Cold Blood

Peter Tosh's song 'Cold Blood' is a powerful commentary on the systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities, particularly within the context of Rastafarian culture and the historical oppression of Black people. The repeated lines, 'Every time I see Babylon my blood runs cold' and 'Every time I see the wicked men my belly moves,' convey a visceral reaction to the oppressive forces symbolized by 'Babylon'—a term often used in Rastafarianism to represent corrupt and oppressive systems, particularly those of Western governments and law enforcement.

The song's narrative structure includes a courtroom scene where the protagonist is wrongfully accused of possessing ganja (marijuana). This scenario highlights the criminalization of Rastafarian practices and the broader issue of racial profiling and unjust legal systems. The protagonist's plea of 'Not guilty your honor' and the subsequent recounting of being 'framed and jailed, brutalized' underscore the personal and collective trauma experienced by those targeted by these systems. The mention of 'an exhibit they could not find' suggests the lack of evidence often overlooked in the pursuit of convictions, further emphasizing the theme of injustice.

Tosh also reflects on the historical context of this oppression, noting that 'For the past 400 years ago, things get from bad to worse.' This line connects the contemporary struggles of the Rastafarian community to the long history of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism. The song serves as both a personal testimony and a broader social critique, calling for recognition and change. By invoking 'Jah' and 'Rastafari,' Tosh aligns his struggle with a spiritual resistance, seeking divine justice against the 'wicked men' and 'Babylon.'