Utterance

Song Meaning

The lyrics for "Utterance" immediately strike with an overwhelming sense of joy. It's a celebration of the Rasta voice, or "utterance," contrasting sharply with a past marked by fear. This track feels like a powerful declaration of vindication and spiritual clarity. It's a testament to overcoming prejudice. Central to the lyrics is a stark historical contrast. The narrator recalls a time "Long long ago" when Rastafari were demonized, accused of "Taking little children away." This deep-seated fear has clearly shifted, as the present moment is framed with the understanding that "saying was wrong." The Rasta "utterance" now guides people to "know their homeland" and "seek their culture," suggesting a reclamation of identity and truth. The craft here is potent, particularly in the repetitive, almost hypnotic refrain, "What a joy to hear the Utterance from a rasta." This repetition isn't just catchy; it reinforces the profound significance of this voice. The use of "I and I" throughout emphasizes a collective, unified spiritual identity, culminating in the bold declaration, "I and I a v.i.p international." This isn't just personal pride; it's a statement of global spiritual authority, further bolstered by the idea of being "granted (Joy) To drink from the fountain of life (Rasta)." The lyrics effectively chart a course from societal misunderstanding to spiritual empowerment and public recognition, noting that "now they putting Rasta on the air." Yet, it's not just about acceptance; there's a profound moral anchor. The closing lines offer a stark warning: "It's not what you do is How you do it / It's not what you say But how you say it." This suggests that authenticity and righteous intent are paramount, with severe consequences for those who disregard this truth, as implied by the raw image of being "shot with shit."