Small Axe
Bob Marley
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Why boasteth thyself Oh, evil men Playing smart And not being clever? I said, you're working iniquity To achieve vanity (if a-so a-so) But the goodness of Jah, Jah I-dureth for-I-ver So if you are the big tree We are the small axe Ready to cut you down (well sharp) To cut you down These are the words Of my master, keep on tellin' me No weak heart Shall prosper And whosoever diggeth a pit Shall fall in it, fall in it And whosoever diggeth a pit Shall fall in it (fall in it) If you are the big tree, let me tell you that We are the small axe, sharp and ready Ready to cut you down (well sharp) To cut you down (To cut you down) (To cut you down) These are the words Of my master, tellin' me that No weak heart Shall prosper And whosoever diggeth a pit Shall fall in it, uh, bury in it And whosoever diggeth a pit Shall bury in it, uh (bury in it) If you are the big, big tree We are the small axe Ready to cut you down (well sharp) To cut you down If you are the big, big tree, let me tell you that We are the small axe Ready to cut you down (well sharp) To cut you down Sharpened Duppy Conqueror Yes, me friend, me friend Dem set me free again Yes, me friend, me friend Me deh 'pon street again The bars Yes, I've been accused Wrongly abused now But through the powers of the Most High They've got to turn me loose Yes, me friend, me good friend Dem set me free again, mm Yes, me friend Dem turn me loose again (Yes, me friend) Me friend, me friend, me friend We deh a street again Yes, me friend, me friend, me friend Dem set me free again
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Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Historical context"Small Axe" was composed by Jamaican reggae artist Bob Marley and released in 1973.
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Artist's InspirationThe song exhibits Marley's Rastafarian beliefs, with the "small axe" referring to a small group (Rastafarians) capable of overthrowing the "big tree," interpreted as oppressive societal forces.
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Album Information"Small Axe" is a track featured on the album 'Burnin,' which is the album that brought international fame to Bob Marley and The Wailers.
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Musical StyleThis song is a quintessential example of the reggae genre, reflecting Marley's distinctive music style and blending of vocal harmonies with a relaxed rhythmic representation.
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Album Critical Acclaim'Burnin,' the album featuring "Small Axe," was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007, enhancing its prestige and its influence in the musical scene.
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InterpretationThe song has been interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle of the underprivileged to overcome oppression, often seen as a nod to the fight against racial inequality.
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Cover Versions"Small Axe" has been covered by many artists, broadening its influence beyond reggae and demonstrating its universal appeal.
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Influence on TitleA 2020 British anthology film series by Steve McQueen also borrowed its title, "Small Axe," from the song.
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Cultural SignificanceMuch like Marley's other works, the song "Small Axe" played a significant role in promoting awareness of the struggles and experiences of black people, particularly in Marley's home country of Jamaica.
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Iconic LyricsThe single's most famous line, "If you are the big tree, we are the small axe,” encapsulates Marley's protest against the system and his call to action for oppressed individuals to stand up against larger forces.
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