We and Dem

Song Meaning

The lyrics of "We and Dem" immediately plunge into a deep, unresolved conflict. The repeated chorus, "We no know how we and dem a-go work this out," establishes a profound sense of futility. It's a stark admission of an intractable division, a chasm between two opposing sides. This division carries immense moral weight. The speaker declares that "someone will have to pay / For the innocent blood" shed daily, directly linking the conflict to severe injustice. This isn't just a disagreement; it's a call for divine retribution, underscored by the warning to "children, mark my word" and the appeal to what "the Bible say." The second verse introduces a powerful narrative of creation and fall. It recalls a time when "Jah created everything," giving humanity "dominion over all things." Yet, this divine order has been corrupted because "men has lost their faith," leading to destructive behavior like "Eating up all the flesh from off the earth." The bridge further emphasizes this fundamental difference, reducing the opposing side to merely "Them a flesh and bone!" – a stark, almost primal distinction. The effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their relentless focus on the problem and its dire consequences. The constant return to the unresolved chorus, coupled with the escalating moral and societal critiques—culminating in the isolation of "We now have no friends / In a high society"—creates a powerful sense of righteous indignation. The lyrics suggest a world teetering on the brink, where faith is lost, innocence is violated, and no peaceful resolution seems possible.