Licks and Kicks

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of a violent confrontation, pinpointing a specific date, September 24th, as the moment brutality descended. The scene opens with a sense of community, the narrator's 'brethrens' gathered, exuding a self-assured 'I-quality.' This peaceful assembly is violently interrupted by 'Babylon' and its 'forces of brutality,' initiating a brutal assault. The core tension lies in the juxtaposition of the unprovoked violence – 'licks and kicks and boxing' aimed at 'brethrens' structure' and 'sisters' faces' – against a profound sense of divine purpose. The narrator appeals to 'Jah,' asserting that this suffering is not random but a 'fulfilment of the holy prophecy.' This framing transforms a horrific event into a predestined trial, suggesting a spiritual resilience in the face of overwhelming oppression. The most striking craft element is the repeated phrase 'licks and kicks and boxing,' a blunt, almost childlike description of extreme violence that underscores its senselessness. This is contrasted with the narrator's assertion that 'they have no reason' and acted 'without a cause,' highlighting the perceived injustice. The inclusion of 'To everything (there is a season)' further complicates the narrative, suggesting that even this period of suffering has a divinely appointed time. This lyrical approach is effective because it grounds immense suffering in a framework of spiritual destiny. The raw description of violence is immediately countered by an appeal to a higher power and a sense of prophecy, offering a complex emotional response that moves beyond simple victimhood. The narrator finds meaning and justification in tribulation, seeking eventual vindication for those who endured the unprovoked assault.