Small Axe

The Wailers, Bob Marley

About Small Axe

"Small Axe" is a song written by Bob Marley and first released in 1973 on the Wailers album Burnin'. It has since been covered by several artists, among others Buju Banton, Deerhoof, Andrew Tosh, Greensky Bluegrass, The Aggrovators, U Roy, UB40, Trey Anastasio, and Peps Persson who made a Swedish version called "Liden såg" (Small saw). In the period when the song was written, virtually all the power in the Jamaican music industry was in the hands of Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid, who represent the "big tree" that musicians would have to cooperate to cut down. "Small Axe" was first recorded for Lee Perry and Martin Rodman and appears on the album African Herbsman, a compilation of tracks from the sessions that produced the albums Soul Rebels and Soul Revolution. These tracks are regularly repackaged, re-titled and re-issued. "Small Axe" was also released on a single by Perry's Upsetter Records UK, Catalogue Number: US 357. It featured "All In One" on the flip. There is also a 1971 issue on the Upsetter label, Jamaica. This has a different flip side again, "Down the Road" by The Upsetters. 


Year:
2000
3:46
117 
#2

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Why boasteth thyself
Oh, evil men
Playing smart
And not being clever?
I said, you're working iniquity
To achieve vanity (if a-so a-so)
But the goodness of Jah, Jah
I-dureth forever

So if you are the big tree
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down

These are the words
Of my master, keep on tellin' me
No weak heart
Shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, fall in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it (fall in it)

If you are the big tree, let me tell you that
We are the small axe, sharp and ready
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down

(to cut you down)
(to cut you down)
These are the words
Of my master, tellin' me that
No weak heart
Shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, uh, bury in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall bury in it, uh (bury in it)

If you are the big, big tree
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
If you are the big, big tree, let me tell you that
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
Sharpened

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Bob Marley

Nesta Robert Marley OM (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981), more widely and commonly known as Bob Marley, was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers (1963–1981). Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience. more »

16 fans

Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical context
"Small Axe" was composed by Jamaican reggae artist Bob Marley and released in 1973.
Artist's Inspiration
The song exhibits Marley's Rastafarian beliefs, with the "small axe" referring to a small group (Rastafarians) capable of overthrowing the "big tree," interpreted as oppressive societal forces.
Album Information
"Small Axe" is a track featured on the album 'Burnin,' which is the album that brought international fame to Bob Marley and The Wailers.
Musical Style
This song is a quintessential example of the reggae genre, reflecting Marley's distinctive music style and blending of vocal harmonies with a relaxed rhythmic representation.
Album Critical Acclaim
'Burnin,' the album featuring "Small Axe," was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007, enhancing its prestige and its influence in the musical scene.
Interpretation
The song has been interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle of the underprivileged to overcome oppression, often seen as a nod to the fight against racial inequality.
Cover Versions
"Small Axe" has been covered by many artists, broadening its influence beyond reggae and demonstrating its universal appeal.
Influence on Title
A 2020 British anthology film series by Steve McQueen also borrowed its title, "Small Axe," from the song.
Cultural Significance
Much like Marley's other works, the song "Small Axe" played a significant role in promoting awareness of the struggles and experiences of black people, particularly in Marley's home country of Jamaica.
Iconic Lyrics
The single's most famous line, "If you are the big tree, we are the small axe,” encapsulates Marley's protest against the system and his call to action for oppressed individuals to stand up against larger forces.

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