Oyeyeiye yeiye...
ooo..
I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trencht
obaserving the 'ypocrites
As they would mingling with the good people we meet.
Good friends we have, oh, good friends we've lost
Along the way.
In this great future, you can't forget your past;
So dry your tears, I said
No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry.
little darlin', don't shed no tears:
No, woman, no cry.
said I remember when-a we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown..
And then Georgie would make the fire lights,
As it was log wood burnin'
through the nights...through the nights.
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge,
Of which I'll share with you; with you..
My feet is my only carriage,
So I've got to push push.. push on through.
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
no woman, no cry; oh yeah..
no woman, no cry;
No - no, woman - woman, no cry.
Woman, little darlin', don't shed no tears;
No, woman, no cry.
(Little darlin', don't shed no tears!
No, woman, no cry.
Little sister, don't shed no tears!
No, woman, no cry.)
No Woman No Cry
No Woman No Cry Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Jonathan Butler's rendition of the classic "No Woman, No Cry" carries the poignant narrative embedded in its lyrics, offering a message of solace and resilience rooted in the experiences of life in communities like Trenchtown. The song opens with vivid recollections of time spent in the "government yard," a setting that immediately grounds the listener in a specific, often challenging, urban environment. The imagery of observing daily life, including the mingling of different people and the loss of friends along the way, paints a picture of a community facing hardships but also possessing a strong sense of shared experience and human connection. The opening lines serve as a reminder that acknowledging the past is crucial even when looking towards a "great future," setting the stage for the comforting message that follows.
The core of the song is the repeated refrain, "No, woman, no cry." This is not a dismissal of pain, but rather a powerful plea and assurance directed towards a woman experiencing distress. It is an urging to hold back tears, coupled with the promise that things will improve. The repetition of "little darlin', don't shed no tears" reinforces this message of tender encouragement and protection against despair. Within the harsh realities described, this phrase acts as an anchor of hope, a simple yet profound declaration intended to strengthen and uplift.
The lyrics continue to delve into the memories of shared life in the yard, detailing humble acts of community and survival. The description of Georgie making fire with burning log wood through the nights, and the sharing of cornmeal porridge, highlights moments of togetherness and mutual support amidst poverty. These specific details make the setting and the struggles feel very real and personal. The line, "My feet is my only carriage, / So I've got to push push.. push on through," powerfully conveys the difficult reality of limited resources and the absolute necessity of perseverance. It speaks to the determination required just to keep going day by day.
Following these depictions of struggle and determination comes the repeated affirmation, "Everything's gonna be all right!" This serves as the explicit declaration of hope that the previous verses build towards. Placed after the description of hardship and the need to "push on through," this promise resonates deeply as a vision of a better future and an encouragement to hold onto faith. It is a direct response to the trials faced, offering a clear and emphatic statement of forthcoming peace and resolution. This phrase is central to the song's inspirational quality, providing a beacon of optimism.
Jonathan Butler's version, released in 2016 as a song video, brings this enduring message to a contemporary audience while respecting the original's powerful narrative. The song maintains its relevance as a message of solidarity and resilience for anyone facing difficult circumstances. It speaks to the universal human experience of confronting challenges, remembering those lost, finding strength in community and shared history, and holding onto the unwavering hope that despite present struggles, "everything's gonna be all right." The final repetitions of the central refrain circle back to the initial comforting message, leaving the listener with a sense of reassurance and encouragement to face tomorrow without fear or tears.
