Exterminator

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of impending judgment, with the arrival of "Rasta" acting as a cleansing force against "wicked men" and "informers." The dominant tone is one of urgent warning and righteous retribution, suggesting a confrontation where the wicked are compelled to flee. The repeated phrase "Rasta a come" builds a sense of inevitability, like a storm gathering on the horizon. The central tension lies in the stark contrast between the "wicked" and the "Rasta." The former are associated with destructive tools like "laser beam" and "dynamite," hinting at their corrupting influence and harmful actions. In response, "Rasta" brings the "exterminator," a powerful, albeit abstract, force meant to eradicate this negativity. This framing positions the narrator as an agent of purification, determined to eliminate those who spread "inequity." The most striking element is the recurring motif of the "exterminator." While the wicked are depicted with specific modern weaponry, the "exterminator" remains undefined, amplifying its symbolic weight. It suggests a force that is more fundamental and absolute than mere physical destruction, capable of sweeping away corruption entirely. The lyrics imply this force is not just coming, but actively arriving to deal with the escalating danger, which "get more hotter an' dreader than fire." These lyrics resonate through their directness and the palpable sense of righteous anger. The urgent calls to "run wicked men, run" create an immediate sense of drama and consequence. The promise to "kill dem dead / Before dem spread ahead" underscores a commitment to decisively end the spread of iniquity, making the arrival of "Rasta" feel like a necessary, albeit forceful, intervention.