☝️ Key Points
- 'Exodus' is an anthem of liberation and resistance that draws on biblical references and places them in the context of the Rastafari movement and the African diaspora.
- The title refers to the biblical story of the Exodus, symbolizing the movement of Rastafari away from oppression and injustice.
- The lyrics address the oppression of those who fight against injustice.
- The chorus expresses the Rastafari idea that Africa is the 'homeland' and 'Babylon' is a symbol of corrupt, unjust societies.
- The song speaks of hope and freedom, of God coming to end oppression, create equality, and free the prisoners.
Interpretation
The song 'Exodus' by
Bob Marley is an anthem of liberation and resistance. The lyrics draw on biblical references and place them in the context of the Rastafari movement and the African diaspora.
The title 'Exodus' refers to the biblical book of Exodus, in which the people of Israel are led out of slavery in Egypt. In this context, the 'Exodus' symbolizes the movement of the 'Jah-people' (Jah is a shortened form of Jahweh, the Hebrew name for God), that is, the Rastafari movement, away from oppression and injustice.
When Marley sings: 'Men and people will fight ya down (Tell me why!) When ya see Jah light.', he expresses that those who see 'the light of Jah' and fight against injustice are often oppressed or fought against.
The chorus 'We know where we're going; We know where we′re from. We're leaving Babylon, We're going to our Father land.' refers to the Rastafari idea that Africa is the 'fatherland' they want to return to, and that 'Babylon' is a symbol of corrupt, unjust, and oppressive societies.
Finally, the song also speaks of hope and freedom. In the lines 'Jah come to break downpression, Rule equality, Wipe away transgression, Set the captives free.', Marley expresses that God will come to end oppression, establish equality, wipe away sins, and set the captives free.
In summary, 'Exodus' is a call for liberation from oppression and injustice and a return to an ideal 'fatherland', inspired by biblical stories and Rastafari beliefs.