To Hail Selassie

Noel Ellis' song "To Hail Selassie" is a powerful homage to Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia and a central figure in Rastafarian belief. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize the act of bowing, a gesture of deep respect and reverence, by various global figures and entities, including American and English leaders, Queen Elizabeth, the Pope, and even the Vatican. This universal bowing signifies the recognition of Selassie's divine status and his importance as a spiritual leader, not just within Rastafarianism but across different cultures and religions.

The song's repetitive structure and the call to "praise the almighty" serve to reinforce the message of unity and collective worship. By listing diverse figures and nations, Ellis underscores the idea that Selassie's influence transcends geographical and political boundaries. The repeated invocation to "give thanks and praise to the Father" aligns with Rastafarian practices of worship and reverence for Jah, another name for God in the Rastafarian faith. This connection between Selassie and Jah highlights the belief in Selassie as a divine figure, often referred to as the