Chant Down Babylon

Album: Confrontation (1983)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The phrase "chant down Babylon" originated in Jamaica and has been described as the ultimate goal of Rastafarianism. The use of the word Babylon has been traced to the Black Separatist Marcus Garvey, who drew an analogy with the Biblical exile of the Jews to Babylon and that of Blacks in the West with particular reference to the West Indies and slavery. Garvey founded the Pan-African Movement, whose flag was inspired by the song "Every Race Has A Flag But The Coon," something Bob Marley probably didn't know and would surely have forgotten if he had. This track from the 1983 Confrontation album is far from the most inspired song he ever recorded, but is fairly easy on the ear. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Music Video Director David Hogan

Music Video Director David HoganSong Writing

David talks about videos he made for Prince, Alabama, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, DMB, Melissa Etheridge and Sisters of Mercy.

Kevin Godley

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.