Why boasteth thyself
Oh, he-vil man
Playing smart
And not being clever, oh, no
I said you’re working iniquity
To achieve vanity, yeah, if a-so a-so
But the goodness of Jah-Jah
I-dureth for-i-ver
If you are the big tree
We are the small axe
Sharpened to cut you down (Well sharp)
Ready to cut you down, oh, yeah
These are the words
Of my master, keep on telling me, oh
No weak heart shall prosper, oh, no, they can’t, eh, eh
Whosoever diggeth a pit, Lord
Shall fall in it, shall fall in it
Whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall bury in it, shall bury in it
If you are the big tree
We are the small axe
Sharpened to cut you down
Ready to cut you down
Eh, whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, fall in it, eh
Whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall bury in it, shall bury in it
If you have a big tree
We have a small axe
Ready to cut you down (Well sharp)
Sharpened to cut you down, oh
If you are the big tree, let me tell you this
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (Well sharp)
Sharpened to cut you down
If you are the big tree
We are the small axe
The Message of Resistance in “Small Axe”
Bob Marley’s “Small Axe” is a powerful anthem that addresses the struggle against oppression and injustice. The song uses the metaphor of a ‘big tree’ and a ‘small axe’ to represent the imbalance of power between the ruling elite and the common people. Marley’s lyrics suggest that even the mightiest forces can be challenged by the collective strength of the oppressed. The mention of “playing smart and not being clever” calls out those who exploit their power, while the repeated warning that “whosoever diggeth a pit shall fall in it” reflects the idea of karmic justice. Through these verses, Marley inspires unity, resilience, and hope, showing that even small efforts can bring about significant change when guided by righteousness.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriters: Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry
- Release Year: 1973
- Label: Island Records