When Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, gained its independence from Britain there was a great feeling of optimism. This was a new start with black rule in a highly prosperous country. Big things were expected.
Bob Marley was invited to go across to play at the inaugural ceremony. This song came out of that.
It had been a long struggle to shake off colonial rule.
At first things went OK. Rhodesia had been the main agricultural producer in Africa. Unfortunately, under Mugabe, the white farmers were ousted violently and the country declined into mismanagement and corruption. The optimism proved ill-founded. Let us hope that Mugabe’s successor (it can’t be long) will rectify the mistakes.
“Zimbabwe”
And in this judgement there is no partiality.
So arm in arms, with arms, we’ll fight this little struggle,
‘Cause that’s the only way we can overcome our little trouble.
Brother, you’re right, you’re right,
You’re right, you’re right, you’re so right!
We gon’ fight (we gon’ fight), we’ll have to fight (we gon’ fight),
We gonna fight (we gon’ fight), fight for our rights!
Natty Dread it in-a (Zimbabwe);
Set it up in (Zimbabwe);
Mash it up-a in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate (Zimbabwe), yeah.
No more internal power struggle;
We come together to overcome the little trouble.
Soon we’ll find out who is the real revolutionary,
‘Cause I don’t want my people to be contrary.
And, brother, you’re right, you’re right,
You’re right, you’re right, you’re so right!
We’ll ‘ave to fight (we gon’ fight), we gonna fight (we gon’ fight)
We’ll ‘ave to fight (we gon’ fight), fighting for our rights!
Mash it up in-a (Zimbabwe);
Natty trash it in-a (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
I’n’I a-liberate Zimbabwe.
(Brother, you’re right,) you’re right,
You’re right, you’re right, you’re so right!
We gon’ fight (we gon’ fight), we’ll ‘ave to fight (we gon’ fight),
We gonna fight (we gon’ fight), fighting for our rights!
To divide and rule could only tear us apart;
In everyman chest, mm – there beats a heart.
So soon we’ll find out who is the real revolutionaries;
And I don’t want my people to be tricked by mercenaries.
Brother, you’re right, you’re right,
You’re right, you’re right, you’re so right!
We’ll ‘ave to fight (we gon’ fight), we gonna fight (we gon’ fight),
We’ll ‘ave to fight (we gon’ fight), fighting for our rights!
Natty trash it in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Mash it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Set it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Natty dub it in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe).
Set it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Every man got a right to decide his own destiny.
I spent a year there 1983-84 soon after the conflict. It is a beautiful country and people. I hope and pray for more humane leadership once the devil is done.
I toured round and found the people delightful. It must have been great living there. Mugabe was a fool. But I don’t hold out much hope for the future. He was only the visible element. Behind him are a gang of wolves.
I know. The devils just switched skin color. But this man is stupid and evil. It is such a rich country. It should be prosperous. I still have friends from there who I talk to from time to time. They still mourn for their country.
It is hard to believe what motivates people isn’t it. I think power is the most insidious evil. He can’t last much longer he’s in his nineties. Maybe there will be a return to sanity but I wouldn’t hold your breath.
Reblogged this on Unchain The Tree.
Thanks for the reblog – best wishes Opher