The song begins with a snippet of Bob Marley's speech at the One Love Peace Concert in 1978, where he famously united the leaders of Jamaica's two rival political parties on stage. He says: "We're not here to fight against no Prime Minister or no President. We're here to fight against the system that make people suffer." This is followed by a sample of Haile Selassie I's speech at the United Nations in 1963, where he declared: "Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned...until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation...until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes...until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion."
The song then transitions into a reggae groove, with Damian Marley singing: "I'm a born African / And I know what's happening / I'm a son of Jah / And I know what's happening." He expresses his pride in his roots and his awareness of the struggles that his people face. He also references his Rastafari faith, which regards Haile Selassie I as the Messiah and Bob Marley as a prophet. He continues: "I'm a living dread / And I know what's happening / I'm a Bobo Shanti / And I know what's happening." He identifies himself as a member of the Bobo Shanti order, one of the branches of Rastafari that emphasizes discipline, self-reliance, and repatriation to Africa.
The song then switches to a hip hop beat, with Damian Marley rapping: "I'm not afraid of no vampire / And I know what's happening / I'm not afraid of no werewolf / And I know what's happening." He asserts his courage and confidence in facing the enemies and challenges that he encounters. He also uses metaphors to describe the evil forces that oppress and exploit his people. He continues: "I'm not afraid of no dragon / And I know what's happening / I'm not afraid of no Babylon / And I know what's happening." He declares his defiance and resistance against the system of Babylon, which is a term used by Rastafari to refer to the corrupt and oppressive institutions of Western society.
The song then returns to the reggae rhythm, with Damian Marley singing: "I'm a born African / And I know what's happening / I'm a son of Jah / And I know what's happening." He repeats the chorus to emphasize his identity and his consciousness. The song ends with another sample of Bob Marley's speech at the One Love Peace Concert, where he says: "We're here to unite all people. We're here to show love among our people."
"Intro" is a powerful and inspiring song that showcases Damian Marley's musical talent, lyrical skill, and cultural heritage. It is a fitting introduction to an album that explores various themes such as social justice, spirituality, love, and legacy. The song is available for streaming on Spotify and YouTube, as well as for download on Internet Archive.
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