Peter Tosh The Day The Dollar Die Lyrics
Introduction
Reggae music is known for its strong political and social messages. One of the most prominent figures in the reggae scene was Peter Tosh, who was not only a talented musician but also a political activist. In 1978, Tosh released a song titled "The Day The Dollar Die" which had a powerful message about the economic struggles faced by many people around the world. This article will delve into the lyrics of this iconic song and explore the meaning behind them.
Verse 1
The song begins with the lyrics "I don't want no peace, I need equal rights and justice". Here, Tosh is making a powerful statement about the importance of equality and justice. He emphasizes that he does not want a mere absence of conflict, but rather a society where everyone is treated fairly and justly.
The next line "Got to get it, equal rights and justice" reinforces the importance of this message. Tosh is saying that achieving equality and justice is not an option, but a necessity. He believes that everyone has the right to be treated equally and justly, regardless of their race, gender, or economic status.
Chorus
The chorus of the song is particularly poignant. Tosh sings "The day the dollar die, things will be better". Here, he is expressing his belief that the current economic system, which is based on the US dollar, is flawed and needs to be replaced. He believes that a new system, based on fairness and equality, will lead to a better world for everyone.
The next line "The day the dollar die, no more corruption" further emphasizes this point. Tosh believes that the current economic system is corrupt and benefits only a few at the expense of the many. He believes that a new system will eliminate this corruption and lead to a fairer society.
Verse 2
Tosh continues to emphasize the importance of economic justice in the second verse of the song. He sings "We refuse to be what you wanted us to be, we are what we are". Here, Tosh is rejecting the idea that people should conform to the expectations of those in power. He is saying that people should be free to be themselves and to pursue their own goals, regardless of what society expects of them.
The next line "That's the way it's going to be, if you don't know, you can't feel it" reinforces this point. Tosh is saying that if you have not experienced the economic struggles faced by many people, you cannot fully understand the importance of economic justice.
Chorus
The chorus is repeated again in the second part of the song. Tosh sings "The day the dollar die, things will be better. The day the dollar die, no more corruption". This repetition emphasizes the importance of this message and reinforces the idea that a new economic system is necessary for a fairer and more just society.
Conclusion
Peter Tosh's "The Day The Dollar Die" is a powerful song with a strong political message. Tosh believed that economic justice was essential for a fairer and more equal society. He rejected the idea that people should conform to the expectations of those in power and emphasized the importance of individual freedom. Tosh's message still resonates today and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for economic justice around the world.