came at a time when Rastafarianism was gaining prominence in Jamaica, and its themes of empowerment, resistance against oppression, and spiritual resilience resonated with many. Max Romeo, known for his socially conscious music, uses the song to empower listeners to stand firm against adversity and to maintain their spiritual integrity in the face of evil.